Master of Theology (Th.M.)

Admission Requirements

The student must present an accredited Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor or Master of Divinity degrees. Specifically they must have maintained at least a 3.25 average in their Divinity program and have completed at least nine semester hours of Greek beyond beginning Greek and nine semester hours of Hebrew. Applicants deficient in the biblical languages may take the prerequisite units at Talbot while taking other Th.M. courses, but such deficiencies must be made up before more than 16 units in other subjects may be taken. Divinity degrees presented from non-accredited seminaries and theological schools are individually evaluated. Deficiencies discerned in such cases may be made up by course work at Talbot or other specified accredited institutions. Students must also have the personal qualifications necessary for a minister of Christ, including promise of future usefulness. They must be spiritually qualified by providing evidence of a born-again experience and a consistent Christian manner of life.

Admission Procedure

All applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement of one to two double spaced typewritten pages expressing their career goals and personal objectives in seeking the Th.M. degree. Graduates of other seminaries must file a full application with the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Master of Divinity students currently enrolled at Talbot may file for admission by submitting a written request to the Graduate Committee in care of the Office of Graduate Admissions. This request should indicate any changes in marital status or doctrinal convictions since enrollment in the Master of Divinity degree. In addition, applicants should signify their intention to abide by the Standards of Conduct of Biola University.

Talbot Master of Divinity students who have completed 80 or more units, and whose current cumulative GPA is 3.25 or above may be granted a concurrent enrollment option. Interested seniors should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for detailed information. Applicants who have graduated from Talbot with a Master of Divinity degree may file for admission according to the following guidelines:

  • Less than two years since graduation from Talbot:
    1. Re-admit Application
    2. Personal Statement
  • Between two and five years since graduation:
    1. ReAdmit Application
    2. Pastor Reference on form provided by the Admissions Office
    3. Personal Statement
  • Over five years since graduation:
    1. Full application
    2. Personal Statement

Talbot graduates should include in the Personal Statement any changes in marital status or doctrinal convictions since graduation with the Master of Divinity degree. In addition, they should signify their intention to abide by the Standards of Conduct of Biola University.

Note: Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.