Admission to Seattle Pacific Seminary is a shared process of discernment. As an applicant, you are invited to prayerfully consider whether SPS offers the theological education, spiritual formation, and community that align with your calling. At the same time, the Seminary seeks to discern your academic readiness, spiritual maturity, and sense of vocation considering our mission.

Seattle Pacific Seminary admits women and men who demonstrate a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the reign of God, readiness for graduate-level study, and the emotional and spiritual capacity to engage deeply in theological formation.

Three Paths to Learning More Before Applying

Exploring Seattle Pacific Seminary is an important part of the discernment process. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with SPS through one or more of the following pathways:

Discernment Days

Discernment Days provide an immersive introduction to seminary life at SPS. These events include opportunities to engage faculty, students, and staff; learn about degree programs and vocational pathways; participate in worship and theological reflection; and explore how academic study and spiritual formation are integrated. Discernment Days are offered both in person and online.

Seminary Open Houses & Webinars

Throughout the year, SPS hosts open houses and webinars focused on admissions, academic programs, financial aid, and vocational discernment. These sessions offer a flexible way to learn more about the Seminary and connect with the SPS community from anywhere.

Individual Visits & Conversations

Prospective students may schedule an appointment for campus visits or virtual meetings with admissions staff, faculty, or current students. When possible, visits may include attending a class. These conversations allow for personalized discernment and deeper exploration of your goals.

Laura Shigeta

Laura Shigeta
MDiv '26

"Through SPS, I have learned how to hold both joy and grief, laugher and lament, and care for my soul in ways that have been invaluable to my faith formation."

Personal Statement (3–4 pages)

  • Your typed personal statement should address:
  • Your vocational and career objectives
  • Your personal Christian journey, including formative people, institutions, and experiences
  • Your rationale for seeking this degree and choosing Seattle Pacific Seminary
  • Any additional insights you deem relevant

Letters of Recommendation (Two Required)

Recommendation forms are available through the application page or from Graduate Admissions.

  • Spiritual & Emotional Preparedness
    A letter from a pastor, church staff member, chaplain, parachurch professional, youth leader, Bible study leader, or college religion professor. This letter should speak to the depth of your Christian faith, participation in Christian community, and readiness for theological formation.
  • Academic Preparedness
    A letter from a former college professor who can address your academic abilities, including research, writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.
    • If a professor reference is not available, an employer or manager may be accepted with approval from the Graduate Enrollment Counselor (sundenea@spu.edu).
    • In some cases, an interview may be required.
    • Requests for alternative references may be sent to seminary@spu.edu.

Students may begin in Autumn, Winter, Spring, or Summer Sessions. Most students choose to begin in Autumn Quarter.

  • Autumn Quarter (September): July 31
  • Winter Quarter (January): November 15
  • Spring Quarter (March): February 15
  • Summer Sessions (June): May 1

Applicants wishing to transfer graduate-level coursework must submit relevant transcripts and/or syllabi with their application.

  • Up to 20 quarter credits may be transferred into the MA program
  • Up to 36 quarter credits may be transferred into the MDiv program

Transfer credit policies:

  • Courses must be graduate-level (minimum three quarter credits) and equivalent to SPS coursework
  • Courses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • A minimum grade of B is required
  • Coursework must be completed within seven years of admission
  • The final 40 MDiv credits or 26 MA credits must be completed at SPU

Students may take up to nine credits of graduate theology coursework as non-degree students if they:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Complete a short Seminary application
  • Receive permission from the dean or associate dean of the School of Theology

For more information, contact seminary@spu.edu or 206-281-2342.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit:

  • An official confidential affidavit of financial support for the first year of enrollment (required to issue an I-20)
  • A professional transcript evaluation for all degrees earned outside the United States, from an agency recognized by AACRAO, FIS, or NACES

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL scores:

  • Paper-based: 600
  • Computer-based: 250
  • Internet-based: 100

ACE scores are not accepted.

All students are expected to maintain:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Professional, ethical, and personal conduct consistent with seminary and university expectations.

Failure to meet these standards may result in academic probation or removal from the program.

Learn more about expectations and policies: Standards and Admissions

Deferral and Readmission

  • Students who pause enrollment for four quarters (one year) or more must reapply.
  • Additional materials may be required at the time of readmission.

Policies regarding enrollment deferral and returning to the seminary can be found here: Deferral and Readmission Policies.