News
A Tribute to Dr. Victor M. Matthews
Apr 17, 2008
In conjunction with Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, the family of Dr. Victor Matthews has scheduled …
NT Professor (Dr. Turner) Releases Commentary with Baker
Mar 20, 2008
New Testament scholar David Turner (Professor of New Testament at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary) …
F.A.Q.
We have selected the the top 21 questions from our prospective students. If you have another question that is not found here, please e-mail us, call us or even schedule a visit!
- Why should I attend seminary?
- Do I need to have a Bible background to attend seminary?
- Is an entrance exam - like the GRE - required for admission?
- Do I have to request transcripts from each of the colleges that I have attended?
- When is the application due date?
- Can I get credit for any of the undergraduate bible and theology courses that I've had?
- Can I be considered for admission if I did not complete an undergraduate degree? What if my school was not accredited?
- Do you have Internet courses?
- Does GRTS have a particular denominational affiliation?
- Are you accredited?
- Is health insurance available?
- How large is your student population?
- How much is tuition?
- How many faculty members do you have?
- Are there ministry opportunities available as a part of the degree curriculum?
- Do you have other locations besides Grand Rapids?
- What are the job prospects on and off campus?
- If I cannot attend the Preview Day, can I still visit the campus?
- How does your MA Counseling degree differ from that offered at other institutions?
- Are classes offered only during the day? Or are there classes available during the evening and weekends?
- How long will it take me to complete my degree?
Why should I attend seminary?
This is a foundational question. Seminary will require a great deal of your time, energy and finances. It is crucial that you know why you make the choice to attend.
Consider the benefits . . .
- Concentrated study of the Word of God
- Spiritual formation
- Developing skills for ministry under the instruction of experienced, world-class faculty
- Professional training in preparation for licensure, ordination and other vocational ministry requirements
- Building relationships with others who will sharpen your thinking and enhance your ministry service
Talk with others who are doing what you believe God has called you to do. For example, consider talking to pastors, cross-cultural missionaries, counselors, theological educators, church planters, ministry leaders, parents, etc. Find out from them how they have benefited from attending or not attending seminary.
Explore what may be required of you from the denomination or organization that you seek to serve in ministry for the long-term.
Hear what our students and alumni are doing during and after their time at GRTS.
Begin seminary with the end in mind. We believe that seminary is one dynamic way to help you prepare to do what God has called you to do, and to do it with excellence.
Do I need to have a Bible background to attend seminary?
No, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in Bible, theology or other related field. Our degree programs are designed to serve both those who will be taking their first formal theological class as well as those who have completed a theological degree.Is an entrance exam – like the GRE – required for admission?
Generally, no. We only require the GRE for those applying for admission into our Master of Theology degree program. Applicants who do not meet our standard admission requirements as well as international applicants may also be required to successfully complete the GRE.
Do I have to request college transcripts?
Yes, we do ask that you request official transcripts from each institution from which you received a bachelors or masters degree to be sent directly to our admissions office.
When is the application due date?
We do not have an actual application due date. However, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for application processing, course availability and financial aid opportunities.
Can I get credit for any of the undergraduate bible and theology courses that I've had?
Yes, you can obtain Advanced Standing for certain Bible courses. Advanced Standing exams are offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters by appointment. A student may take an exam for 300+ level undergraduate courses in which they have a grade of B (3.0) or better at an accredited institution. Advanced standing credit is limited to 1/6 of the total degree program credit requirements.
Can I be considered for admission if I did not complete a bachelors degree? What if my school was not accredited?
We will consider applications from those who have not completed a bachelors degree on a very limited basis. More weight will be given to ministry experience as well as pastoral and personal references. Applicants will likely be required to complete successfully the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Also, if you received your bachelors degree through a non-accredited institution, please contact us. We maintain a list of non-accredited institutions whose degrees we accept.
Do you have Internet courses?
Yes! We offer these online courses: "Organizational Leadership (MIN-510)," "Global Impact (MIN-560)" and "Educational Mission of the Church (MIN-543)." We also offer 32 Extension Courses. For those courses, lectures are professionaly recorded on CD or cassette tape. For our traditional, accredited master degree programs, you can complete up to 1/6 of your credit hour requirements through online and extension courses.
Does GRTS have a particular denominational affiliation?
No, GRTS is interdenominational. While appreciating our baptist heritage, GRTS affirms an evangelical, biblical worldview as expressed through the university’s confession of faith.
Are you accredited?
Yes, GRTS is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Is health insurance available?
Yes, health insurance is available to all GRTS students who are enrolled in at least 7 credit hours per fall and spring semester. The program is funded through student fees and offers basic protection to those who do not carry other health insurance. Coverage is available throughout the calendar year. Optional dependent coverage is also available. International students are required to maintain coverage through the school’s provider. Click here to view the brochure.
How large is your student population?
Our enrollment for Fall 2006 was 241. Small class sizes (typically 15 students or less) and professors who view themselves a co-learniners foster an atmosphere of community learning.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year is $385 per credit hour ($400 for Th.M.).
How many faculty members do you have?
We currently have 8 full-time faculty, 3 part-time faculty, and 21 adjunct faculty.
Are there ministry opportunities available as a part of the degree curriculum?
Yes, GRTS has partnered with approximately 70 local and regional churches and other ministries to provide students with a Contextual Learning Center (CLC) Ministry Residency. The CLC is for students in the MDiv, MA Educational Ministries and MA Intercultural Studies degree programs. Hundreds of other churches are available for spiritual formation and ministry service. E-mail our CLC Executive Director for more information. There are also a myriad of sites where MA Counseling Ministries students do their practicum and internship for professional licensure.
Do you have other locations besides Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is our only location. However, a limited number of courses can be completed through extension study. (See question #8 above.)
What are the job prospects on and off campus?
Grand Rapids offers a number of vocational ministry and “secular” job opportunities. Cornerstone University’s Career Services is a great place to begin your search. They can help you with on-campus and off-campus options.
If I cannot attend the Preview Day, can I still visit the campus?
Yes! We would love to customize a visit for you and your family practically any time during the year. GRTS does not hold courses on Mondays during the day. Therefore, we suggest you visit Tuesday through Friday so that you can sample a class. E-mail or call our admissions office to arrange a visit.
How does your MA Counseling degree differ from that offered at other institutions?
Upon successful completion of the degree, you will be immediately eligible and prepared to pass an exam to become a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan and most other states. Our curriculum is comprised of the 39 credit hours as mandated by the state of Michigan, 24 credit hours in Bible and theology and 9 credit hours in a ministry cognate. This integrated approach provides the student with excellent counseling skills, Biblical exploration, and the foundation for state licensure.
Are classes offered only during the day? Or are there classes available during the evening and weekends?
The majority of our core classes are offered during the day. We do, however, offer a number of elective courses and a few core courses during the evening hours, especially MA Counseling courses. We do not currently offer any weekend classes. For professionals who don't have the time to complete a full degree, you may be eligible for our Theological Education for Professionals (TEP) program. TEP students take core Bible, theology and ministry classes one night a week in a cohort format.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
If you are enrolled on a full-time basis (12 credits or more per semester), it will take you 2-4 years to complete your degree depending on which degree you are pursuing. If you are enrolled part-time, you will have up to 5 years to complete your degree. If you have not done so in 5 years, you will need to make an appeal to our academic dean.
