Admissions Requirements - Masters

Northeastern offers two master’s degree programs: the Master of Divinity (M.Div), a ministry degree equipping those seeking ordination, and the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.). The M.A. degree is geared toward training those who feel called to enter into a Ph.D program seeking future opportunities in the teaching profession. You may also seek a dual degree from either Northeastern Seminary program with that of the Master of Social Work program from Roberts Wesleyan College. The dual degree requires you to both apply and be accepted into each school.

Regular: The student holds an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and is pursuing a graduate degree in the Seminary. 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 term of starting the Seminary, since this classification is temporary and cannot be renewed. (Note: A student who otherwise qualifies for regular admission but whose academic credentials are not strong may be admitted on probation. However, probational status may not be extended beyond one term.)

Special: As openings may permit, a limited number of students who do not hold earned baccalaureate degrees from regionally-accredited colleges or universities may be admitted to pursue the M.Div. degree in the Seminary. No more than 10% of the students admitted by the seminary will be in this category. Applicants for this status must be of exceptional merit, and they must be thirty (30) years of age or older. 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 Admissions category will also submit a 2,000 – 2,500-word essay (approximately 10 pages double-spaced) on a theological topic approved by the admissions committee. 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 only twelve (12) credits.

Audit: A person who qualifies for regular admission may audit one or more courses. This privilege requires the approval of the Dean's Office and the instructors. (Note: Non-matriculated or audit students may not enroll in the Core curriculum.)