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The D.Min. Application Process

We are excited and thankful that you are considering The Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling program here at The Master’s University to help you reach your educational goals. We are here to guide you through every step and are always available to answer questions. Below are the three steps of the application process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before spending time on the application, please review our comprehensive program standards. You must meet these qualifications to be admitted. 

  1. Strong testimony of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
  2. Demonstration of submission to the will of God and obedience to the Word of God
  3. Agreement with the TMU Doctrinal Statement, Student Standards of Conduct, and specific institutional statements on homosexuality, gender identity, and the roles of women in the church and home
  4. Agreement with TMU’s doctrinal stance that sign gifts (such as speaking in tongues, direct prophecy, and miracles) have ceased today
  5. Must meet the deacon or deaconess character qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-12, though holding the local office is not required
  6. Possession of the personal and spiritual gifts necessary for counseling and discipleship
  7. Recommendation by church leaders and other people who have had significant contact with the applicant
  1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher (official transcripts required)
  2. At least 72 credit hours of graduate level work in theological studies—equivalent to a Master of Divinity (M.Div.)—from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher (official transcripts required)
  3. Preferred certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
  1. Prefer at least 3 years of practical biblical counseling experience
  2. Prefer current participation in a biblical counseling ministry

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

What is in the Application?

  • Short-Answer Theology Questions: You will be asked to give your personal testimony and answer several short-answer prompts regarding key theological positions and local church involvement.
  • 15-20 Page Writing Sample: You must be able to demonstrate graduate/doctoral level research and writing proficiency. A paper from your master degree in theological education is preferred.
  • Three References: You will need to provide names and email addresses for three distinct, non-related references: a Pastor/Elder, a Ministry Peer, and a Personal Reference.

Step 3: Request Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from all post-secondary schools from which degrees were conferred (both Bachelor’s and Master’s level work).

Official transcripts refer to transcripts originally produced by the institution that are sent directly from one institution to another using a secure method, and have been unopened by you or anyone else.

Additional Steps for International Students

If your institution is located outside of the United States, you will need to have your transcripts evaluated to see if they meet our accreditation standards. For more information about how to have your international transcripts evaluated, follow the link below:

Transcript Evaluation

Submit a TOEFL score of 100 or higher (or IELTS of 7 or higher) unless your degree is from an English-speaking institution.

For more information on the TOEFL exam: TOEFL Exam

For more information on the IELTS exam: IELTS Exam

  1. Apply for F-1 Visa: All international students will need to apply for an F-1 visa in order to come to campus twice each year for classes, assuming there is no other visa the student already has that can be used for study in the States.
  2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee: You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at least once a year to study in the DMinBC program. Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee is an important step in the process of applying for a student visa.
  3. Schedule an Appointment with Your Consulate: Once you’ve applied for an F-1 visa and obtained all the necessary paperwork, you will need to schedule an appointment with your consulate to have an interview, so you can be approved to take classes on-campus in the program.

What's Next?

We Will Review Your Application

After completing the application process and submitting all the necessary items, such as transcripts and recommendations, then your application will be ready for review by our Admissions Committee.

We Will Make a Decision about Admission

Once the application is reviewed by every member of the Admissions Committee, a final decision will be made and you will be notified via email.

You Can Start the Enrollment Process

Once you have been admitted into the Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling program, you can start the enrollment process. The enrollment process marks all the steps you need to take to get yourself ready to take classes in our program. You will receive more information on enrollment upon admission to the program.