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Admissions

Admission Policies

DMin applicants are required to meet admission standards which are both general to the School of Divinity and specific to the degree program. The processes for admission are described in detail as follows.

General Admissions Criteria

  1. Non-refundable application fee, paid online or by credit card or money order - no cash;
  2. Original transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate study;
  3. Three references (one must be academic, one must be ministerial, and one must be personal.);
  4. Church recommendation form (must be filed before beginning first semester);
  5. Immunization history (must meet North Carolina’s immunization standards); and
  6. Proof of satisfactory criminal background record check for all states of residence for the past five (5) years with a residence verification statement.

Specific Admissions Criteria

  1. Completion of the Master of Divinity degree from an ATS-accredited institution;
  2. Successful completion of one course in biblical Greek and another in biblical Hebrew;
  3. Minimum grade point average of “B” (2.75 on 4.0 scale) in Master of Divinity studies;
  4. Three years of significant ministerial experience beyond the first graduate theological degree;
  5. Placement in a full-time vocational ministry setting;
  6. Ministry Essay

    The applicant will submit a 10-15 page double-spaced ministry essay. The essay should discuss the applicant’s call to ministry, theology of ministry, history in ministry, goals for ministry, and how he/she believes earning the DMin will enrich his/her ministry; and

  7. Personal Interview

    In some cases, applicants will be asked to visit with the DMin Admissions Committee for a personal interview. At this interview the applicant will be given the opportunity to share his/her understanding of ministry and the DMin. Based on the applicant’s submitted materials, the DMin Admissions Committee will dialogue with the applicant to assess his/her readiness for DMin study.

  8. A Background Record Check

    Prior to admission, a satisfactory “Criminal Record Check” for all states of residence for the past five (5) years must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions with a residence verification statement. Criminal background histories obtained for employment purposes are not acceptable for admission to the School of Divinity. Information received pertaining to criminal background histories will become part of the student’s permanent academic file. Any conviction or pending criminal charges cited in the criminal history will be reviewed by the School of Divinity Faculty Admissions Committee. Any allegations or charges of misdemeanor(s) or felony(ies) that occur after the Criminal Record Check has been submitted must be reported immediately to the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Dean of the School of Divinity. Failure to report allegations of such charges may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

  9. Aptitude Tests

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This test is required for all candidates for whom English is a second language. The minimum acceptable score is 550 (non-computer test).

    Graduate Record Exam: Although not required of all applicants, the DMin Admissions Committee may request an applicant take this test to evaluate more fully his/her readiness for DMin studies.

    Miller Analogies Test: Although not required of all applicants, the DMin Admissions Committee may request an applicant take this test to evaluate his/her readiness for DMin studies.

Provisional Admission

In some cases as determined on an individual basis, Provisional Admission may be granted when an applicant does not fully meet the criteria for admission.

At the end of the first semester of enrollment, the Admissions Committee will review the status of all individuals admitted provisionally and will (1) grant full admission to the degree program, or (2) terminate student status.

Acceptance for Admission

  1. The DMin Admissions Committee, consisting of the Dean or the Associate Dean of the School of Divinity, the Director of the DMin program, and the Director of Admissions of the School of Divinity, will meet concerning each applicant. His/her readiness for DMin studies will be evaluated on the basis of the materials submitted and possibly a personal interview if recommended by the Admissions Committee.
  2. Evaluation of applications will be based on the following criteria: academic ability; theological preparation and readiness for advanced ministry studies; ministerial experience and maturity; and personal and professional integrity.

Deadlines for Admission

  1. Candidates must complete the admission criteria as listed above by sending all information to the Director of Admissions by April 14 prior to Fall matriculation. This ensures consideration for acceptance into the program. Applications may also be submitted for admission in the Spring semester. Contact the Director of Admissions for appropriate application deadlines.
  2. Completed applications received after April 1 are NOT guaranteed consideration for the program.

Mailing Address

Office of Graduate Admissions

Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity

Campus Box 7308

Boiling Springs, NC 28017

Notification of Admission

Candidates for the DMin program will be notified of their admission status on or before May 15 prior to Fall matriculation. Because of the confidential nature of some items of information required for admission, the University reserves the right to reject any application without stating a reason.