Winebrenner Theological Seminary's admission policy does not permit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, disability, age, or religion.

Application to the Seminary implies a strong interest in a ministry-related occupation. The educational objective of all students is the same: the acquiring of knowledge and skills needed for effective work in Christian service.

Admission to the Seminary is by approval of its Admissions Committee upon receipt of application, application fee, and transcripts. The Admissions Office will send applicants written notice of acceptance to or rejection from the Seminary.

The Seminary does not engage in discrimination in its programs, activities and policies against students or prospective students in violation of state and federal laws.

Applicants for the Doctor of Ministry degree program must have the following four prerequisites:

1. Applicants must possess a Master of Divinity degree (from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools) or its educational equivalent*, as determined by the academic dean.

2. Applicant must give evidence of ability to do doctoral level work as indicated by a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) at the graduate level.
3. Applicant must have five years of ministry experience.
4. Applicant must be involved in a current ministry

M.Div. Equivalency*

Applicants who have completed a master’s degree(s) or doctoral degree(s) but do not hold the Master of Divinity degree may apply for M.Div. equivalency by submitting an evaluation worksheet (obtained  from the Seminary’s Admissions Staff) and supporting documentation, in addition to the documents that were submitted as part of the admissions process. Winebrenner considers M.Div. equivalency as the successful completion of a master’s degree, and a minimum of 72 semester hours or comparable graduate credits.

Probationary Status

The Admissions Committee may, at times, admit an applicant on probation with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 3.0. The reason for granting admission on probation is evidence presented by the applicant that his or her cumulative GPA does not necessarily reflect his or her competence to do doctoral level work. A student admitted on probation is required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and adhere to any other stipulations imposed by the admissions committee. Otherwise, he or she will be dismissed from the program.

A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or its equivalent* in hours is required for admission. 

Students who have successfully completed an introductory Greek or Hebrew Grammar course at another seminary or undergraduate school may be required to take a proficiency exam to waive Greek or Hebrew Grammar. The exam must be taken prior to the beginning of the fall trimester.

Bachelor's Equivalency*

Applicants who have not completed a bachelor’s degree yet have earned college credit may apply for bachelor’s equivalency status by submitting an evaluation worksheet (obtained  from the Seminary’s Admissions Staff) and supporting documentation, in addition to the documents that were submitted as part of the admissions process. Winebrenner considers bachelor’s equivalency as the successful completion of college credit, including recognition of employment history, continuing education, training, and volunteerism. Each student’s situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to verify the educational equivalency of their degree programs and other academic work.

Probationary Status
Persons admitted to a graduate program with an undergraduate GPA under 2.5 (3.0 for MACC students) will automatically be placed on probationary status. This status will be removed after the student completes 20 hours of study with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

Additional Admission Options
Admission without Baccalaureate Degree
 - The Seminary occasionally registers for classes in one of its graduate programs students who have not completed an undergraduate degree. As many as 15% of students in professional degree programs (MDIV, MAPT, or MAFM) may be admitted without a baccalaureate degree. This exception is limited to persons who give evidence that they will satisfactorily complete the academic requirements for the degree. 

Limited Graduate Student
Persons not enrolled in a degree program who have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 may register for up to five courses. To be admitted as a Limited Graduate Student, the applicant must submit an application, an application fee and have sent directly to the Admissions Office an official transcript indicating that s/he holds an accredited bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.5 may be accepted on probationary status.

Visiting Student
A person wishing to study at Winebrenner Theological Seminary while enrolled at another accredited institution must submit an application and application fee, along with a letter from the academic dean from her/his current school indicating that s/he is a student in good standing and that courses at Winebrenner will be acceptable at her/his home institution.