Application Information for Regular Degree-seeking Students


Application Information for:
Diploma in Theology (DTH)
Diploma in Education Leadership (DEL)
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL)

Application deadline: July 15 (for fall) and December 15 (for spring)

Requirements for consideration for master’s degree programs:

  • Demonstrated participation and/or leadership in church activities for at least one year prior to application
  • Recommendation by current church
  • Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for all applicants for whom English is a second language (score must be no more than one year old – minimum 213 for the computer-based TOEFL, or 550 for the paper-based exam)

Requirements for consideration for diploma programs:

  • Demonstrated participation and/or leadership in church activities for at least one year prior to application
  • Recommendation by current church
  • Must be 30 years old or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for all applicants for whom English is a second language (score must be no more than one year old – minimum 213 for the computer-based TOEFL, or 550 for the paper-based exam)

Note: Acceptance into one of these degree programs fulfills the Golden Gate admissions portion of the Global Studies Program. Applicants to this program will also need to apply to the partner university for the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies degree program.

Application Requirements:

A checklist of application materials is provided for your convenience.
  • Application for Admission form (online or as a download) and non-refundable $35 application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges, graduate schools, and seminaries attended. Provisional transcripts will be accepted if you are still in school. (Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must first be evaluated by an agency such as the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. A copy of the evaluation results should be sent directly to the Admissions Office.)
  • A two-page essay (typewritten, double-spaced) on the applicant's spiritual pilgrimage. The essay should cover such topics as conversion, significant periods of spiritual growth, and the decision to seek a seminary education.
  • A church endorsement form completed by the applicant's church, indicating evidence of Christian character and leadership ability.
  • Recommendation forms from a minister, a supervisor and a professor (or a church member for diploma applicants).
  • Two recent passport-quality photographs (approximately 2" x 3" preferred).
  • TOEFL score for any applicant who speaks English as a second language or who does not have a degree from an accredited school in the United States.
If you are also applying for housing at the Northern California campus, you are encouraged to submit your admissions application prior to the housing application deadline (May 1 for fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester).  Housing application form.

Note: Additional information may also be required by the Admissions Committee.