2020-2021 Student Catalog | Admissions

Admissions Process

Persons seeking admission to study for the Certificate, M.A. or M.Div. degree programs at Northeastern Seminary must complete an online application with the admissions office of the Seminary. Along with the online application itself, applicants must also furnish:

  1. Two recommendations able to speak to the student's aptitude for ministry and academic study. Persons providing recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
  2. An autobiographical statement: In this statement, the applicant will narrate his or her spiritual pilgrimage, history and vision for Christian service, and career goals and plans.
  3. Official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has received a degree. In addition, applicants will need to send transcripts from any institution where they have earned 30 or more credits (with no degree) or any Master's or Doctoral program from which they hope to transfer credits. Those who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of applying may be accepted under the non-baccalaureate designation. Note: Additional documentation is required along with the application for those seeking admission in this category; see “Admissions Categories” section of this catalog.
  4. In the case of international students who have not done previous studies in an English language institution, a TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required

In addition to the standard application, students applying to the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction must complete the following before being admitted to the program:

  1. Complete at least 18 graduate credits in theological studies from a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or a graduate department of theological or biblical studies at a Christian college or university.
  2. Submit an essay describing personal experience providing spiritual guidance to others
  3. Provide a reference letter from a person who has benefited from the applicant's spiritual guidance
  4. Complete an interview with a faculty member during the application process

Students applying to the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction who can show a path to completion of the required theological studies courses may seek provisional admission with up to nine credits outstanding. Students may take spiritual direction courses while completing the required theological studies credits.

A person seeking admission as a non-matriculated student must complete the Visiting Student application form, complete a registration form, and submit payment for the course.