MDiv Equivalence

Pursuing a DMin without an MDiv

1. Request an MDiv Leveling Evaluation Checklist

   Request an MDiv Leveling Evaluation Checklist from your admissions counselor.

   Using the checklist as a guide, you will compile an academic portfolio to demonstrate MDiv equivalency. The portfolio requires all unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts and your resumé or curriculum vita (CV).

   Additionally, after submission of your transcripts and CV or resumé, the admissions counselor may request documentation of relevant ministry-related educational experience (college courses taught, books published, ordination course work completed, etc.), and one to three short essays.

2. Obtain an MDiv Equivalency Evaluation

   In order to apply to the Doctor of Ministry program without an MDiv, program administrators must perform an MDiv Equivalence Evaluation of your total academic portfolio. The meeting of MDiv equivalency does not automatically result in the conferral of the MDiv degree. Its sole purpose is to qualify the applicant for pursuing admission to the DMin program.

   The DMin office will evaluate your portfolio and report their findings to you directly. It’s easier to see an example first, so check out this sample of what a report could look like as a helpful start.

   The MDiv Equivalent Evaluation could result in any of the following outcomes:

   • Eligibility for admission: Applicants requiring 18 hours of MDiv equivalent leveling work or fewer may be admitted into the program.
   • Nine semester hours or fewer of leveling work: Applicants with nine semester hours or fewer of required leveling work may begin the DMin program. Their status in the program remains “probationary” until all leveling courses are completed.
   • 12 to 18 semester hours of leveling work: Applicants with 12 to 18 hours of leveling work may proceed with the application process, but they may be required to wait one year while completing some or all of the leveling course work.
   • More than 18 semester hours of leveling work: If the applicant needs more than 18 semester hours of leveling work to achieve MDiv equivalent, he or she is ordinarily considered ineligible for the DMin program.

3. Apply

   If you have fewer than 18 semester hours of leveling work, we want to see your application!

4. Complete Required Leveling Course Work

   If you have to complete any leveling course work, you can complete it the following ways:

   • Independent Study: Complete the courses through independent study at Portland Seminary. Students may satisfy the required leveling work by completing independent studies under the guidance of seminary faculty. These instructor-directed, distance courses are available online and allow you a flexible option to complete your leveling work at a time and pace that fits your life. Signing up for a course is as simple as filling out a brief survey. Financial aid is available for courses taken at Portland Seminary.
   • Traditional Course Work: Complete the courses through traditional course work at Portland Seminary or any other ATS-accredited institution. Students desiring to complete required leveling work through another institution must obtain approval from the DMin program director prior to registering for the courses in question.

   Records of All Leveling Work: The DMin office maintains all leveling work records. All non-Portland Seminary leveling work will be credited toward MDiv equivalent when the DMin office receives the institution’s official transcript (unofficial copies will not be accepted). All transcripts must be mailed to:

   Office of Admissions
   George Fox University
   414 N Meridian Street #6089
   Newberg, OR 97132

   Audits of leveling work: The DMin office conducts regular audits of non-MDiv holding students. We will notify students in writing of outstanding leveling work once the student is eligible for candidacy. Students must complete all leveling work in order to graduate.