Admission Requirements
Master of Divinity Degree
Candidates should have an accredited M.Div. degree for admission. Exceptions can be granted. (See below.)
Ministry Experience
Candidates should have three years of appropriate ministerial experience beyond the first master’s degree. Exceptions to this requirement can be granted.
GPA
Applicants must show by official transcript a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). A student whose graduate GPA is between 2.70 and 3.0 may be considered for probationary admission for the D.Min. Probation will be removed upon completing 18 hours of course work that applies to the D.Min. degree with a GPA of 3.0.
Application Process
Deadline
D.Min. cohorts begin each fall. Apply by March 15 for priority consideration.
Complete formal online application.
The application is found here. Application requirements include:
- Submitting official transcripts from all schools past high school (undergraduate and graduate).
- Providing email addresses for four references: 2 professors, 1 ministry supervisor, 1 character reference.
Committee Interview
When the completed file has been reviewed and approved by the program director and by the admissions committee, the applicant will be invited to a telephone interview with the admissions committee.
English Proficiency
A score of at least 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test) is required on the TOEFL examination of all applicants whose native language is not English. For information on this English language proficiency test, write to TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six semester hours of doctoral credit from another ATS accredited institution may be applied toward course requirements for the D.Min. degree, subject to approval of the D.Min. Dissertation Committee.
Auditing
A D.Min. candidate or graduate can audit any course for a reduced fee.
M.Div. Exceptions
Those who hold an accredited master’s level theological degree other than the M.Div. may be able to qualify for admission by submitting official transcripts of all previous college and master’s work, a brief exegetical research paper and a sermon sample demonstrating contextual application of a biblical text, and by undergoing an interview. The admissions committee will determine any leveling requirements if necessary.
About HST
Harding School of Theology was one of the first seminaries in the nation to offer graduate education and doctoral programs. Since 1958, we've turned capable scholars into compelling leaders equipped with the tools to guide future disciples.