Pastoral Studies, M.A.

• School of Theology
• C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies

• About the Program
• Coursework
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Admission

• Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants
• Admission Requirements – International Applicants

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.

Applicants must possess:

• A bachelor’s degree
  A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required. Note: A limited number of students who do not have bachelor’s degrees but have extensive ministerial experience, may be considered for admission. For a description of the standards governing this exception, please contact the dean of the School of Theology. Students admitted under this exception must obtain a B or better in their first 12 units of coursework.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA
  A 3.0 baccalaureate or master’s grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. [Applicants with a GPA between 2.5-2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.]

Applicants must submit:

• A Graduate Application (Apply Online | Download PDF)
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts (Download PDF)
  Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's Graduate Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's domestic applicant transcript policy.
• A letter to the dean
  Submit a 500-word written statement addressing ministerial and educational goals and your personal spiritual and leadership journey.
• A résumé or statement of experience (Download PDF)
• Three letters of recommendation (Download PDF)

Submit all materials to:

What to Expect

After the information has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee, the candidate is notified of the committee's decision. An academic counseling appointment with C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology faculty is required prior to registration for classes.

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:

• Meet all standard admission requirements above
  International applicants must fulfill the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above in addition to meeting the following criteria.
• Be proficient in English
  Applicants should refer to APU's English Proficiency Requirements to learn more. Applicants who are not yet proficient may enroll in the APU American Language and Cultural Institute [ALCI], or a similar program elsewhere, to upgrade their language and analytical skills to the required level.

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.