Admissions

Our Application Process

With our open enrollment policy and no application deadlines, the door is always open for you to start a degree program at Ashland Theological Seminary. New courses begin in August, January, and May. Once you’ve completed the application process, we will review your submission and notify you of an acceptance decision. You can start your application anytime.

How to Start Your Seminary Application

Applying to an advanced degree program can be overwhelming. That is why at Ashland Theological Seminary, we have done everything possible to make your application process easy.

Below you will find our application steps broken down by program so you can easily find the application information that is relevant to you. Choose the application option that pertains to you and click to learn more. You’ll find a practical checklist of the next steps you can take to start and complete your application. All of our programs require an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher for standard admission. If your GPA is lower than 2.75 you may be admitted on academic probation at the discretion of the review committee.

Submission of the following constitutes a completed Master’s application file:

  • A submitted online application, which includes:
  • A non-refundable application fee of $30.
  • Essay responses as identified in the online application.
  • Two letters of recommendation, one pastor / spiritual mentor and one professional.
  • Official electronic or paper transcripts for all degree issuing, post-secondary institutions attended. If admitted with an unofficial transcript, you may not register for a second term until the final, official transcript has been received.
  • Personal interview, if requested by the Office of Admissions.
  • Applicants to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will receive instructions for the completion of a personality inventory ($100 fee) and follow-up interview.
  • Review our student handbook and agree to abide by the policies therein before applying.
  • Be a minimum of 25 years old.
  • Submit a completed application (including required references, essays, application fee and official transcripts).
  • Submit a portfolio or resume giving evidence of work/ministry experience, involvement in the life of the church, relevant certifications and personal experiences. 
  • Submit of one or more of the following:
    • An official transcript showing completion of at least 30 semester hours of undergraduate work from an accredited school with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. 
    • An official transcript showing the completion of the Diploma of Theology in Black Church Studies at the McCreary Center for African American Religious Studies.
    • An official transcript showing the completion of a diploma from a Bible College or a ministry certificate from an Ashland Theological Seminary approved program.
  • Submit, if applicable, a letter of recommendation from the program director of one of the above listed academic programs.
  • Submit an academic paper following the guidelines provided by the admissions office. 
  • Articulation of vocational calling as required in the application materials.  
  • Participate in an interview with a representative of the Admissions team or the Dean of Ashland Theological Seminary, if requested.
  • Review our student handbook and agree to abide by the policies therein before applying.

Submission of the following constitutes a completed Doctor of Ministry application file:

  • A submitted online application, which includes:
  • A non-refundable application fee of $30.
  • Personal sketch submission as identified in the online application.
  • Curriculum Vitae uploaded to the online application.
  • Three letters of recommendation, one academic and two professional ministry. Per the online application, request specific recommendation forms from the Office of Admissions.
  • Official electronic or paper transcripts for all degree issuing, master’s and doctoral institutions attended. If admitted with an unofficial transcript, you may not register for a second term until the final, official transcript has been received.
  • Personal interview, if requested by the Office of Admissions.
  • Review our student handbook and agree to abide by the policies therein before applying.

Schedule a Visit

Would you like to experience Ashland Theological Seminary for yourself? Schedule a visit today to explore our campus grounds and meet key educators. Whether you are considering seminary or have already been accepted, your campus visit can make a lasting difference. Click below to email us and set up a tour.

Our Campus

Located in Ohio’s heartland, Ashland Theological Seminary has a retreat-like atmosphere, complete with old-growth trees, picturesque landscaping, and breathtaking monuments of Christ. Our campus is home to a spacious, stained-glass chapel, expansive research library, and a historical artifacts gallery. You can enjoy a quiet moment with Christ in our secluded prayer garden or talk with a classmate at a common table on central campus. With historic brick buildings interspersed with modern facilities, our campus upholds collegiate tradition in a comfortable learning environment.

If you are in the Master of Divinity, MDIV in Chaplaincy or Master of Arts in Christian Ministries degree programs, you can apply to LIFE 631, our residential program that prioritizes emotional and spiritual formation on-campus in community

Request More Information

We’re here to support you as you follow God’s call on your life. When you complete this form, we will personally reach out to discuss the degree program of your choice. We’re here to support you as you discern which path of ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary is right for you.

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