Applicants for Professional Doctoral Degrees will be considered on the basis of an overall profile rather than on a single, disqualifying score.

Applicants will be evaluated in light of their academic record, performance on entrance examinations, personal aptitude, and motivation for graduate study. International applicants considering professional doctoral degree programs, except the Doctor of Missiology, should first contact the Supervisor for Ministry Resources and Internationals to discuss the program’s special visa requirements.

Admission Prerequisites:

• A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
• The Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.) or its equivalent is acceptable for degrees within the School of Leadership and Church Ministry.
• A minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). D.Min. applicants with a cumulative grade point average between 2.8 and 3.0 may be admitted on academic probation if they successfully complete all other application requirements, including any required standardized exam. Students admitted on probation whose work is not doctoral level will not be permitted to continue in the program.
• For D.Miss. applicants, a minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of “B+” (3.3 on a 4.0 scale) is required. Any exception must be cleared through the missions faculty of the Billy Graham School and the Director of Professional Doctoral Studies.
• In most cases, a minimum of three years of full-time ministry experience after graduating with an accredited theological master’s degree is required.

Application Requirements:

• Please see the table and descriptions listed on pages 17-18 of the Academic Catalog.

Additional Requirements:

• A personal interview with the Director of Professional Doctoral Studies or a designated representative. The purpose of this interview is to provide insight into the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the degree and the applicant’s professional goals.
• An essay in response to a case calling for the application of biblical or theological insights into a ministry situation. The essay will help determine the applicant’s quality and style of writing. Contact the Professional Doctoral Studies office for more information.
• The Director of Professional Doctoral Studies may require the Miller Analogies Test for any applicant whose master’s level cumulative grade point average is below the required minimum.
• Additional writing samples may be required as needed by the program director.
• D.Min. Expository Preaching applicants must have a minimum of one (preferably two) semesters of graduate level study of Hebrew and Greek.
• D.Min. Korean Church Leadership applicants must submit a TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based) or 233 (computer based).
• Doctor of Music Ministry students will want to consult with the Dean of the School of Church Music & Worship due to the technical nature of music degrees.