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Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements below or contact the International Center at +1-626-812-3055 or by email.

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.

  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.

Submit all materials to:

Graduate Center: Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Fax: (626) 815-4545 • (626) 815-4571
graduatecenter@apu.edu

Admission Requirements – International Applicants

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, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and other admission requirements specified by the program.

International applicants must:

International applicants must also submit:

  • An International Graduate Application
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
    Note: This application is submitted in place of the domestic graduate application.
  • A $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
    Note: This fee is submitted in place of the $45 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants.
  • Official transcripts
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's International Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's international applicant transcript policy.

  • Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (if applicable)
    Request official TOEFL/IELTS test scores sent directly from the academic institution to APU. For more information, read our English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate and Doctoral Programs.
  • An affidavit of support and a bank statement
    International applicants must provide an affidavit of support and a bank statement proving financial ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • A recent photo
    International applicants must submit one recent photo of yourself.
  • A résumé showing work experience
    International applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates recent work experience.
  • Three recommendation letters (Download PDF)
    International applicants must request recommendations completed by professors or employers (non-family members) who have knowledge of the applicant's academic ability and potential. Some programs require specific information in their recommendations.
  • Essays (international master's applicants only)
    International applicants must submit a typewritten essay addressing the following questions:
    1. How do you hope to benefit from an academic experience in America?
    2. Describe your current religious or philosophical beliefs.
    3. Explain why you would be a good candidate to study at APU, including any leadership roles you have experienced.

Submit all materials to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
USA
+1-626-815-3055
Fax: +1-626-815-3801
Email IC

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the International Center, the department reviews the applicant’s file. The student is notified of the committee’s decision within approximately two weeks.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.