Admissions

Whether you’re thinking about returning to school or continuing your training, the application process can be an overwhelming experience, but we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.

Application Deadlines*

Feb. 1

Early Application Deadline (Fall Start)

June 1

Application Deadline (Fall Start)

* Applications may be reviewed after the deadline on a space-available basis.
Please contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Admission Requirements

Doctor of Leadership

An accredited master’s degree in an area relevant to your professional context.

For example: humanities, social sciences, business, education, ministry, etc.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended and a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your most recent graduate program.

Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate-level courses and more recent transcripts. Exceptions may be possible for a lower GPA in some circumstances.
CV or Resumé including significant professional leadership experience and current professional context.

You must demonstrate your ability to engage as a peer with other students and in the project portfolio research sequence.
One supervisor and two additional references.

Additional references can be academic, professional or personal (not including family members or peers). Your references will be sent a digital recommendation form to complete on your behalf.
Essays and short answer responses to complete within the application.

In your responses, you must show evidence of advanced-level competence and critical thinking in the practice of leadership beyond the master’s level.
Academic writing sample.

The sample must have been written in the last 10 years and demonstrate doctoral level writing.
Statement of faith

Doctor of Ministry

An accredited master’s degree in an area ministry-related field.

For example: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, etc.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended and a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your most recent graduate program.

Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate-level courses and more recent transcripts. Exceptions may be possible for a lower GPA in some circumstances.
CV or Resumé including significant ministry experience and current ministry context.

You must demonstrate your ability to engage as a ministry peer with other students and in the project portfolio research sequence.
One ministry supervisor and two additional references.

Additional references can be academic, professional or personal (not including family members or peers). Your references will be sent a digital recommendation form to complete on your behalf.
Essays and short answer responses to complete within the application.

In your responses, you must show evidence of advanced-level competence and critical thinking in the practice of ministry beyond the master’s level.
Academic writing sample.

The sample must have been written in the last 10 years and demonstrate doctoral level writing.
Statement of faith

Master's Programs

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent).

Applicants not holding a bachelor’s degree may reach out to their admissions counselor to inquire about the admissions process.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended and a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your most recent program.

Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate-level courses and more recent transcripts. Exceptions may be possible for a lower GPA in some circumstances.
CV or Resumé.

You may include any experience, education or volunteer work that relates to your pursuit of seminary studies.
One reference.

The reference can be academic, professional or personal (not including family members or peers). Your reference will be sent a digital recommendation form to complete on your behalf.
Two reflection essays to complete within the application.

The essay questions will allow you to reflect on your spiritual pilgrimage, the George Fox University's statement of faith and Portland Seminary’s mission statement, your calling to pursue seminary studies, and your current ministry context and/or ministry-related goals.
Statement of faith

Spiritual Direction Certification

A spiritual formation education program at either an ATS-accredited institution or an 18- to 24-month spiritual formation program.

For example: Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Formation Certificate, Clinical Pastoral Education, a DMin program that specializes in spiritual formation, etc.
Official transcript(s) or certificate from your Spiritual Formation program.

If you are unsure which transcripts are needed, please connect with your admissions counselor.
CV or Resumé.

You may include any experience, training or volunteer work that may relate to your pursuit of becoming a Spiritual Director.
One reference from your Spiritual Director or Program Mentor/Director of your spiritual formation program.

Your reference will be sent a digital recommendation form to complete on your behalf.
Short answer responses to complete within the application.

You will have the opportunity to reflect on your spiritual formation training, goals for becoming a spiritual director and your experience being in spiritual direction.
Statement of faith

For international students, those who have earned degrees outside the US, and/or those who are ESL (English second language) please review the application materials needed from you on our International Graduate Admissions page.

How to Apply

Apply Online

Create an account with a username and password and complete a seminary program application online. It's free to apply.

New applicants Returning applicants
Request Official Electronic Transcripts

Request an official transcript from every regionally accredited college or university where you completed even a single course. Electronic transcripts are preferred for speed and accuracy. They must be sent directly from the institution to admissions@georgefox.edu. If an electronic option is not available, unopened official transcripts can be sent via mail to:

Office of Admissions
George Fox University
414 N. Meridian St. #6089
Newberg, OR 97132
Apply for Financial Aid

While this is optional, we encourage you to apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online. George Fox University's school code is 003194. You can contact your financial aid counselor for more information about costs and financial aid.

Find Out More - Financial Aid at Portland Seminary
Transfer/Advanced Standing Credit Evaluation
Are you seeking admission to one of our master’s programs and think you might be eligible for transfer/advanced standing credits? Review the eligibility criteria below, and contact Admissions at seminary@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.
Transfer Credit means that a course in your degree program is awarded based on previous master's-level course work at an ATS-accredited seminary. (Non-accredited seminary credits may be subject to Advanced Standing. See below.)

Requirements
- Post-baccalaureate course work
- Completed at an ATS-accredited seminary
- Completed course within the past 10 years
- Received a B or better in the course
- Course work applies to degree program
- Official or unofficial transcript required for evaluation
Advanced Standing means that a course in your degree program is waived based on previous course work at undergraduate or post-baccalaureate institutions, or course work at non-accredited graduate institutions.

Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Bible, theology or ministry
- Completed at an accredited college, university or seminary
- Completed course within the past 10 years
- Course is upper division (300-400 level)
- Received an A in the course
- Course work applies to degree program
- Official or unofficial transcript required for evaluation
International Students

Additional admission requirements for international students

Once Your Application is Complete

Following the submission of the online application and all required materials, the admissions committee will review your application. Application reviews will begin at the early application deadline. From that point, qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Applicants can expect to receive an admissions decision within 10 business days of their interview.

Note: Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview.

After Acceptance

If granted admission, the next step will be to pay a $200 enrollment deposit. Further communication from the seminary will follow. This deposit guarantees your place in the program and typically covers the graduation fee applied to your student account in the last semester of your degree program.

Note: If a student chooses to defer admission to the following year, the original enrollment deposit is forfeited if a refund is not requested within 60 days prior to the start of the program. A new enrollment deposit will be due by May 1 in order to secure a spot in the program the following year.

I’m enrolling at Portland Seminary; now what?

Welcome to Portland Seminary. A transformational journey awaits you! Check out the links below for what to expect in your first semester. Once admitted, you will receive detailed information directly from the seminary. Learn more about these key events to kick off your program:

Incoming Master's students:

Incoming doctoral students: