Application Deadlines

• At least 4.5 credits must be taken per semester to qualify for financial aid.
• For MATCA, The core classes for the program must be taken together in one academic year (2.5 classes per semester). Electives can be taken before, during or after the core.

Step 1: Complete the Following:

• Application: Completed and signed. Apply Online Now!
• Two Recommendations: Please have your recommenders complete the Recommendation Form on your behalf.
  1. One professional or academic. Examples of appropriate references include an employer, teacher, or professor.  (Exceptions can be made to this policy.)  
  2. One personal recommendation. Examples of appropriate references include a pastor, mentor, or ministry colleague.
• Official Transcript(s) from the degree conferring undergraduate institution you have attended. An additional official transcript will be needed to reflect the Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course if you have taken it at an institution other than where your undergraduate degree was completed. Submit the Request for Official College Transcript and the Admissions Office will request your transcript(s) on your behalf.
• Current Resume/CV: Describing your work and educational history.
• Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 required. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case by case basis and must submit a GPA letter. A graduate GPA over 3.0 can also satisfy the minimum GPA requirement.
• Statement of Purpose:  A 2-3 page double spaced paper describing a bit about your background and why you would like to apply to this program at this time.  Also describe how you see this program advancing your work or ministry for the future.
• Faith Statement: In 4 to 6 double-spaced, typed pages, please exhibit your best writing and thinking skills by developing an essay that responds to the following:
  1.  What persons, events, and other factors have significantly influenced your Christian journey thus far?
  2. Describe the significant motives, convictions, persons and/or experiences that have led you to pursue a theological education.
  3. Describe your ministry up to this point in your life. What forms do you expect your ministry to take in the future (such as pastor, teacher, counselor, minister of Christian education)? What do you hope to accomplish in this ministry?
  4. Evaluate the abilities you possess for theological studies, including past academic coursework, and how they will be used in your intended ministry.
  5. How do you see yourself in relation to others? Besides your family, with whom do you spend time?
  6. What would your trusted friends say are the greatest strengths and most challenging weaknesses in your personality?
  7. When you are not in church, at work or in school, how do you spend your free time? How often do you get to enjoy these activities?
  8. If you are accepted at Palmer, what areas of needed growth do you hope will be developed by your experience with us? Also, what areas of strength do you believe Palmer Seminary can help you develop?

Step 2:  After receiving your letter of acceptance you will need to:

• Submit a New Student Enrollment Form for registration (for which you will receive instructions by email).
• Submit a $150 tuition deposit.