General Application for Admission

Bethel Seminary invites applications from persons who are deeply committed to Christ and His kingdom, and whose gifts and call to ministry have been affirmed by a local body of Christian believers. Students applying to all master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate that they are capable of graduate-level work. 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 by the stated application deadline for the desired enrollment term.
2. Official transcripts of college work:
   1. For master's degrees - submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned baccalaureate or higher degree and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all graduate schools attended. 
   2. For doctoral degrees - submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned baccalaureate and master's degree and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
   3. An official transcript from any other seminary attended.
3. All required recommendations as delineated on the application for an applicant’s particular degree program.
4. A record of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for students from colleges not institutionally accredited.
5. A group interview or additional materials may be required upon the request of the Admissions Committee.

Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance to the Seminary.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Bethel's St. Paul, MN location or connect with us virtually. Set up an appointment by filling out our online form or call our office at 651.635.8000. Any questions can be directed to seminary-admissions@bethel.edu.   

Former students must contact the Office of Student Success & Retention to request readmission to the Seminary and must abide by the catalog requirements at the time of their readmission, unless written permission was obtained from the Office of the Registrar prior to the extended leave (for example, in cases of military deployment). If prior permission was obtained, the student may follow the catalog requirements under which they last enrolled and must contact the Office of Student Success & Retention to request readmission to the Seminary. 

Applying Online

Prospective students may apply online. 

Special Students and Auditors

In addition to the other admission requirements stated previously in this section, a limited number of qualified students may enroll in classes as a special (non-degree) student or auditor.  Such students normally would enroll for no more than two courses per term. No more than 25% of the courses required for a degree may be taken while enrolled under special student status.    

Non-Bachelors Applicants 

In addition to the other admission requirements stated previously in this section, students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree must also meet the following requirements:  

• 35 years of age or older.
• Has significant prior ministry experience.
• Has earned an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree or has earned 60 undergraduate credits.
• Has scored 150 or higher on the Verbal Reasoning portion of the GRE.
   

International Student Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements in this section, international applicants to Bethel Seminary programs must meet additional criteria for admission. The requirements vary based on whether candidates intend to enroll in a fully online program and plan to complete their program outside the United States or if they intend to enroll in a program which requires attendance in person as a residential international applicant. Both options are listed below.

Fully Online International Applicants

A fully online international applicant is any candidate who is not a U.S. citizen and intends to complete their fully online program in their home country. Note that non-U.S. citizens cannot receive a U.S. Visa if they are intending to enroll in a fully online program. Fully online international applicants must complete the general requirements for admission as well as the items listed below:

• International student applicants whose primary language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) examination score report. This English proficiency requirement can be waived if the student received an undergraduate or higher level degree at a U.S. college or university.
  • TOEFL minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test or 8 on the Essentials test.
  • IELTS minimum score of 6.5.
  • PTE minimum score of 55.
• Transcript(s) from colleges and/or universities where the highest degree was earned is/are required to be submitted. Unless excepted by a program's admission requirements, all non U.S. transcript(s) is/are required to be evaluated by one of the members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) if the student's degree(s) is/are received outside of the U.S. It is advised that students received a course-by-course evaluation that shows a cumulative GPA. 

Residential International Applicants

A residential international applicant is any candidate who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident alien that intends to enroll in a face-to-face, hybrid, or intensive program that requires the student to come to the U.S. Residential international applicants must obtain a U.S. Visa unless they are already living in the U.S. Residential international applicants must complete the general requirements for admission as well as the items listed below:

International student applicants whose primary language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) examination score report. This English proficiency requirement can be waived if the student received an undergraduate or higher level degree at a U.S. college or university.

• TOEFL minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test or 8 on the Essentials test.
• IELTS minimum score of 6.5.
• PTE minimum score of 55.

Additionally, international applicants seeking to obtain a U.S. Visa must submit the following:

• A copy of the I-94 (applicants living in the U.S.).
• A copy of their passport (applicants living in or traveling to the U.S.).
• A copy of their current visa (applicants living in or traveling to the U.S.).
• Documentation of health insurance.
• Transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended.  The transcript(s) is/are required to be evaluated by one of the members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) if the student's degree(s) is/are received outside of the U.S. It is advised that students receive a course-by-course evaluation that shows a cumulative GPA. 
• A completed Certificate of Finances form, along with the most current bank statement(s) available (Most Recent 6 Months worth) providing evidence of adequate funds based on U.S. currency to cover a minimum of one year’s full tuition and living expenses.

If an applicant is receiving funds from a sponsor(s), submit:

• Notarized letters of support from U.S. sponsor(s).  

For complete details for International students, please refer to the International Students section under Academic Information.

Additional Requirements for U.S. Permanent Resident Alien Applicants

U.S. permanent resident alien applicants must submit a copy of their green card.