MASTER'S APPLICANTS WITHOUT A BACHELOR'S DEGREE

In accordance with accreditation policies from the Association of Theological Schools, a limited percentage of students may be admitted into master’s degree programs (M.Div, M.A., or M.T.S) each year who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Note, while Wesley does engage in rolling admissions, applicants in this category should apply at least 30 days prior to the final degree-candidate admission deadline in order to ensure timely processing of the additional materials (June 15 for Fall entry; November 15 for spring entry).

Please review the following admissions and application criteria for the non-Bachelor's, Master's degree path:

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION

Demonstrate maturity (evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but generally at least 30 years old)
Have evidence of significant ministry experience (generally 5-10 years of significant leadership)
Have evidence of additional professional experience that has developed competencies in the following areas:
- Organizational management
- Building and working with teams
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Show proof of academic readiness for graduate theological education (preference for candidates who have some previous academic experience at the baccalaureate level).

NON-BACHELOR'S APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

Complete the master’s degree admissions process, including:

- Resume*. You need to upload this in the online application.
- Recommendations*. Applicants enter the contact information of their references during the application process. References are then sent an email with a short questionnaire.
- References. Master’s applicants will need the following references:
  - Pastor/Clergy
  - Professor/Employer
  - Layperson
- Personal Statement. 400-500 word statement describing:
  - The formative elements in your background, focusing on the most significant people and events that have shaped your faith and identity as a person
  - Your sense of your vocational call and your professional objective
  - Your reasons for wanting to pursue theological education at Wesley

Note: you must upload your personal statement in the online application as a Word document.

- Transcripts. Official transcripts from any previous undergraduate work

**The references and resume should address the qualities listed in the Admissions Criteria, and any additional CEUs or certificates should be attached along with any transcripts from prior academic work.

Once you've submitted your online application, you will receive the following direction:

To demonstrate your critical thinking skills and general writing ability, you will need to submit an essay of 500-750 words related to a writing prompt that will be provided from the Admissions Review Committee.

1. You may be recommended to enroll in a master’s level course for academic credit as a non-degree student as a way of composing this paper and experiencing graduate theological education. If approved by the admissions office and faculty member, upon completion this course may be applied toward a degree program.
2. Complete an admissions interview.

Upon Admission:

Successful applicants will be admitted under the following conditions to ensure their academic success:
- Mandatory participation in Graduate Foundations, a one-day, pre-semester seminar led by the Associate Dean of Community Life, that introduces students to reading, writing, and thinking skills necessary for success.
- Limited enrollment: first semester enrollment will be limited to 6 credit hours.
- Academic Success: Must achieve a B- (2.7) or better average in the first semester in order to continue.
Additional supports, including the Writing for Ministry course or writing center support, may be recommended to or required for students.

Chip Aldridge leading a tour of prospective students at Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC

Visit Wesley

Learn about upcoming opportunities for you to visit our campus community and learn about our degree offerings.

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Learn about upcoming opportunities for you to visit our campus community and learn about our degree offerings.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Wesley helps prepare students for ministry by developing a tuition rate that is a third of the actual cost of tuition and offers varying financial assistance options.

Wesley Theological Seminary offers a wide selection of academic and applied masters degrees and duel degrees in cooperation with American University, Washington, D.C. Learn about our degree plans here.

photo of Doctor of Ministry students processing at commencement

Doctor of Ministry at Wesley

Wesley's Doctor of Ministry Program enables pastors to develop an integrated theology of ministry that embraces the total life and mission of the church. Learn more here.

I Chose Wesley

Wesley welcomes diversity and makes its efforts to work together as one in Christ. I also say practicality, as Wesley is a school that offers various classes that give you practical opportunities to test the waters before you enter in the ministry world.

- Jinny Kim, MDiv '2021

Questions? Reach out to us today!

Contact the Office of Admissions for additional guidance by email, admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or phone, (202)885-8659.

About Wesley

Located in Washington, D.C., Wesley Theological Seminary is one of the largest and most diverse seminaries in the world. Since 1882, we have prepared persons for Christian ministry, fostered theological scholarship, and provided leadership on issues facing the church and the world.

Wesley Theological Seminary
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MASTER'S APPLICANTS WITHOUT A BACHELOR'S DEGREE

In accordance with accreditation policies from the Association of Theological Schools, a limited percentage of students may be admitted into master’s degree programs (M.Div, M.A., or M.T.S) each year who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Note, while Wesley does engage in rolling admissions, applicants in this category should apply at least 30 days prior to the final degree-candidate admission deadline in order to ensure timely processing of the additional materials (June 15 for Fall entry; November 15 for spring entry).

Please review the following admissions and application criteria for the non-Bachelor's, Master's degree path:

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION

Demonstrate maturity (evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but generally at least 30 years old)

Have evidence of significant ministry experience (generally 5-10 years of significant leadership)

Have evidence of additional professional experience that has developed competencies in the following areas:

Organizational management

Building and working with teams

Strong written and oral communication skills

Show proof of academic readiness for graduate theological education (preference for candidates who have some previous academic experience at the baccalaureate level).

NON-BACHELOR'S APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

Complete the master’s degree admissions process, including:

Resume*. You need to upload this in the online application.

Recommendations*. Applicants enter the contact information of their references during the application process. References are then sent an email with a short questionnaire.

References. Master’s applicants will need the following references:

Pastor/Clergy

Professor/Employer

Layperson

Personal Statement. 400-500 word statement describing:

The formative elements in your background, focusing on the most significant people and events that have shaped your faith and identity as a person

Your sense of your vocational call and your professional objective

Your reasons for wanting to pursue theological education at Wesley

Transcripts. Official transcripts from any previous undergraduate work

**The references and resume should address the qualities listed in the Admissions Criteria, and any additional CEUs or certificates should be attached along with any transcripts from prior academic work.

Once you've submitted your online application, you will receive the following direction:

To demonstrate your critical thinking skills and general writing ability, you will need to submit an essay of 500-750 words related to a writing prompt that will be provided from the Admissions Review Committee.

Complete an admissions interview.

Upon Admission:

Successful applicants will be admitted under the following conditions to ensure their academic success:

Mandatory participation in Graduate Foundations, a one-day, pre-semester seminar led by the Associate Dean of Community Life, that introduces students to reading, writing, and thinking skills necessary for success.

Limited enrollment: first semester enrollment will be limited to 6 credit hours.

Academic Success: Must achieve a B- (2.7) or better average in the first semester in order to continue.

Additional supports, including the Writing for Ministry course or writing center support, may be recommended to or required for students.

Visit Wesley

Try A Class

Tuition & Financial Aid

Masters Study at Wesley

Doctor of Ministry at Wesley

I Chose Wesley

Questions? Reach out to us today!

Contact the Office of Admissions for additional guidance by email, admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or phone, (202)885-8659.

About Wesley

Find Us

**Resume*. You need to upload this in the online application.**

**Recommendations*.** Applicants enter the contact information of their references during the application process. References are then sent an email with a short questionnaire.