Step 01
Statement of entry
Three to four pages on the call you carry, the work you are already doing, and why this degree serves it. This is the heart of the review — it is read closely, not skimmed.
Admissions
Admission requirements.
Everything you need to apply, by degree level — plus the proof required for an Honorary Christian Doctorate. Nothing hidden, nothing added later.
By Level
Entry requirements
| Level | Prior education | GPA | Also required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | High school diploma or GED | 2.0 target | Personal statement of calling; one pastoral or professional reference |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution | 2.5 target | Statement of purpose; two references; résumé of ministry or professional service |
| Doctoral | Master's degree in a related field | 3.0 target | Research or project proposal; three references; interview with the doctoral committee |
| Certificate | High school diploma or GED | Not required | Brief statement of ministry goals |
The GPAs above are targets, not cut-offs. If your transcript falls short, you are not disqualified — you apply through admission by review below.
If Your GPA Falls Short
Admission by review.
A transcript from years ago does not measure the leader you are today. Applicants who do not meet the GPA target are considered on the strength of their calling, their record of service, and their readiness for the work. This is a full review, not a waiver — it asks more of you, not less, and every file is decided individually by the admissions committee.
Step 02
Evidence of the work
Ministry records, ordination or licensing papers, employment history, certifications, or letters from those you serve alongside. Show the years behind the calling.
Step 03
Leader endorsement
One letter from a pastor, ministry leader, or supervisor who can speak to your character, discipline, and readiness for graduate-level work.
Step 04
Admissions interview
A conversation with the admissions committee. Some applicants are admitted outright, some are admitted on academic probation with a required first-term GPA, and some are asked to complete preparatory coursework first.
Not every applicant is admitted this way. What we look for is evidence that you will finish what you start.
To Walk the Stage
20 community service hours, proven.
Participation in the degree ceremony requires a minimum of 20 hours of documented community service with proof. This applies to every graduate, at every level.
Minimum
20 hours of community service
Required of every graduate — earned degree or honorary — to participate in the degree ceremony.
Proof
Signed verification log
Dates, hours, and the population served, signed by a supervisor at the church, school, or nonprofit.
Deadline
30 days before the ceremony
Submit the log to the registrar so your name is placed in the processional program.
Note
Your degree is still conferred
Without the hours the credential is awarded, but walking the stage is reserved for those who have served.
Your File
Documents we ask for.
Required
Official transcripts
Sent from every institution you attended after high school. Unofficial copies are accepted to start advising.
Required
Government-issued ID
Driver's license or passport, used to verify identity at enrollment and conferral.
Required
Statement of calling
One to two pages on where you serve now and what the degree is for.
As applicable
References
One for bachelor's, two for master's, three for doctoral — at least one pastoral.
As applicable
Experience portfolio
Ordination papers, licenses, certifications, and years of service, for assessed credit.
Doctoral only
Project proposal
A two-page outline of the applied dissertation you intend to pursue.
Honorary Doctorates
Earned by service.
Honorary Christian Doctorates are conferred only when community action and service hours have been completed and proven. Every requirement below must be satisfied.
Requirement 01
250+ documented service hours
Community action hours logged with dates, locations, and the population served.
Requirement 02
Third-party verification
Signed confirmation from the organization, church, or agency where the hours were served.
Requirement 03
Impact portfolio
Evidence of the outcome — photos, letters, program records, or press documenting the work.
Requirement 04
Committee review
Final approval by the honorary conferral committee before the degree is awarded.
If You Cannot Document Hours
The referral alternative.
If you have served faithfully over the last ten years but cannot produce a signed log for 20 hours, you may still walk the stage by submitting a referral instead. The committee reviews it in place of the service log.
Option A
Letter of recommendation
A signed letter from your pastor, ministry leader, or supervisor describing the service you have given and the community it reached.
Option B
Ministry leader referral
A referral form completed by a ministry leader who has known your work for at least one year, with their title, contact details, and signature.
Review
Committee approval
Submit it to the registrar at least 30 days before the ceremony. Once approved, your name is added to the processional program.
Also Good to Know
Policies that affect your file
- Coursework is delivered in English; applicants educated outside English-language systems submit a TOEFL score of 79 (iBT) or equivalent.
- International transcripts require a course-by-course evaluation from a recognized credential service.
- Transfer credit is capped at 75% of a bachelor's degree, 50% of a master's, and 25% of a doctoral program.
- Enrollment is open to applicants 17 and older; students under 18 need a guardian signature.
Not sure whether you qualify? See how our programs work or send your background for a free credit review.
Check your eligibility.
Send transcripts and your service record — we'll confirm what you qualify for and what's still missing.
Request Information