Ph.D. in Biblical & Theological Studies Admissions Requirements

Requirements for All Applicants

1. The applicant must have at least an M.A. degree in Biblical or Theological Studies, an M.Div., or the equivalent. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following competencies by a transcript evaluation:
   • Competency in advanced level of Greek and Hebrew
     (Historical Theology students may exchange Latin for Hebrew.)
   • Competence in Old Testament studies
   • Competence in New Testament studies
   • Competence in basic Systematic Theology
   • Competence in basic Historical Theology
2. A minimum 3.5 GPA from Masters level work. Average GPA for applicants who were invited for an interview:

   Application Year	Undergrad GPA	Graduate GPA
   Fall 2011	3.75	3.92
   Fall 2010	3.61	3.70
   Fall 2009	3.51	3.50
   Fall 2008	3.59	3.87
   Fall 2007	3.50	3.85

3. A solid combined score on the GRE. GRE score reports issued within the last 5 years are accepted.  The code for reporting scores to Wheaton College is 1905. Registration information and test center locations can be found at the following web site: http://www.ets.org >> . Average GRE scores for applicants who were invited for an interview:

   Application Year	GRE Verbal	GRE Quantitative	GRE Analytical Writing
   2011	663	708	5.0
   2010	676	694	5.0
   2009	690	695	5.3
   2008	687	680	5.2
   2007	647	667	5.2

4. Evidence of doctoral level research potential demonstrated by a substantial research paper.
   • Each applicant is required to submit a sample research paper for consideration. The paper should be substantial (at least 20 to 30 pages), ( for OT or NT) demonstrate exegetical skill, and focus on the area of emphasis (OT, NT, ST, HT) for which the student is applying.
5. Applicants must submit three academic recommendations along with one from their pastor.
   • Please do not ask a member of your immediate family or close relative to submit the recommendation.
6. Applicants must identify and explain a coherent and defensible dissertation topic that fits the interests of the mentor to whom they will be applying.
   • Since the Wheaton Ph.D. requires students to begin serious dissertation work from the beginning of the program, applicants should be able to identify and explain a coherent and defensible dissertation topic that fits the interests of the mentor to whom they are applying. We realize that applicants will have varying degrees of certainty about a topic and that some may be uncertain about whether a potential topic would be of interest to a particular mentor. Potential applicants are therefore encouraged to contact potential mentors to talk about the viability of particular topics.
7. Resume/curriculum vitae
8. Signed statement of Veracity, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant
9. $50 non-refundable application processing fee

Additional Requirements for International Students

• International students, and permanent residents of the US whose native language is not English, are required to take either the TOEFL >> or the IELTS >> test with the minimal scores indicated below:
  • TOEFL   Paper & Pencil = 600   
  • TOEFL   Internet-Based = 100
  • IELTS     8.0

  Applicants who are citizens of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the British West Indies and are native speakers of English will not be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS but still will need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).