Portland Seminary

Admission Requirements for Doctoral Programs

As you consider your application to the seminary, here are some additional factors you’ll want to prepare for as you put together your application for admission to one of our doctoral programs.

Admission Requirements for Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives

  1. Completed regionally accredited master’s degree in an area relevant to your professional context (for example: humanities, social sciences, business, education, ministry, etc.)
  2. Documentation of significant professional leadership experience (CV or resumé)
  3. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in most recent graduate program
    Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate-level courses and more recent transcripts. Exceptions may be possible for a lower GPA in some circumstances; email seminary@georgefox.edu to inquire.
  4. A professional context for the Project Portfolio research sequence
  5. Evidence of advanced-level competence and critical thinking in the practice of leadership beyond the master’s level
  6. Doctoral-level writing skills
  7. Computer and basic computer skills
    Applicants must own or have access to a computer with up-to-date software (current software applications) and a reliable internet connection, and be proficient with Microsoft Word.
  8. Statement of faith

Admission Requirements for Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

  1. Completed master's degree in a ministry-related field from an accredited institution
    Applicants not holding a ministry-related master's degree may be admitted by demonstrating the ability to thoughtfully understand and explain the Bible and their theological tradition, adapt their ministry to their context, clearly understand their ministerial identity/role, and a commitment to ongoing personal and spiritual growth. Applicants submit an admission application, including essays, transcripts, resumés, and other relevant materials to address these standards.
  2. Competitive grade point average reflected on your official transcripts
    Transcript evaluators give greater weight to graduate-level courses and more recent transcripts.
  3. Documentation of significant ministerial experience/context (from CV or resumé) that enables the applicant to engage as a ministry peer with other students and in the research sequence in this advanced professional doctorate
  4. Evidence of an advanced level of competence and reflection in the practice of ministry beyond the master's level
  5. Doctoral-level writing skills
  6. Computer and basic computer skills
    Applicants must own or have access to a computer with up-to-date software (current software applications) and a reliable internet connection, and be proficient in Microsoft Word.
Based on the assessment of these factors, applicants may be accepted, denied or asked to provide further information or complete additional coursework to create a pathway for meeting eligibility in light of the ATS criteria.

For both doctoral programs, consider whether these apply to your situation:

English as a Second Language

English as a second language applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Evaluation generally includes some combination of TOEFL/IELTS scores, a verbal interview, and/or an assessment of written materials.

Please provide a certified translation for transcripts and other documents in languages other than English. Note: Grade slips/reports, computer printouts, and internal transcripts are unacceptable.

Declaration of Finance Form for International Students

This only applies to international students entering the United States for in-person intensives (retreats or "advances").

Any international DMin student requiring an I-20 to enter the United States for one or more of the DMin Retreats or Advances must complete a Declaration of Finance form and provide supportive documentation of family income and banking statements annually. You must prepare to pay a SEVIS (Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee of $350 per U.S. intensive. To learn more, see the International Graduate Admissions web page for details.

International Degrees

Credits earned at a university outside the U.S. may require evaluation by one of our approved transcript evaluation partners. The purpose is to confirm that the applicant's previous institution is the equivalent of a regionally accredited school in the U.S. (a requirement of our university accrediting body: ATS, NWCCU). In addition, the GPA conversion into the U.S. grading scale is necessary. The cost ranges between $150 and $250, depending on the agency used and the type of evaluation needed.

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