Admissions

Applying to the Master of Divinity Program

All applicants to the Master of Divinity program must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a member institution of the Association of Universities and Colleges or an institution accredited by a United States agency recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation and possess at least a 2.80 GPA on a 4.00 point scale. A well-rounded liberal arts degree is the best preparation for the MDiv degree program. Prior coursework in religious studies, while not required, is certainly appropriate preparation.

Applicants should show evidence of personal integrity, spiritual and emotional maturity, qualities associated with effective leadership, strong communication skills, creativity and personal initiative, and intellectual discernment. As a University-based graduate school, the School of Divinity seeks students who will constructively engage the diversity of the University, with openness to learning from persons of other religious traditions and from those who hold divergent values and commitments.

Applicants are selected on the basis of academic potential for graduate-level work, genuine promise for ministry, a clearly articulated commitment to Christian vocation, and evidence that the applicant will benefit from as well as enhance theological education at Wake Forest University. Graduate theological education and vocational formation require a substantial commitment of one’s time and energy. The MDiv program
is designed with the assumption that students will be enrolled full-time. Individuals interested in limited enrollment should consult with the Office of Admissions before applying to the program. Individuals desiring admission to the MDiv program should request an application packet from the Office of Admissions or download the application. Insure that you use the application from the bulletin of the year for which you are applying. In addition to the application, candidates must supply supporting documents which include:

1) official academic transcripts from prior educational institutions attended; applicants should submit current transcripts with their initial application. Those whose undergraduate studies are in process must also submit a final transcript documenting the completion of their degree. Please request that transcripts be sent via return-receipt.

2) four letters of recommendation and endorsement (at least two academic references are required; others may include church, community or business related references that speak to the applicant’s character);

3) the applicant’s personal essays; and

4) an application fee of $50.

Once an application is complete, the applicant is notified and the file is forwarded to the faculty committee on admissions. All applications are read and evaluated by members of the faculty and administration
and recommendations are forwarded to the dean. One of four recommendations may be made by the committee: full admission, probationary admission, wait list, or decline of admission. GRE scores are recommended (not required) for applicants whose undergraduate academic records may not adequately represent their ability to do graduate work. A limited number of students whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.80 may be admitted on probation. The Admissions Committee also reserves the right to place some applicants on a wait list pending availability of openings in the firstyear class. Applicants who are placed on a wait list are contacted as openings become available. All applicants to the MDiv program are
notified as soon as a decision is made.

Admissions interview

All applicants are required to visit the School of Divinity for interviews with the dean, the director of admissions, and/or a member of the faculty. If travel is not possible, a telephone interview may be substituted for a campus visit. Overnight lodging is available if needed. Campus visits should be arranged
through the Office of Admissions.

Admission to the School of Divinity

The faculty committee on admissions meets regularly to make recommendations to the dean concerning admissions. Initial offers of admission will be sent out as early as January for the following academic year. Approved applicants will continue to be admitted on a rolling schedule until the class is full. All completed
applications are due by April 15. Deliberations of the admissions committee are confidential. Approved applicants are required to reply to an offer of admission within 30 days after.