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Portland Seminary

Admission Requirements for Doctoral Programs

As you consider your application to the seminary, here’s some additional factors you’ll want to prepare for as you put together your application for admission to one of our doctoral programs.

Admission Requirements for Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives

  1. Completed regionally accredited master’s degree in a relevant area (humanities, social sciences or theology)
  2. Competitive grade point average, reflected on your official transcripts
    Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate and more recent transcripts.

    Credits earned at a university outside the U.S. may require further evaluation by one of our approved transcript evaluation partners. The purpose is to confirm that the applicant's previous institution is the equivalent of a regionally accredited school in the U.S. (a requirement of our university accrediting body: ATS, NWCCU). In addition, the GPA conversion into the U.S. grading scale is necessary. Cost ranges between $150 to $250 depending on the agency used and the type of evaluation needed.
  3. Documentation of at least three years of full-time personal and/organizational leadership experience (CV or resumé)
  4. Evidence of advanced-level competence and critical thinking in the practice of leadership beyond the master’s level
  5. Articulation of the scope and character of your current leadership context
  6. Writing skills that are sufficient to succeed in an ATS-accredited doctoral program
    As a part of the application process, applicants will submit a series of short essays and an academic writing sample. The essays and samples are evaluated on the basis of form (demonstrating a basic grasp of the mechanics of good writing) and content (demonstrating the ability to engage in critical thinking).
  7. Possession of appropriate computer equipment and skills
    Applicants must own or have access to a computer with appropriate software and internet connectivity. Applicants must be proficient in their use of Microsoft Word.
  8. Statement of faith

Admission Requirements for Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

  1. Completed master's degree in a ministry-related field from an accredited institution
    Applicants not holding a ministry-related master's degree may be admitted by demonstrating the ability to thoughtfully understand and explain the Bible and their theological tradition, adapt their ministry to their context, clearly understand their role and calling, and a commitment to ongoing personal and spiritual growth. Applicants compile a professional portfolio including essays, transcripts, resumes, and other relevant materials. The department reviews the portfolio to determine eligibility.
  2. Possession of a competitive grade point average as reflected in one’s transcripts
    Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate and more recent transcripts.

    Credits earned at a university outside the U.S. may require evaluation by one of our approved transcript evaluation partners. The purpose is to confirm that the applicant's previous institution is the equivalent of a regionally accredited school in the U.S. (a requirement of our university accrediting body: ATS, NWCCU). In addition, the GPA conversion into the U.S. grading scale is necessary. Cost ranges between $150 to $250 depending on the agency used and the type of evaluation needed.
  3. Documentation of full-time participation (CV or resumé) in at least three years of ministry or leadership experience following the completion of the MDiv degree (or equivalent)
  4. Evidence of the capacity for an advanced level of competence and reflection in the practice of ministry beyond that of the master's level by means of the references and application essays
  5. Writing skills sufficient to excel in an ATS-accredited DMin program
    As a part of the application process, applicants will submit a series of short essays and an academic writing sample. The essays and samples are evaluated on the basis of form (demonstrating a basic grasp of the mechanics of good writing) and content (demonstrating the ability to engage in critical thinking).
  6. Possession of appropriate computer equipment and skills
    Applicants must own or have access to a computer with appropriate software and internet connectivity. Applicants must be proficient in their use of Microsoft Word.

For both doctoral programs, consider:

English as a Second Language

English as a second language applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Evaluation generally includes some combination of TOEFL/IELTS scores, a verbal interview, and/or an assessment of written materials.

For transcripts and other documents in languages other than English, please provide a certified translation. Note: Grade slips/reports, computer printouts, internal transcripts are not acceptable.

Declaration of Finance Form for International Students

This only applies to international students entering the United States for in-person intensives (Advances or Retreats).

Any international DMin student requiring an I-20 to enter the United States for one or more of the DMin Retreats or Advances must complete a Declaration of Finance form and provide supportive documentation of family income and banking statements annually. Please be aware that you will need to prepare to pay a SEVIS (Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee of $350 per U.S. intensive. To learn more, see the International Graduate Admissions web page for details.

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