Facts and Figures

How much is tuition? 

Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $472 per credit hour ($488 for Master of Theology degree).

How many faculty members do you have? 

We currently have 32 faculty members, including nine full-time, two part-time and 21 adjunct faculty.

How large is your student body? 

We are a mid-sized seminary with 333 students enrolled for the spring 2012 semester. Small class sizes (typically 15 students or less) and scholarly professors who view themselves as co-learners foster an atmosphere of community learning.

No, GRTS is multidenominational. GRTS affirms an evangelical biblical worldview as expressed in the Cornerstone Confession.

Is GRTS accredited? 

Yes, GRTS is fully accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.

Applying and Getting Started

No, you do not need an undergraduate degree in Bible, theology or a related field to begin seminary. You can apply to GRTS as long as you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Our degree programs serve both those who will be taking their first formal theological classes as well as those who have completed a theological degree.

Do you require the GRE or other entrance exams? 

No, but some applicants to the Master of Theology program may be required to take the GRE. 

Do I have to request college transcripts? 

Yes, we need transcripts from any higher learning institutions you have attending. Please have official transcripts sent to

Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

ATTN: Admissions

1001 E. Beltline Ave NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

What is the application due date? 

We operate on a rolling admissions basis, so you can submit your application at any point throughout the year. However, there is a preferred due date for each semester which is usually about 7-10 days before the semester begins. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible for application processing, course availability and financial aid opportunities.

Do you offer Advanced Standing examinations if I've already taken a class you require? 

Yes, we offer advanced standing exams at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters by appointment. You may take exams for preapproved 300-level (or higher) undergraduate courses if you earned a B (3.0 GPA) or better in the class at an accredited institution. You may only fulfill one-sixth of your total program credit requirements with advanced standing credit. Contact the Admissions Office for a complete list of classes that offer examinations.

Can I be considered for admission if I did not complete a bachelor’s degree? What if my school was not accredited? 

We consider applicants who have not completed a bachelor’s degree on a very limited basis. We would likely require you to complete the GRE successfully. Also, please contact us if you received your bachelor’s degree at a nonaccredited institution. We maintain a list of nonaccredited institutions from which we accept degrees.

Is health insurance available to GRTS students? 

Cornerstone University offers a premium-based injury and sickness insurance plan to all students of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Interested students can obtain an insurance brochure from Cornerstone University Health Services. Applications can be submitted with payment to the Accounting Office within 30 days of the beginning of each semester.

Do you offer evening classes? 

We offer a variety of course offerings in both the morning, afternoon and evening. Click here to view course schedules.  We do not currently offer any weekend classes. We also have two-week intensive courses in early January and during the summer months.

How long will it take me to complete my degree? 

If you enroll on a full-time basis (12 credits or more per semester), you will take two to three years to complete your degree, depending on which degree you are pursuing. If you enroll part time, you will have up to five years to complete your degree. You will need to make an appeal to the academic dean if you do not plan to complete your degree within five years.

Do you have online and distance courses? 

Yes! Many of our courses are available online. You can take up to five online courses during your program here. We also confer two fully online degrees through Cornerstone University in MA Ministry Leadership and MA Biblical Studies, which are HLC accredited. 

Are there ministry opportunities available as a part of the degree curriculum? 

Yes. GRTS partners with over 70 local and regional churches and ministries to provide students with a ministry residency. The ministry residency is for students in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Educational Ministries and Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministries programs. Hundreds of other churches are available for spiritual formation and ministry service. There are also many local sites where Master of Arts in Counseling students can fulfill their practicum and internship for professional licensure. 

How does your Master of Arts in Counseling degree differ from counseling degrees offered at other institutions? 

Upon successful completion of our degree, you will be eligible and prepared to pass the exam to become a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and most other states. Our curriculum includes a 39-credit counseling concentration as mandated by the State of Michigan, with an additional 24 credits in Bible and theology and nine credits in a ministry cognate. This integrated approach provides you with excellent counseling skills, biblical interpretation skills, theological and ministry exploration, and the foundation for state licensure.