Doctor of Ministry

Admission Requirements

Application Requirements

Admission decisions to the Doctor of Ministry program are based initially on three primary criteria: Prerequisite theological education, practical ministry leadership experience, and demonstrated academic aptitude for advanced studies at the doctoral level.

University graduate admission and program acceptance requirements must be met before an application is complete.

International students have a separate application procedure. Contact the Office of International Student Services at (626) 815-3055 or www.apu.edu/international/iss/.

1. A completed application for graduate admission (available from the Graduate Center, the Office of Doctor of Ministry, or online at www.apu.edu)
2. An M.Div. from an ATS-accredited school or its educational equivalent, achieved with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and verified by the submission of an official transcript (educational equivalent is evidenced by 90 semester units of theological study in coursework commensurate with requirements by C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology for granting an M.Div. For more information on equivalency, contact C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology.
3. Transcripts from all institutions leading to, and awarding, the applicant’s baccalaureate degree and all post-baccalaureate study
4. Evidence of active practice in ministry leadership for at least three years after completion of the first theological degree and current involvement in ministry leadership. This must include a written letter of support for doctoral studies from the applicant’s current ministry assignment.
5. A 1,500-word written statement that addresses ministerial and educational goals, personal spiritual and leadership journey, and recent theological reading. Please contact the Office of the Doctor of Ministry for details on completing this admission requirement.
6. Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s personal character, academic ability, and ministerial skills. Forms are included with application materials.
7. A current résumé
8. A personal interview with the program director may be required.
9. Applicants for whom English is a second language must demonstrate language aptitude for advanced studies at the doctoral level by a score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and pass a test of written English. Students who have completed at least 48 units in an accredited English-speaking program just prior to application may be admitted without the TOEFL.
10. Availability of a computer with Internet access is highly recommended for all students.

International Graduate Admissions

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. CIS and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively). To apply to be a graduate student at APU, please submit the following in addition to program specific requirements:

1. Application for International Graduate Admission
2. $65 nonrefundable application fee
3. Affidavit of Financial Support (included in application form) and bank statement* proving ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources
4. Certified English proficiency (See TOEFL Requirements.)
5. Letters of recommendation
6. Letter of intent (statement of educational and professional goals)
7. Résumé
8. Official transcripts sent directly from the previous school(s) attended to APU (Transcripts must be translated officially into English and include the degrees earned by the student. Both English and original language transcripts must be submitted.)
9. One photo

*One year’s tuition may be required in advance prior to issuing the United States immigration document.

To be considered for graduate admission, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited, officially recognized university with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) equivalent of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA of 2.75-2.9 may be considered for provisional admission.

In addition, all international applicants are expected to read and comply with the policies listed in the Graduate Catalog.

International applicants must submit all application materials and direct all questions to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000 USA
(626) 812-3055
Fax: (626) 815-3801
Email: ies@apu.edu
www.apu.edu/international

Residency Requirement

To be considered in residence, a student must be enrolled in at least one Azusa Pacific University course. This includes any course taken online or at an APU regional center.

English Proficiency Requirements

All students graduating from non-English speaking institutions and applying for university graduate admission, with the exception of APU-approved bilingual programs, must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score sent by ETS. The university minimum required score for graduate study is 550 (213 for the computer-based test). The minimum required score may be higher for a specific graduate program. Please see the applicable program information for its minimum TOEFL score requirements.

An Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) score can also be used as a verification of English proficiency. Please contact ISS for specific scoring requirements.

An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score can be used as a verification of English proficiency. For regular admission, a minimum score of seven (7) is required.

Applicants studying full time and earning 48 units (not including ESL units) in an English-speaking university immediately prior to applying to APU may be eligible to waive the TOEFL requirements. Verification of English as the language of instruction will be required.

In addition, students must enroll in TESL 500 English for International Students during their first term at APU regardless of TOEFL score. During the first class session, an opportunity will be given to demonstrate proficiency in English. If this is met, the student can waive the class.

A student's ability to speak English well and use clear pronunciation is an important part of a graduate education. It is assumed that a student's spoken English will be at a high enough level to communicate and participate competently in classes. If, while in classes, it is determined that the student's ability to communicate and participate in English is below the necessary standard, a teacher may refer him/her to the department chair who can require him/her to enroll in a noncredit program, at the student's expense. This program will be specifically designed to enable the student to raise his/her English communication ability.

American Language and Culture Institute

Applicants who are not able to take the TOEFL test may apply to APU's American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI). Upon arrival at the ALCI, English testing will be provided to determine the level of English proficiency. Students who pass all the English testing can proceed directly into the university at the next available starting date without studying in the ALCI (provided they have already been accepted to the graduate program at the university). When a student has been placed in or advanced to level six (6) of ALCI, they may take one graduate class concurrent with their intensive English studies.