The academic requirement for admission is the Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent. Normally this degree will be 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.

Students should have a broad background in liberal arts and demonstrate basic competence in the following areas.

Thinking:  A student's framework for critical, abstract thinking should include some knowledge of the history of ideas. Students should be able to critique and analyze issues in logical ways. Language:  The use of language in writing, reading, speaking, and listening is the primary tool for thinking and communicating in any ministry setting. Students need to be competent in English grammar and composition and they should be familiar with at least one significant body of literature, for example, Shakespeare. Science:  Students should be familiar with the scientific method and know one area of natural science, preferably anthropology, cosmology, or the social sciences. History:  Students should know the broad outline of world history and should have a historical consciousness that helps them see events and ideas in relationship to historical processes, including an understanding of how people and societies have interpreted themselves. Cultures:  Students should have some knowledge and understanding of cultures other than their own, of world religions, and of the phenomenon of religion. Values and Ethics :  Students should be able to reflect on issues and make choices in a way that is wary of final answers and yet reaches decisions with an appropriate exercise of critical judgment. The Arts :  It is important that students' perceptual world be enriched and broadened by an appreciation of the fine arts and the performing arts. Numbers:  Students should be able to understand numerical data and to evaluate it appropriately.

As an aid to acquiring competence in these areas, we recommend that a candidate's college course of studies include 12 hours of English (including literature), 12 hours of a modern language, 6 hours of history, 6 hours of natural science, 6 hours of social science, and 6 hours of philosophy and the humanities.

Though deficiencies in any of these areas are evaluated in light of the student's total record, the seminary may request additional course work prior to admission or during the first year at seminary to compensate for serious deficiencies in a student's preparation for theological study.

GREEK PREREQUISITE TO THE M. DIV. PROGRAM
The NT Greek course (BL1010) is required of all students who are not already proficient in Greek, but does not earn credit toward the M.Div. degree This course may be taken prior to the fall semester of the junior year or after the first year. It is only offered in the Summer Session.