All applicants to the master
of divinity program must have earned a bachelor's
degree from an accredited college or university.
A well-rounded liberal arts degree is the best
preparation for the M.Div. degree program. Prior
course work 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 Divinity School 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 M.Div. program is designed
with the assumption that students will be enrolled
full-time. Individuals interested in part-time
study should consult with the Office of Admissions
before applying to the program.
Individuals desiring admission to the M.Div.
program should request an application
packet from the Office of Admissions. In addition
to the application, candidates must supply supporting
documents that include:
• official academic transcripts from prior educational institutions attended
• four letters of recommendation
and endorsement (at least two academic
references)
• the applicant's personal essay
• an application fee of $40
• TOEFL
• GRE (optional)
Once an application is complete, the applicant
will be notified and the file will be forwarded
to the faculty committee on admissions. All applications
are read and evaluated by members of the faculty
and recommendations are forwarded to the Dean.
One of four recommendations may be made by the
committee: full admission, admission with stipulations
(or probationary admission), postponement of any
action until a later date, or decline of admission.
Applicants will be notified as soon as a decision
is made.
An Admissions Interview
Applicants are encouraged, though not required,
to visit the Divinity School and meet with a member
of the admissions staff. The director of admissions
is available to assist individuals in clarifying
vocational issues related to theological education.
Campus visits should be arranged through the Office
of Admissions.
Admission to the Divinity School
Beginning in December of each year, the committee
meets regularly to make recommendations to the
Dean concerning admissions. Initial offers of
admission will be sent out as early as mid-February
for the following academic year. Applicants will
continue to be admitted on a rolling schedule
until the class is full. Given the limited number
of positions in each entering class and the exigencies
of financial aid resources, applicants are advised
to apply as early in the process as possible.
Generally, applications will not be accepted after
May 15 for the following fall term.
Deliberations of the Admissions Committee are
confidential. Applicants who receive letters offering
admission as a candidate for the M.Div. degree
will have thirty days from the date of the letter
to reply in writing to the offer. Admitted applicants
are not required or expected to reply to an offer
of admission prior to receiving a confirmation
concerning financial aid.
Applying to the Divinity School as a special
student
A qualified individual may apply to enroll in
a course (or courses) as a Special Student. Special
Students may earn academic credit without being
admitted to the M.Div. program. Applicants must
hold a baccalaureate degree and meet other requirements.
Some courses are not open for enrollment by Special
Students. For more information, contact the Office
of Admissions.
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