The underlying
philosophy of the Seminary and its sponsoring denomination is ecumenical
in nature. While endorsing the theological position held by General
Baptists, the Seminary welcomes students from all Christian communities.
Many viewpoints are examined in the curriculum.
While the primary goal is the preparation
of persons for the many ministries Christ has given His Church,
students who desire a well-rounded theological education are also
invited to study. Few disciplines can give one an integrated personal
philosophy and insight into the major questons of life as does the
advanced study of religion and theology.
The course offerings for the Master of Divinity degree aim toward the goal of
a theological education which equips persons called of God to be
able ministers of His Word, skillful both in searching the Scriptures
for their meaning, and also in communicating and applying revealed
truth in a contemporary context. The curriculum is, therefore, constituted
in three divisions: Biblical Studies, Historical-Theological Studies,
and Practical Studies.
Admission:
Students desiring to study toward
a degree must be unconditionally admitted to study in the Chapman
School of Religious Studies. Requirements for unconditional admission
are:
1. A formal application for admission
submitted to the Admissions Office together with the application
fee.
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or
university. See below on recommended undergraduate degree.
3. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 based on
a 4.0 scale or a 2.75 average in the undergraduate major field.
4. Completion of the Graduate record Examination (GRE) or the Miller
Analogy Test (MAT).
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge
aptitude and ability for graduate work. neither recommendation may
come from members of the Graduate Council or from the Faculty of
the Chapman School.
6. Submission of official transcripts of all undergraduate credits
and any graduate credits earned.
7. A formal statement of reasons for applying making clear the motivation
for entering the Graduate School.
Applicants who do not fulfill all
of the requirements listed above may receive, upon approval of the
Graduate Council, conditional admission provided they show potential
for graduate study. Conditional status is reviewed after one semester
of study has been completed at which time all conditions should
have been removed. Students who fail to complete admission requirements
may not be allowed to take classes the following semester.
