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Admissions

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Applicants whose gifts and calling have been verified by the church but who have not earned an accredited bachelor's or master's degree may be considered for admission to a Fuller degree or certificate program under Fuller's special admissions process.

Candidates for admission under Fuller's special admissions process are required to demonstrate a likelihood for success in a graduate course of studies at Fuller. In addition, applicants must demonstrate at least 12 years of work experience subsequent to the completion of a high school diploma and at least 3 years of full-time vocational ministry or at least 5 years of significant part-time ministry.

Students admitted under Fuller's special admissions process are initially admitted conditionally.

In addition, the following restrictions apply to those admitted through Fuller's special admissions process:

  • Applicants can apply to the Master of Divinity, MA in Theological Studies, MA in Theology and Ministry, MA in Global Missional Leadership, MA in Ministry and Leadership (employees of the Young Life staff only), and Certificate programs.
  • Students are required to take ST511:Orientation to Theological Studies in their first quarter of studies (Young Life staff in the Limited Enrollment Student program and Korean Studies applicants are currently exempt from this requirement)
  • Students are restricted to a limited number of units while on probation
  • Based on current federal guidelines, international students and some students who do not hold an accredited bachelor's degree may not be eligible for federal loans or work-study aid. If you have questions about your eligibility, talk to your admissions counselor.
ALL APPLICANTS
ALL APPLICANTS
  • Application for Admission
  • Reference Forms
    Within the Application for Admission, you will be prompted to list three references:

    • One (1) from a pastor to whom you are spiritually accountable. For pastors, this may include a denominational leader, area supervisor, bishop, etc.
    • One (1) from a supervisor who can testify to your competence in ministry. For pastors, this may include the chair of their elders or deacons organization.
    • One (1) professional reference
  • Essay Responses
    Once you have completed the Application for Admission, you will be prompted to upload and submit your essay responses to the following questions into the application portal.

    • Religious Autobiography
      Reflect on your past Christian experience, including the most significant spiritual event/influence in your life, the role of Christ in your religious experience, your involvement in Christian service, and your reason(s) for attending your church. (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)
    • Statement of Purpose
      Why are you interested in Fuller Theological Seminary and this particular program? (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)
    • Statement of Calling
      At this point in your Christian journey, how do you envision your calling to God's mission in the world? (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)
    • 500-Word Essay
      Please provide an essay stating your rationale for pursuing a graduate-level seminary education at Fuller rather than pursuing an accredited undergraduate degree. (approximately 500 words)
    • Summary of Work History
      Please provide a summary of at least 12 years of work experience subsequent to the completion of a high school diploma. Include beginning and ending dates, organization, location, position/role, and brief job description (including nature of position held, responsibilities, and level of involvement).
    • Summary of Ministry Experience
      Please provide a comprehensive ministry history, demonstrating at least three years of full-time vocational ministry or at least five years of significant (i.e. 20+ hours per week) part-time ministry. Ministry is defined as church or parachurch involvement. Include beginning and ending dates, organization, location, position/role, and brief description of ministry (including nature of position held, responsibilities, and level of involvement).
  • Official Transcripts
    • If you have attended any post-secondary institutions, submit official transcripts of all undergraduate or graduate academic work.
  • Special Admissions Process Academic Requirement (at least one of the following):
    • Transcript evidence demonstrating successful completion (3.0 GPA or better) of at least 30 semester or 45 quarter units from accredited institution(s) or those recognized by Fuller Theological Seminary for the special admissions process.
    • Transcript evidence demonstrating successful completion (3.0 GPA or better) of a Bible Institute degree program. A 3- to 4-year degree is generally required.
    • An official score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You must earn a score of at least 153 on the Verbal Section and 4 on the Analytical Writing Section. You do not need to submit scores from the Quantitative section.
    • An official score from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with a minimum Scaled Score of 408. Please note: Due to the decline in use and interest of the Miller Analogies Test® (MAT), Pearson Clinical Assessments retired the test at the end of November 2023. While Fuller will continue to accept official MAT test scores through November 2025 from those who have previously taken this test, this test is no longer available for test-taking purposes.
  • Application Fee
    • A $75 non-refundable application fee is required for applicants applying online to a master’s-level program. A $25 non-refundable application fee is required for applicants applying online to a certificate program. You may pay your application fee online with a U.S. credit card, PayPal, check, money order, or international bank transfer.
  • English Language Requirements
    • If English is not your native language or your medium of instruction for any post-secondary education is not English, please see the English Language Requirements page.
      • Spanish- and Korean-language program applicants are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to Fuller. However, if you are admitted to Fuller you may be required to take an English-language placement exam. Based on the results of this test, you may also be required to take the course EL519: English for Ministry in the Winter quarter.
  • Centro Latino applicants
    • An essay based on the article Caminando entre el pueblo: Ministerio latino en los Estados Unidos by Juan Martínez.
  • Certificate in Church Planting applicants
    • You must either be actively engaged in or intending to engage in church planting.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

APPLICATION DEADLINES

NOTIFICATION

Applicants are notified of admission decisions, in most cases, around four weeks following the completion of an application file. Some programs require that an enrollment deposit be paid within 30 days of notification of acceptance. The enrollment deposit will be applied toward the first quarter's tuition and is nonrefundable.

TUITION AND FEES

Please click here for the current list of tuition and fees.

Some students admitted under the terms of Fuller’s special admission process requirements may not be eligible for federal loans or work study aid. If you have preliminary questions about your eligibility, talk to your admissions counselor.

To definitively determine your eligibility for federal aid, please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.ed.gov). Contact your admissions counselor for information regarding institutional scholarships.

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