M.A. Admissions

[The most current admissions information is on the Graduate Bible Admissions page.]

Oklahoma Christian University recognizes that students enter graduate studies for a variety of reasons - some to pursue a degree program, others to continue their education, and still others for personal development. These, and other needs, can be accommodated at Oklahoma Christian for those students who are adequately prepared for graduate work. The admission and retention standards assure that those admitted to graduate studies have adequate preparation, maturity, and ability to succeed in their studies.

Four types of admission are granted: (1) admission to a degree program, (2) admission as a non-degree-seeking student, (3) conditional admission for students who do not have a regionally-accredited baccalaureate degree, and (4) admission to audit courses.  International students must meet these and additional entrance requirements set forth by the Office of International Programs at Oklahoma Christian University (see below). Contact Vicki Wallace in the College of Bible for a complete application packet.

Admission Requirements for Degree Seeking Students

Admission Requirements

• Completed application and three letters of reference
  • A letter from a college of university teacher or professor who can reflect your preparation and ability to succeed in graduate school
  • A letter from a person in a position of ministry who can reflect your spiritual preparation and dedication
  • The personal letter of reference may come from any non-familial source
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average.  Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation under the following provisions:
  • The applicant must meet consult with the chair of graduate Bible to evaluate need.
  • The applicant may be required to take the GRE writing assessment and have the results sent to Oklahoma Christian.
  • The applicant must again consult with the graduate Bible chair to discuss the results of the GRE writing assessment and complete any remedial work needed as assigned by the chair. [Note:  the GRE writing assessment and remedial work (if assigned) may be required before the student enrolls in graduate course work.]
  • The applicant must complete twelve hours of graduate courses with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Successful completion of these requirements will lift the student’s probationary status and allow him or her to continue in the M.A. program.
• Completed Graduate Bible Scholarship Application (necessary to receive any tuition discounts or to be considered for Graduate Bible scholarships).
• Completed Student Data Form.
• Some degree-seeking students may be allowed to enroll prior to completing all admission requirements.  Such students will be enrolled as non-degree-seeking  until all admission requirements are fulfilled.
• Degree-seeking students are required to declare a degree program upon admission so appropriate program requirements can be applied.
• International students must have a TOEFL 550 or higher.

MA Program--Specific Requirements

• Ministry Psychological and Wellness Assessment (Psychological testing and post-test conference for advisory purposes only; must be completed in Introduction to Graduate Studies or within the student’s first semester or six hours).
• 24 hours of transcript credit in Bible. Applicants with fewer credit hours in Bible may demonstrate sufficient knowledge by examination. Completion of this leveling is a prerequisite for BIBL 5113 and 5123 and advanced textual courses.  See Bible Leveling Guides.
• 6 hours of transcript credit in Greek. Applicants lacking Greek competency must take 6 hours of Greek as a part of their degree program (prerequisite for all advanced New Testament courses).
• 5 years of full-time ministry experience. Applicants with less experience must add 6 hours of field education to the degree program.
• General ministry students: An undergraduate course in homiletics or completion of leveling work (prerequisite for BIBL 5533).  See Homiletics Leveling Guide.
• Family life ministry students: An undergraduate course in marriage and family or completion of leveling work (prerequisite for all family life courses).  See Family Life Studies Leveling Guide.

The student’s application will be reviewed upon receipt of all application materials. If admission is granted, an official acceptance letter will identify lacking admission or degree program requirements. All additional requirements must be completed within the student’s first twelve hours in the program. If all requirements are not completed within this time period, the student’s participation in the program may be terminated.

 

Admission Requirements for Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Individuals who do not wish to enter a degree program or who are not eligible for regular admission, but whose educational attainment or experience qualifies them to pursue certain courses, may be admitted as non-degree-seeking students for up to 12 credit hours. Special permission from the chair of graduate Bible must be obtained for course work beyond this limit.

Admission requirements for non-degree-seeking students are basically the same as for degree-seeking students:

• Completed application and three letters of reference
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
• TOEFL 550 or higher (international students only)

Non-degree-seeking students must meet all prerequisites for the courses in which they enroll. Work completed in the non-degree-seeking student status does not automatically apply toward degree requirements in the event that the non-degree status is subsequently changed to degree-seeking.

Admission Requirements for Audit Students

An audit student is allowed to attend classes but should not expect to participate in discussions or for work or assignments to be graded. Audit students must seek permission from the chair and from the instructor before enrolling. No other admission requirements apply to audit students.

Both non-degree-seeking students and audit students will be evaluated each semester before being allowed to continue.

 

Admission Requirements for International Students

International student applications are processed through the Office of International Programs. In addition to the application, letters of reference, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, and a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, international students must provide several other documents. Please request an application packet for international students from

Tammy Newell

Office of International Programs

Oklahoma Christian University

Box 11000

Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100

tammy.newell@oc.edu.

Basic admission requirements for international students include:

1. The application for admission with the $25 admission fee.
2. Evidence of English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required as the testing instrument. Students will need a score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) on the test to be admitted. SAT and ACT are not required for admission but may help with course placement. If you do not meet the TOEFL requirement for admission, you may be eligible for admission into the English language school operated on our campus. If you are interested, please contact Joe McCormack at the following email address: eagle@aaeeii.com
3. A Financial Information Form must be submitted that indicates that you will have funds to pay for room, board, tuition and fees or have a sponsor who will assist you. Original bank statements are required for proof of family funds. The approximate cost for 12 months (includes two semesters of course work, tuition, fees, books, living and personal expenses) is available in the Office of International Programs. Oklahoma Christian University does not have significant scholarship funds available for international students.
4. A complete official transcript of all college work.
5. A completed health form.
6. Transfer Eligibility form (only for students transferring from another U.S. College/University)

The student's application will be reviewed upon receipt of all application materials. If granted admission, the official acceptance letter will identify any admission or program specific requirements lacking. All additional requirements must be completed within the student's first twelve hours in the program.

Faculty Facts

Dr. Robert Carpenter, Professor of Missions, is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. He is interested in cross-cultural ministry, urban ministry, new religious movements, and Latin American religions. Dr. Carpenter is also the faculty sponsor for Outreach, the missions club on campus.

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