Nazarene Theological Seminary

Application Requirement & Details

Application Checklist:  Master’s Degree Programs

• A completed application form
• $25 nonrefundable application fee
• Personal Statement
• Official Transcripts - Detailing previous academic study from all universities or colleges attended, em­bossed with the school seal; must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions.  Applicants with course work in progress toward the fulfillment of a degree are required to submit an official final transcript verifying receipt of that degree after completion of the course work.
• References - Applicants should request three letters of recommendation, which should be sent directly by the recommender designated on the form to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. The three references should come from:
  • Senior Pastor or your Ecclesial Supervisor if you are the Senior Pastor;
  • Professor from undergraduate/graduate studies well acquainted with your academic qualification; and a 
  • Personal reference.
  • Applicants are also encouraged to submit references from additional clergy, faculty, employers and other mature adults well acquainted.

Note for International Students:  Please view our International Student’s Information Page to see a list of additional materials that must be submitted along with your application. 

Application Checklist:  Re-Admit Students
(for previously enrolled students)

• A completed re-admit application
• Senior Pastor or Ecclesial Supervisor Reference
• Official Transcripts - documentation of any additional coursework completed since enrolled at NTS.

Application Checklist:  Doctor of Ministry Degree Program

NOTE:  more information on the D.Min. Application and Enrollment process can be found at nts.edu/dmin-admissions

• A completed application form
• $25 nonrefundable application fee
• Official Transcripts - Detailing previous academic study from all universities or colleges attended, em­bossed with the school seal; must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions.  Applicants with course work in progress toward the fulfillment of a degree are required to submit an official final transcript verifying receipt of that degree after completion of the course work.
• References - Applicants should request three letters of recommendation, which should be sent directly by the recommender designated on the form to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions (however, recommenders are also welcome to submit a personal letter of reference along with the required reference form). The three references should come from:
  • Ecclesial Employer/Supervisor (person to whom you are most directly accountable in current ministry);
  • Academic Professor (from your graduate theological degree program); and a 
  • Layperson (non-relative from your current ministry context).
  • Applicants are also encouraged to submit references from additional clergy, faculty, employers and other mature adults well acquainted with you.
• Informal educational curriculum vitae - An informal document listing continuing educational credits, professional workshops and seminars, and reading programs, representative of learning practices.
• Personal and Professional Identity Paper.  A 1,500-3,000 word (typed) paper that includes:
  
  • An overview of your personal spiritual and leadership journey with reference to all ministry experience, including your current context;
  • A description/list of your continuing education endeavors since completion of masters-level work (e.g.,  seminars/workshops attended, reading lists, etc.);
  • An articulation of the theology that undergirds your ministry, with references to particular thinkers and writers who shape your theological understanding and framework (minimum of 750 words);
  • An evaluation of your current professional and educational competence and goals;
  • A rationale for pursuing the D.Min. degree program, i.e., your vision for how the program will contribute to your personal and professional development in your current ministry context; and,
  • Any desired specialization or focus for your studies and the Pastoral Research Project.
  • The paper should demonstrate your ability to:
    
    • Organize your written thoughts clearly and coherently, using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.; and,
    • Use appropriate and consistent form and style.  
    • Also, citations of sources should include full bibliographic information.
  • NOTE:  Applicants with less than the 3.0/4.0 GPA requirement will be required to submit an additional academic paper.  Instructions will be supplied in the event this is necessary.

Please note:  all application materials must be submitted before an application will be reviewed and considered for admission/scholarships.  If you have any questions about applications or requirements, please contact the Office of Admission at 1.800.831.3011 or enroll@nts.edu.