News

Fagerstrom Releases 14th Book

Oct 23, 2009

Dr. Douglas Fagerstrom, president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS), recently released The …
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Cultural Intelligence

Sep 19, 2009

Leading with Cultural Intelligence by Dr. David Livermore NOW AVAILABLE! How do you lead with cultural …
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Questions About GRTS

Have a question? Please email any questions you have to our admissions team at grts@cornerstone.edu.

You may also call us toll-free at 800-697-1133 or schedule a visit on a day that works well for you. We would love to hear from you!  
 

Frequently Asked Questions


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 teaching 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, counselors, cross-cultural ministry leaders, theological educators, church planters, parachurch ministry leaders, parents, etc.  Find out from them how they benefited from attending or not attending seminary.
  • Explore what may be required of you from the denomination or organization in which you seek to serve long-term.
  • Hear what 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 further prepare you to do what God has called you to do with excellence for the advancement of His glory. 

Do I need to have a Bible degree to attend seminary?

No, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in Bible, theology or other related field to begin seminary.  As long as you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, you can apply to GRTS.  Our degree programs are designed to serve both those who will be taking their first formal theological classes 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 the Master of Theology 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, please request official transcripts from the institution where you received your bachelor's degree and any post-bachelor's degree institutions you have attended.  The transcripts should be sent directly to the GRTS Admissions Office. 

When 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, 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 & theology courses that I've taken?

Yes, you can obtain advanced standing for excess credits at your undergraduate institution or by taking an advanced standing exam.  Advanced standing exams are offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters by appointment. A student may take an exam for pre-approved 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 bachelor's 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. Applicants will likely be required to complete successfully the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Also, if you received your bachelor's degree through a non-accredited institution, please contact us. We maintain a list of non-accredited institutions whose degrees we accept. 

Do you have online and distance courses?

Yes!  GRTS offers a distance degree (M.A. Ministry Leadership conferred by Cornerstone University), a growing number of online courses (weekly online interaction), and 24 distance courses (CD lectures, readings, papers, and exams).

Does GRTS have a particular denominational affiliation?

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

Is GRTS 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, students enrolled in at least 5 credit hours (per fall and spring semester) are automatically enrolled in the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. This insurance plan is funded through student fees and offers basic protection throughout the calendar year to those who do not carry other health insurance. Optional dependent coverage is also available. International students are required to maintain coverage through the school’s provider.  Click here for more information through Cornerstone University's Health Services department.

How large is your student body?

Enrollment for Spring 2009 was 301 (66% Male; 34% Female). Small class sizes (typically 15 students or less) and scholarly professors who view themselves a co-learners foster an atmosphere of community learning. 

How much is tuition?

Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $420 per credit hour ($435 for Th.M.). 

How many faculty members do you have?

We currently have 32 faculty members, including 9 full-time, 2 part-time, and 21 adjunct faculty. 

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

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

Do you have other locations besides Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is our only location. However, courses can be completed through distance education. (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 Preview Day, can I still visit the campus?

Yes! We would love to tailor 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. Click here to schedule a visit to GRTS!  

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 interpretation skills, theological and ministry exploration, and the foundation for state licensure.  

Are classes offered only during the day, or are there classes available in the evening?

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 do not complete your degree in 5 years, you will need to make an appeal to our academic dean.