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"I believe the greatest place to be
is here at ABSW. Where else can you find, study, and practice ministry
that reflects the world?"
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ADMISSIONS ABSW admits applicants without regard to age, race, color, gender, religious affiliation or national/ethnic origin. All the rights, privileges, programs and activities of the seminary are equally available to all qualified students. While a majority of ABSW students are members of the American Baptist Churches USA, the seminary encourages applicants from other Christian denominations and traditions. Because the seminary's mission is to educate students for Christian service, it is expected that applicants profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, accept the Bible as the basis of the historic Christian faith and who by conviction seek to find God's will for both vocation and daily living. Admission RequirementsMaster of Arts applicants should request all application materials from the GTU admissions office. All applicants should possess an accredited B.A. or B.S. degree and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher. Students admitted to an ABSW degree program whose undergraduate GPA is below the normal requirement of 2.5 or its equivalent may be placed on academic probation during their first year of course work, or until they have completed at least 18 units with a GPA of not less than 2.5. Persons in other academic circumstances should contact the Admissions Director regarding possible exceptions. Transfer StudentsStudents from accredited theological schools who wish to become candidates for the M.Div. degree with advance standing must meet the regular admission requirements. No grade less than B- may be transferred for credit. The Academic Dean will review the units transferable. To receive an M.Div. degree from ABSW, a minimum of 28 units of work must be completed at ABSW. International StudentsApplications by citizens from other than the U.S.A. are encouraged. The San Francisco Bay Area is an ideal location for international students, with a variety of services available to assist non-U.S. citizens. All international applicants must prove financial support prior to entering the U.S. on a student visa. This is done through a Certification of Finances form. In addition to the regular admission requirements, international applicants who are not native speakers of English will be required to submit a minimum score of 550(written) or 213 (computer) on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Students are responsible for obtaining their own student visas to enter the United States for compliance with all pertinent requirements of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Students must fill out an I-20 form, which they will receive upon acceptance into ABSW. Application ProcessThe application process includes the submission of:
For international students:
Application Deadlines
Financial AidStudents who answer God's call to Christian ministry make a serious commitment of their time, talents and finances. The seminary shares the conviction of the Association of Theological Schools that individual students must pull together many resources to cover the cost of seminary education: personal savings and assets, summer employment, part-time employment, scholarships, and other assistance. To help students realize their educational goals, ABSW offers generous financial assistance. Based on demonstrated financial need, all degree students are eligible to receive up to 60 % of their tuition as financial aid when taking six (6) or more units. In addition to these tuition aid grants, students who are members of American Baptist churches and receive financial support from these churches may request matching grants from the ABC Board of Educational Ministries in Valley Forge, PA. Students can receive up to $500 per semester in matching grants. Work/study jobs are another source of financial aid, and a limited number of positions are available on campus. In addition, ABSW students may apply for guaranteed government student loans through the GTU Financial Aid Office. To learn more about financial aid and additional scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at (510) 841-1905 x225 or email admissions@absw.edu. Deadline for Tuition Aid Grants
Tuition and FeesThe Board of Trustees establishes tuition costs. Tuition and fees are subject to increase. 2006-2007 Tuition and Fees
Other Fees
For additional MA fees see GTU catalog or web site at www.gtu.edu.
On-Campus HousingA total of forty-two units including studio, studio-plus, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available for ABSW students. Rental rates, range from approximately $700 for a studio to $1200 for a two-bedroom apartment. A limited number of parking spaces are available to ABSW housing residents. Housing is open to ABSW students and students enrolled in one of the GTU schools. The deadline for housing applications is May 1st for the Fall
semester and December 1st for the Spring semester.
For additional information regarding admissions, contact: Admissions Office |
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© 2001 American Baptist Seminary
of the West
All Rights Reserved