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Bethel Seminary

 

Admission Requirements

Christian Experience

Bethel Seminary attempts to reflect from its heritage the distinctive spirit
of nonconformity that emphasizes simple and direct involvement in worship and devotion, concern over secular standards in pleasure and materialism, and vigorous participation in the witness and mission of the church. Therefore, the seminary invites applications from persons who are deeply committed to Christ and His kingdom. Such commitment should be joined with acceptance of the Bible as God’s uniquely inspired revelation, an evangelical position on doctrine, a life of purity and righteousness, and a desire to communicate the gospel in creative ways whenever and wherever the opportunity arises.

Moreover, acceptable students are those who seek opportunities for worship through regular church attendance and voluntarily participate in church life and functions. Each prospective student is expected to be a member in good standing of a local congregation of believers.

Students are expected to lead lives that are distinctly Christian in personal habits and in social relationships. While legalism is disdained, the seminary stresses conservative conduct in matters of personal behavior and expects students’ conduct to be a matter of discretion and responsibility.

Bethel does not discriminate against any worthy student on grounds of age, gender, race, color, ethnic or national origin, or on the basis of physical disability. Bethel values diversity in its student body.

College Degree

The seminary requires for admission a four-year degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Applicants holding professional baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited schools are urged to have at least 75 semester hours of credit in liberal arts. Prospective students with such degrees are advised to have their ­college transcripts evaluated by the Office of the Registrar to determine whether deficiencies in liberal arts work are significant enough to demand further study in these areas.

Prospective students with baccalaureate degrees from colleges not regionally accredited, including Bible colleges, may be admitted upon evidence of ability to pursue graduate studies. In such cases, the applicant’s scholastic record in college and his or her scores on the Graduate Record Examination may be taken into consideration. The transcripts of such graduates will be evaluated for weaknesses in liberal arts, and if such weaknesses exist, further work will be required.

Greek Studies

For students who have completed Greek language courses prior to entering seminary, an examination covering basic vocabulary, morphology, and elementary syntax is used to determine readiness for entrance into New Testament exegetical courses. Students who pass the Greek qualifying examination will then receive advanced standing in the Elementary Greek courses and will be able to select other courses in place of the basic language courses.

Master of divinity students in the Greek track may enroll in the New Testament courses after having earned a grade of 70 percent or above on either the final exam in the Elementary Greek course or on the Greek Qualifying Examination. Students who earn between 70 and 80 percent on either of these exams will be encouraged by the course instructor to do further study before they continue in the New Testament track.

Application for Admission

Since the Admissions Committee is interested in all information that will assist in the evaluation of an applicant’s ability, achievement, commitment to Christ, and promise, the seminary requires that each applicant supply the following materials:

  1. A formal application for admission, which should be on file at least two months before the anticipated starting date.
  2. A nonrefundable application fee of $20, which should accompany the application.
  3. Official transcripts of college work from all schools attended. If the applicant has not completed his or her college degree at the time of application, a partial transcript should be sent. (Copies will not be accepted.) A complete transcript then should be requested after the student has earned his or her degree.
  4. If the applicant has attended any other seminary or graduate school, a transcript of such work must be sent, along with a statement of honorable dismissal and recommendation.
  5. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s pastor.
  6. A letter of recommendation from the church of which the applicant is a member.
  7. Two references from individuals such as educators, employers, or professional colleagues.
  8. Students from colleges not regionally accredited may be asked to present satisfactory scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
  9. A group interview may be required upon the request of the Admissions Committee.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit any of our locations. Free housing and meals are available in St. Paul and San Diego. To set up an appointment in:

  • St. Paul, call the director of admissions at 612.638.6288, or outside the Twin Cities call toll-free 800.255.8706, ext. 6288.
  • San Diego, phone 619.582.8188, or outside the San Diego area call toll-free 800.238.4352.
  • Seminary of the East, call 215.659.1000 or toll-free 888.The.East.

Former students not enrolled within the last academic year must apply for re-enrollment in the seminary. Students who have not been enrolled within the last three years must reapply, and will fall under the catalog requirements at the time of their readmission.

Special Students

A limited number of qualified students may be permitted to enroll in classes as special or nondegree students. Such students are not degree candidates, although some may subsequently become so. Permission to enroll as a special student involves completing the application form for that purpose and providing a transcript of college work. Such students normally would not enroll for more than two courses per quarter. Not more than 25 percent of the courses required for a degree may be taken while enrolled under special student status.

Questions?

The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid will be happy to visit with you about these opportunities and supply further details. Call today at 651.638.6288 or toll-free at 800.255.8706, extension 6288.

Online requests can be addressed to the Bethel Seminary of Admissions at bsem-admit@bethel.edu or complete the online request form "Request for Additional Information."

Bethel Seminary
Office of Admissions & Recruitment
3949 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112-6998

The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.