Admission Categories

Persons who wish to study at Northeastern Seminary will apply for admission in one of the following categories:

Regular: The student holds an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale and is pursuing a graduate degree in the Seminary. (Note: A student who otherwise qualifies for regular admission but whose academic credentials are not strong may be admitted on probation. However, probationary status may not be extended beyond one semester.) In certain cases, and as space in a new cohort permits, a student currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and within six (6) semester hours of completing the baccalaureate degree may be accepted as a provisional regular student.The student must complete the baccalaureate degree within one semester of starting at the Seminary, since this classification is temporary and cannot be renewed. If the student fails to complete the baccalaureate degree within the first semester of enrollment, they are then considered as a “special admit” which could impact their enrollment if the seminary is already at the maximum allowed for the special admit category. This may also require a change of degree as only professional degrees are allowed for special admit students under the terms of NES accreditation.
Special: As openings may permit, a limited number of students who do not hold baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities may be admitted to pursue the M.Div. degree or professional M.A. degrees (M.A. in Theology and Social Justice and M.A. in Transformational Leadership) in the Seminary. No more than 15% of M.Div. or professional M.A. students enrolled by the Seminary can be in this category. Applicants for this status must be of exceptional merit, they must be 30 years of age or older, and they must have a minimum of 60 credits at the undergraduate level. Those applying for admission as special students will be placed on a waiting list and ranked on the following considerations: whether they have earned baccalaureate degrees from non-accredited colleges or Bible colleges; if they do not have such degrees, the number and quality of years of their collegiate education; the quality of their ministry experiences and achievements; and letters of outstanding recommendation. Applicants under the Special Admission category will also submit a 2,000 – 2,500 word essay (approximately 10 pages double spaced) on a theological topic that has been mutually agreed upon after consultation with a member of the admissions staff. This paper will be evaluated by the faculty as further evidence of the student’s readiness to do graduate-level work.
Non-Matriculated: A person who holds an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and wishes to pursue studies for credit—but not a degree—at Northeastern may be admitted on a space-available basis by completing a part-time application form. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required for part-time students to hold their registration once accepted. This deposit applies to the cost of tuition once classes begin. Students who are in good standing and currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program may take classes at NES as non-matriculated students. All non-matriculated students will be limited to accumulating up to 12 credits.
Cross-Registered: A person who met the admission requirements for Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School, St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, or United Theological Seminary will, under the terms of the cross-registration program, be considered as admitted to Northeastern Seminary for enrollment.
Audit: A person who qualifies for regular admission may audit one or more courses at the rate of $150 per course. This privilege requires the approval of the vice president and dean’s office and the instructors. (Note: Persons admitted as non-matriculated or audit students may not enroll in the PSF portions of the Core curriculum.)