GENERAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Since the express purpose of Maranatha Baptist Seminary is to train Christian men and women for Christian service, the completion of minimum academic requirements in graduate classes does not automatically qualify the student for a degree. A student is expected to demonstrate maturity of Christian character, competence in the Christian ministry, and commitment to the purpose and position of Maranatha. All qualified applicants will be accepted without regard to race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR SEMINARY STUDIES

Master’s level seminary studies are for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. Occasional exceptions will be made for older, experienced ministry students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree. These exceptions are limited and approved by the Dean of the Seminary.

Doctoral level seminary studies are for students who have completed the Master of Divinity program or meet one of the other admissions requirements. (Please see page Doctor of Ministry Academic Program page for more details.)

The Admissions Committee looks for signs of academic competency in a student’s previous program(s), not merely the completion of course work. There must be indicators pointing to potential success in the academically challenging environment of graduate studies.

HOW TO FILE AN APPLICATION

1. Apply online at mbu.edu/seminary/apply. 2. Request that all the colleges and universities you have attended send an official transcript directly to the Seminary Office at 745 W. Main

St., Watertown, WI, 53094. Or send by secure transcript service to seminaryadmissions@mbu.edu 3. Include an autobiography of at least 200 words. This should include an expression of educational objectives, purpose in life, and your purpose in coming to the Seminary. This essay should also include something about home, work, school, and church experience, as well as your testimony concerning salvation and dedication to the Lord. If you are a transfer student,

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include the reason for transfer. This essay will be analyzed for evidence of ability in effective, written communication. 4. If you are an on-campus student, fill out the medical questionnaire found at mbu.edu/seminary/apply. 5. Secure character references from three (non-family) individuals who are well acquainted with you; one of them must be a pastoral reference. If you are the pastor of the church, the pastoral reference should be completed by a deacon or other church leader.

After the Admissions Office has received all of the required information, the Admissions Committee will consider your application and you will be notified when a decision has been made.

RE-ADMISSION OF FORMER STUDENTS

If you wish to return to study at Maranatha after an absence of two or more years, you may be required to re-apply. Please contact the Seminary Office.

ADMISSION AS A GUEST STUDENT

A Guest Student is one who is not working towards a specific degree and has not formally enrolled in a program, or someone whose application is not completed, but desires to take classes while the application is being processed. Guest students do not apply for a program, but instead enroll in one class at a time at mbu.edu/seminary/guest-students.

ADMISSION AS A PART-TIME STUDENT

The part-time student follows the regular procedure in filing an application for admission.

ADMISSION AS A TRANSFER STUDENT

Transfer students follow the regular procedure in filing an application for admission. Transfer credits applicable to the program at Maranatha are fully accepted if the grade earned is B- or above. Since the academic year at Maranatha is two semesters, 16 weeks each in length, quarter unit hours are evaluated at the ratio of three to two; that is, three quarter hours are the equivalent of two semester hours. Transcripts for all course work done elsewhere must reach the Registrar’s Office by the second Monday in April in the year of anticipated graduation to apply toward a degree. A late fee of $200.00 will

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be assessed for any transcripts received after that date.

Certain adjustments may be necessary in the courses arranged for the transfer student. Transfer students should see the Dean of the Seminary concerning applicability of transfering credits before registering for classes. For more information on transfer policies, see pages 45-46.

ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Many international students have received their education at Maranatha. The purpose of the seminary is to train these students for full-time service in the country of their origin. An international student makes application for admission following the standard procedure. The United States government has certain stipulations for foreign students who study in the United States. All prospective students should secure such information from the Office of Admissions before making application.

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