M.Div. 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 with the privilege of taking limited coursework, (3) conditional admission allows students who do not meet certain admission requirements to take coursework in an effort to qualify for degree-seeking status, 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 Biblical Studies for a complete application packet.

 

Admission Requirements for Degree Seeking Students

Admission Requirements

• Complete the application and provide three letters of reference
  • Educational-Academic:  One letter from a teacher or professor
  • Spiritual-Ministry:  One letter from a person in a position of ministry (e.g., preacher or elder)
  • Personal:  One letter from someone who knows you well but is not a member of your family
• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.  [Note:  students with a baccalaureate degree from a non-regionally accredited institution are encouraged to apply and ask for a transcript evaluation to determine whether conditional admission is possible.]
• Request that all undergraduate and graduate transcripts be sent to Oklahoma Christian.
• Have at least a 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 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 consult with the Graduate Bible Chair to discuss the results of the GRE writing assessment and make arrangements to 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 any 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 the degree program.

• Completed Graduate Bible Scholarship Application (necessary to receive any tuition discounts and to be considered for Graduate Bible scholarships).
• Completed Student Data form.
• Degree-seeking students are required to declare a degree program upon admission so that appropriate program requirements can be applied.
• International students must have a TOEFL 550 or higher.

 

M.Div. Program Requirements and Waivers

• Completion of Introduction to Graduate Studies as part of the first 12 hours.
• Ministry Psychological and Wellness Assessment. (This psychological testing and post-test conference is for advisory purposes only; the assessment is usually completed as part of the Introduction to Graduate Studies course and the testing fee is assessed in conjunction with that class.)  A student not required to take Introduction to Graduate Studies must complete the assessment by the end of the semester in which the student completes his or her first six hours at OC.
• An undergraduate degree in Bible is not required for the M.Div. program.  Applicants without undergraduate Bible studies are encouraged to evaluate carefully their preparation for graduate Bible and ministry studies.  Study guides are available to assist with this evaluation.  M.Div. students are encouraged to use the study guides and take unit tests to evaluate their Bible knowledge even though such is not an M.Div. program requirement.  (Note:  professors in BIBL 5113--Introduction to the Old Testament, BIBL 5213--Introduction to the New Testament, and advanced biblilcal exegesis and seminars may require evidence of a student's ability to succeed in the class prior to enrollment, e.g. through advanced readings, pre-tests, etc.)
• Students with six (6) hours of transcript credit in Greek or six (6) hours of transcript credit in Hebrew upon entry (undergraduate or graduate hours with a grade of at least C), or with demonstrated language proficiency, may waive the respective language requirement of the M.Div.  Students with undergraduate credit may be asked to demonstrate competency through examination.  M.Div. students lacking Greek or Hebrew proficiency take those languages as part of the M.Div. program.  (Greek proficiency is a prerequisite for some advanced New Testament courses.)
• At the graduate level, many areas of study presume a general awareness of the field of study.  No leveling requirements are written as prerequisites for the study of homiletics or family life ministry.  However, it is recommended that students who have not previously taken a course in an area complete leveling work.  Students with no prior studies in a subject area, including but not limited to the areas of study mentioned, may reasonably expect some additional work in recommended or required readings under the guidance of the professor track advisor in order to succeed in their studies.
• Students who do not meet the requirements of the degree program they have declared within a reasonably time period will be given non-degree-seeking status.

The student's application for admission will be reviewed upon receipt of all application materials.. An official acceptance letter will identify program requirements necessary for admission to the degree program declared by the student and a list of the requirements to be completed will be placed in the student's file.. All program requirements must be completed within the student's first twelve hours in the program.  Students who fail to complete program requirements on time will be classified as non-degree-seeking.   Continued failure to complete program requirements may result in the student's participation in the program being terminated.  If all admission 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

Applicants who do not desire to enter a degree program may be admitted as non-degree-seeking students. Such students may study for personal enrichment, to earn hours to be transferred to other institutions, or for many other reasons. When prior educational attainments or experience qualify such students to pursue certain courses, they may be admitted for up to twelve (12) credit hours. Permission from the chair of Graduate Bible must be obtained for course work beyond this limit.

 

The admission requirements for non-degree-seeking students are the same as for degree seeking students (see above) except that the Graduate Bible Scholarship application is not required since non-degree-seeking students are not ordinarily eligible for tuition discounts or scholarships . Non-degree-seeking students are not required as a condition of admission to declare a degree program or meet specific program requirements.

 

Non-degree-seeking students must meet all prerequisites for the courses in which they enroll. Work completed in the non-degree status may, but does not automatically, apply toward degree requirements in the event that the non-degree-seeking student subsequently seeks to be recognized as a degree-seeking student and to be admitted to a degree program. Non-degree seeking students who seek to become degree-seeking students should complete an "Application to Declare or Change Degree Program" form. Non-degree-seeking students will be evaluated each semester before being allowed to audit or enroll in additional courses.

 

Admission Requirements for Conditionally Admitted Students

Applicants who wish to take courses or enter a degree program, but are not eligible for regular admission because of lack of a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree, may request to be admitted conditionally on probation. Such requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. The other general admission requirements for conditionally admitted students are the same as for degree-seeking students (see above) except that the Graduate Bible Scholarship application is not required since conditionally admitted students with probationary status are not ordinarily eligible for tuition discounts or scholarships . Students who intend to enter a degree program should declare their degree upon admission just as a degree-seeking student. They should fulfill the specific program requirements of the degree during their probationary period.

 

If admitted, the student with a degree from an institution without regional accreditation will be conditionally admitted as a probationary student. Before admission as a degree-seeking student, the student must complete 12 graduate hours at OC with at least a 3.0 grade point average. One of the courses among the 12 hours must be Introduction to Graduate Studies with a B or better. Before the student is admitted as a degree-seeking student, the Graduate Chair must solicit recommendations from each professor under whom the student has done graduate study at OC. Each of these recommendations must be positive in order for the student to be admitted as a degree-seeking student.

 

Admission Requirements for Audit Students

An audit student is allowed to attend classes but should not expect to participate in discussions or to have work or assignments graded. Audit students must complete an admission application or be a qualified student at the university. Audit students must seek permission from the chair of Graduate Bible and the course instructor before enrolling as an auditor. No other admission requirements apply to audit students.

 

Audit students will be evaluated each semester before being allowed to audit or enroll in additional courses.

 

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 provisional admission, the official acceptance letter will identify other requirements necessary for full admission (e.g., completion of psychological testing within the first semester or six hours, leveling work in Bible, Greek, homiletics, hermeneutics, or marriage and family studies). All additional admission requirements must be completed within the student's first twelve hours in the program.