Bethel College and Seminary
Bethel Seminary InMinistry Program

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 will 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 the student's 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 great 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 Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination will 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.

Application for Admission

Since the Committee on Admissions 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. 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, together 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 also must present satisfactory scores on the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Students not involved in an institutional testing program in their college should apply for the General Test through the Educational Testing Service, Box 955, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, or to the Educational Testing Service, 1947 Center Street, Berkeley, California 94704, depending upon the service area as outlined in the Graduate Record Bulletin.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus. Free housing and meals are available. To set up an appointment in St. Paul, call the director of admissions at 651-638-6288, or outside the Twin Cities, call toll-free 800-255-8706, extension 6288. San Diego campus applicants may phone 619-582-8188, or outside the San Diego area, 800-238-4352.

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.

 
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