Transcripts: Full official transcript(s) of your baccalaureate degree and a full official transcript of your theological program, including an attestation of the attainment of a first theological degree. A two-year degree (such as the MAR or the ThM) is acceptable, but a three-year degree (such as the MDiv) is preferred. Applicants with a two-year degree should be aware that the PhD preliminary examinations are designed to test whether one has the equivalent of a Westminster MDiv degree, and therefore they may need to take certain MDiv courses at Westminster. Note: Only applicants who have maintained an overall academic average of at least B+ (or equivalent) in their college and seminary work will be considered for admission as candidates for the PhD.

GRE Score: Results of the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This examination is given by the Educational Testing Service. The Educational Testing Service will submit the examination results directly to Westminster if you use our school code.

Academic References: Two academic references from non-familial former teachers in your area, under whose guidance you have pursued studies, for the PhD concentration.  An employer may complete the academic reference form if you’ve been out of school for more than 4 years. Westminster graduates only need to supply one academic reference.

Writing Samples & Dissertation Proposal: Applicants for the PhD in systematic theology, church history, or apologetics should also submit a paper (maximum 10 pages) from your master’s program in the concentration in which you plan to study, as well as a half-page summary of a dissertation project proposal. Applicants for the PhD in hermeneutics and biblical interpretation should submit a major exegetical research paper (maximum 10 pages) that you have written and that shows your skill in biblical interpretation, as well as a half-page summary of a dissertation project proposal.