admissions

Requirements

Summary
Learn about our admissions requirements for entry into the graduate program.

Accredited

Accredited by HLC & ABHE

Affordable

$440 per credit hour

Overview

To be considered for acceptance into GBSC’s graduate program, applicants must meet to the following requirements.

Non-Matriculated Students

Persons who desire to take courses for professional development, Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), or similar reasons may apply to be accepted under Limited Enrollment status.

Contact Us

Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at gradinfo@gbs.edu, or call 513-763-6575.

Requirement One

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

  1. Students with bachelor’s degrees from non-accredited institutions must provide with their application a link to their institution’s catalog and the syllabi for the Bible and Theology courses they completed there.
  2. Mature persons without a bachelor’s degree but capable of master’s level work may contact the Graduate Admissions Counselor to explore options for study at GBSC.

Requirement Two

Have completed a minimum of thirty undergraduate semester hours in Bible and Theology.

Students with fewer than thirty semester hours of coursework in Bible and Theology should contact the Graduate Admissions Counselor to discuss the options available for fulfilling this requirement. A suggested list of courses to meet this admission requirement may be found in the Graduate Catalog.

If needed, undergraduate Bible and Theology courses are available online.

Requirement Three

Demonstrate strong Christian character evidenced by active engagement in ministry, moral integrity, and a level of spiritual maturity suitable for Christian leadership.

Requirement Four

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for the MA in Ministry degree and 3.00 for the MA in Biblical Studies degree.

Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.00-2.49, who meet all other admissions requirements, may be considered for admission on Conditional Acceptance.

Requirement Five

Complete all application procedures (see Application Procedure in Graduate Catalog).

Use unsubsidized loans with caution because they DO need to be repaid and begin accruing interest immediately. 

International Students

In addition to meeting the General Admission Requirements and following the regular application procedure, international students seeking admission to GBSC’s graduate program must provide the following information.

Requirement A

A theological or exegetical research paper written in English by the applicant which demonstrates ability to do graduate-level work in English.

Requirement B

An endorsement from the student’s sending church or Christian organization indicating plans for ministry after graduation from GBSC.

Requirement C

A TOEFL score that indicates the student’s ability to work at a graduate level with the English language. A total score of 80 or above on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT) is acceptable (the range is 0-120). The student should have an official copy of the test score sent to the Registrar.

Requirement D

GBSC will not assist international students in relocating to the United States but will help direct them through the process of procuring the tourist/visitor’s visas necessary to attend any on-campus block sessions required by their degree. Contact the Registrar for assistance.

3 + 2 BA/MA Candidates

To be considered for acceptance into GBSC’s 3 + 2 BA/MA program, applicants must meet to the following requirements.

Requirement 1

Be a current GBSC student and have completed a minimum of a year of study at GBSC.

Requirement 2

At least be entering their junior year (60 semester hours completed).

Requirement 3

Demonstrate strong Christian character evidenced by active engagement in ministry, moral integrity, and a level of spiritual maturity suitable for Christian leadership.

Requirement 4

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for the MA in Ministry degree, and 3.00 for the MA in Biblical Studies degree.

Requirement 5

Complete all application procedures (see Application Procedure).