Doctor of Ministry Admissions Procedures and Requirements

McCormick Theological Seminary welcomes applications from qualified persons for admission to its Doctor of Ministry degree programs!

Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) requirements

In accordance with criteria established by the ATS, the following standards apply:

• Master of Divinity degree (or its academic equivalent) from an ATS accredited school.

• B average in the M.Div. program.

• Minimum of three years full-time professional experience in ministry after graduation with an M.Div.

McCormick Theological Seminary (MTS) requirements

In addition to these ATS standards, MTS requires the following:

• Capacity to use one’s ministry context as a learning environment

• Evidence of a match between the applicant’s learning goals and the outcomes the seminary hopes for in its graduates

• History of effective ministry, evidence of a willingness to think and act in new ways, and an ability to work and learn collaboratively with others

• Capacity for self-reflection, self-analysis, and self-directed learning

• Applicants must demonstrate clarity of call

Language Proficiency Requirements

All students for whom English is not their first language must meet an English Language proficiency requirement met by all students. Applicants may meet this requirement in one of four ways:

1. Complete the TOEFL exam with an internet total score of 79 (213 computer, 550 paper), with a 20 minimum in four sections of reading, listening, speaking and writing;

2. Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in which English was the instructional language;

3. Complete four semesters of ESL from an accredited institution, or

4. Supply a documentable exemption from the above, e.g., extensive ministerial experience in an English speaking context, a bilingual family of origin where English was one of the domestic languages, extensive education instruction apart from college or university in English (e.g., a British style prep-school), etc.

Admissions Process

Action to admit or not to admit will be taken by the Faculty Committee on Admissions when the following forms and assessments have been received:

• Completed application form

• Official transcripts of all academic work beyond the high school level whether or not a degree was awarded. These must be requested by the applicant and forwarded by the granting institution directly to McCormick Theological Seminary.

• Denominational Staff Reference

• Governing Body Reference

• Peer Assessment

• A completed application form.

Applicants to Cooperative Programs

TheEcumenical DMin has a separate application form and admissions requirements. Deadlines will vary. Go here for more information.

Transfer Students

A student wishing to transfer credit for Doctor of Ministry courses completed at another theological seminary must first submit the regular application for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program at McCormick. Once admitted, the student may submit a transcript of D.Min. courses completed at other institutions along with a statement of good standing from the Dean or other appropriate official.
 
If a student wishes to have credit considered for transfer from more than one school, transcripts and statements of good standing must be submitted from each school. Courses that are more than ten (10) years old will not be accepted for transfer. No more than four courses completed at other institutions may be credited toward a McCormick D.Min. Degree. All core courses of the McCormick D.Min. and the D.Min. Thesis must be completed at McCormick. All matters related to transfer of credit should be directed to the dean of Doctor of Ministry Programs.

Students at Large

Ordinarily students are admitted before taking the first class. Students may audit the first class, but must have submitted at least a completed application form and a statement of learning goals before permission can be granted to enroll in a second course. Any exception must be granted by the Director of Doctor of Ministry Programs. Under no circumstances can more than two courses be taken before the student has been formally admitted to the program.