« ADMISSIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
General Admissions Information
Where is Gordon-Conwell located & Can I visit?
Gordon-Conwell has four locations along the East Coast of the United States:
Campus visits are encouraged. Please schedule a visit.
Can I apply to the seminary before I complete my undergraduate degree?
Yes, if you are currently an undergraduate degree student in your final semester, you can apply before you graduate. Please send us an unofficial copy of your transcript(s). We will review your file pending receipt of your final transcript after graduation.
What format can I take classes in?
We offer classes in three formats: live, digital-live, and asynchronous.
Live classes are held on-campus and require in-person attendance.
Digital-live classes are held online, but in real-time. Many digital-live classes are hosted on one of our campuses and could also be attended in-person if preferred. Students attend class at the scheduled time either in-person or online.
Asynchronous classes are completed online with pre-recorded lectures. These classes allow for flexibility as students customize their own schedule with no live attendance required.
Is Gordon-Conwell part of any consortiums?
The seminary is a member of two major consortia. The Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI) gives Gordon-Conwell students in Hamilton and Boston the opportunity to take courses at major theological schools in the Boston area, including Boston University, Harvard Divinity, and Boston College. Learn more about BTI.
The seminary is also a member of the Carolina Theological Consortium (CTC), which includes Reformed Theological Seminary, Erskine Theological Seminary, and the Seminary & School of Missions of Columbia International University. Learn more about CTC.
These consortia open up a wide range of specialty courses not available at Gordon-Conwell and grants cross-registration privileges and inter-library exchanges. Cross registration does require approval from both institutions, and the forms required for cross-registration can be found online.
What is your deferral policy?
An accepted student can defer admission to any semester up to a year after their original acceptance term. Please notify the Admissions Office in writing if you plan to defer.
Admissions Application
Is confirming my acceptance synonymous with a full commitment to enroll in classes this term?
Choosing to “confirm your acceptance” is not contractually binding. It simply allows us to move forward with the next steps to help you finalize your decision and enroll should you choose to do so. Of course, it is always our hope that you will join the Gordon-Conwell community.
When should I begin my application?
Gordon-Conwell accepts applications no more than one year in advance of the date when you expect to begin classes. Please note that there are priority-processing deadlines for both financial aid and housing, and some of our scholarships are first-come, first-serve. The sooner you get started on the application the better! To learn more, visit our Important Dates and Deadlines page.
What is the difference between a Special Student, a Visiting Student, and an Auditor?
Special Students are qualified students not wishing to enter a specific degree program. Credit is earned and standard tuition ratesapply. The number of applicable credit hours earned as a special student shall not exceed one-third of any given degree program. Special students may later apply for degree candidate status through the Admissions Office.
Visiting Students are current students in good standing at another seminary. Visiting students are welcome to take classes at Gordon-Conwell. Please consult the application instructions for the proper procedures.
Auditors are divided into two categories: Courtesy and Official. Courtesy audits are available to students, staff, faculty, as well as their respective spouses, and they are available to alumni and local pastors. There is no charge for courtesy audits, and eligible persons may take one course per semester. All interested parties must register through the Registration Office prior to attending class and must attend class in-person. Courtesy audits are not recorded on a transcript. Official audits are available to regularly admitted students by paying the audit fee and receiving approval from the Registration Office.
Individuals not enrolled in a degree program and wishing to enroll as official auditors must complete an application and supply supporting documentation as outlined in the application. Official audits will be recorded on a transcript.
If I took a class over two years ago, do I have to reapply?
If you took classes over two years ago, but less than five, the Registration Office can reactivate your status. Please complete a Student Reactivation Request form.
If you have not taken a class in 5 or more years, you will need to complete a full application to be readmitted. Please contact the Admissions Office to begin this process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Are there scholarships available for full-time students?
Yes, there are several scholarships available for full-time students, both International and Domestic. Explore our scholarship opportunities, keeping in mind that some are restricted to a specific campus or modality.
Are scholarships available for online students?
Yes! Scholarships are available for both residential and online students. Learn more about our scholarships and the Partnership Program.
The Partnership Program is a great opportunity for online students to receive a full-tuition scholarship, while also learning about financial stewardship and fundraising.
With additional financial constraints, how can I make seminary as affordable as possible?
In addition to our merit-based scholarships, Gordon-Conwell is happy to offer a variety of opportunities for students to make their seminary education as affordable as possible.
Domestic students may apply to the Partnership Program, which provides a full-tuition scholarship in partnership with students’ fundraising efforts. This one-of-a-kind program benefits students and those who support them.
Students who are on staff or affiliated with any of our Ministry Partners may be eligible for a significantly discounted tuition rate.
Those with previous coursework in Bible or Theology may be eligible for advanced standing or transfer credit. At the beginning of the term, students may elect to sit for competency exams in Old Testament, New Testament, Greek, and/or Hebrew to earn credit for these core requirements whichsaves time and money!
Community Life
Is student housing available?
Yes! Student housing is available on the Hamilton campus. Students are welcome and encouraged to experience residential education in the Life Together model!
The ownership of the apartments will change, but student housing will remain available for full-time Hamilton students in our dormitories and the apartments. Read more about the agreement and commitment to residential community.
How does Gordon-Conwell create community on campus and online?
- Chapel—These gatherings are central to spiritual formation and campus culture. Chapel is also live-streamed for students to join virtually.
- Campus Events—These include retreats, ministry workshops, and mission-focused seminars that happen at all of our locations.
- Academic & Ministry Groups—Students often form study groups, prayer groups, and ministry teams that extend beyond the classroom both in person and online.
- Online Spiritual Formation—Students participate in virtual prayer groups, discussion forums, and formation activities that mirror on-campus spiritual rhythms.
- Residency Opportunities—Students in counseling and DMin degree programs gather for fellowship and on-campus classes throughout their program to provide a fully immersive learning experience and hone new skills.
What is community life like for online and hybrid students?
Online students have opportunities to connect with others in and outside of class. We host Soul Care groups, community life events, dean’s forums, and more throughout the year.
Learn more about community life for online students.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
How can international students demonstrate their English proficiency?
International students can meet English proficiency requirements with either a TOEFL (90+), IELTS (6.5+), or Duolingo English test (110+).The Duolingo English test is available on-demand at a much lower cost than the TOEFL or IELTS.
Please review our English Competency Policy to determine if you may be eligible to waive this requirement.
What particular guidance do you have for international students?
We greatly value our international students and are committed to supporting you during this time! Please visit the International Student Services page to find a variety of information and resources for international students at the Hamilton campus, and be sure to stay in communication with the International Student Office at [email protected].
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, we offer select full-tuition scholarships for international students beginning their programs in the Fall term, in-person at our campus in Hamilton MA. View more for a list of available scholarships. These opportunities are very competitive.
Have Questions?
Someone from our friendly admissions team would be happy to reach out to you.
