Everything you need to know about applying to Calvin Seminary in one place
Your seminary journey starts with a few steps.
We’re committed to getting to know you, and to finding out how your story will become a part of Calvin Seminary’s story.
The steps of admission to seminary are important, but they need not be frustrating. If you have any questions throughout the process, please email the admissions office. We would be privileged to help you in the application process.
Application Requirements
General: The Registrar’s Office, with oversight from the Admissions and Standards Committee, will examine the academic, professional and ministry background of each applicant. If it is determined that an applicant would benefit from further study in a particular area, a learning plan will be developed which could include specific seminary electives or additional courses from another academic institution.
MDiv, MTS, and MA: Typically we require a bachelors degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution and have a grade point average of 2.67 (B-) or higher. Due to special circumstances, an applicant without a bachelor's degree may be considered, as is allowed by the Association of Theological Schools.
A strong liberal arts education provides an excellent foundation for graduate level theological education. A liberal arts education shapes well-rounded, intellectually and culturally astute graduates. Therefore, it is recommended that a candidate’s baccalaureate preparation consist of courses in the liberal arts, including English, philosophy, history, literature, social science and natural science.
ThM: A Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Bachelor of Divinity, or an equivalent degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B), from an accredited institution. All applicants must show transcript evidence of at least two semesters each in Hebrew and Greek
Applicants with concentrations in Old or New Testament must pass a language proficiency exam in the applicable language. Applicants with a concentration in Preaching must have a verbal interview with the Director of Admissions
For more information on the ThM Admissions Process, please see the ThM Handbook.
PhD and DMin: Admissions to these programs are limited, and thus there are no specific requirements. Both programs have recommendations for potential applicants. Please review either the PhD or DMin webpages for more information.
Non-native in English: Applicants who are non-native in English must submit official TOEFL exam results as a part of their application for admission. A minimum internet-based total score of 80 with a score of 23 in the writing section is required. Use Calvin Theological Seminary's institutional code 1096 to order scores.Any exceptions to this requirement are handled on a case by case basis. Earning a previous degree at an English speaking college or university does not automatically exempt someone from the TOEFL requirement.Non-native English speaking individuals from countries where English is an official language, who also complete their primary and secondary education in English are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
Application Deadlines By Start Term
| Program | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDiv/MA/MTS/ThM | Priority Scholarship Consideration: March 1 | November 15 | April 1 |
| International Student Final: June 1 | |||
| North American Student Final: July 1 | |||
| PhD | January 15 | Not Applicable | N/A |
| DMin | Not Applicable | March 1 | |
| Certificate | August 1 | November 15 | April 1 |
| Non-Degree | August 1 | November 15 | April 1 |
| EPMC | August 1 | November 15 | April 1 |
Application Materials
Below are the materials you will need to submit in order to be considered for admission in addition to the application itself. Your application will prompt you for these. Once all these items are submitted, your application is considered complete at which point it will be reviewed by admissions.
| Program | Fee? | Official Transcripts? | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDiv/MA/MTS/ThM | $50 | Yes | 4 (Church, Writing, Speaking, Personal) |
| PhD | $75 | Yes | 3 |
| DMin | $75 | Yes | 3 (two from fellow ministry leaders, one writing) |
| Certificate in Ministry Leadership | $25 | Yes | 1 |
| Certificate in Bible Instruction | $25 | Yes | 1 (Principal or Chief Administrator) |
| Non-Degree | No fee | Yes | None |
| EPMC | $25 | Yes | 4 (Church, Writing Speaking, Personal) |