Applicants without an undergraduate baccalaureate degree who desire to enter a graduate degree program have options including completing their undergraduate degree, pursuing bachelor’s equivalency, or pursuing early admission to a graduate program. Individuals who wish to pursue early admission must have a minimum of 75 undergraduate credit hours and a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average on undergraduate work from a regionally accredited institution. Credits earned at an institution holding specialized accreditation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates for a master’s degree must have earned a minimum of 150 credit hours before a graduate degree will be conferred. Eligible early admission degree programs and the number of elective credit hours required for each approved degree is shown below.
Pursue a Master’s Degree without a Bachelor’s Degree – 3 Options
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1
Complete your Bachelor’s through the College of Online Learning
Finish their bachelor’s degree through Evangel’s College of Online Learning. Financial aid is available for qualifying individuals at the undergraduate level. Options include:
(1) Pursuing up to 30 credits through prior learning assessment (PLA)
(2) Testing out of courses
(3) Taking advantage of our seven-week online courses -
2
Pursue Bachelor’s Equivalency
Pursue your bachelor’s equivalency through Evangel’s College of Online Learning. You will need to earn a combined total of 120 credit hours with past credits plus prior learning assessment (PLA), test out, and/or undergraduate courses. Financial aid is not available for PLA, Test Out, or undergraduate courses needed to meet Bachelor’s equivalency. Applicants would be admitted as non-degree seeking until bachelor’s equivalency is met. Upon completion of 120 credits and certification of bachelor’s equivalency, students can then pursue a master’s degree of at least 36 hours. Financial aid would be available for the M.A. degree at the graduate level. -
3
Pursue a Master of Divinity or two approved master’s degrees
When presenting 75 credits or more from a regionally accredited institution, individuals can obtain early admission as stated below.
Master of Divinity: Individuals with 75 credits of earned credit from a regionally accredited institution can be admitted directly into a Master of Divinity. Students must earn at least 75 additional hours for a total of 150 credits from bachelor’s and master’s work. Financial aid is available for the graduate level courses.
Double Master’s Degree: Individuals can enroll in two approved M.A. programs that total 150 hours between undergraduate and graduate coursework. Both degrees would be conferred at the completion of both programs. Financial aid is available for the graduate level courses.
Elective Credit Hours Required for Master’s Degree Conferral, Options 1 & 2
| Degree Program | Credits in Degree Program | Min. Credits Upon Enrollment | Gap/Elective Credits Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Theological Studies | 48 | 75 | 27 |
| MA Intercultural Studies | 48 | 75 | 27 |
| Master of Divinity | 78 | 75 | 0 |
| Master of Leadership and Ministry | 36 | 75 | 39 |
Gap hours may be earned through multiple methods including:
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Documentation of learning through life experience as demonstrated through the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning recommended portfolio process. Portfolio credit enables experienced ministers to demonstrate college-level learning acquired through ministry, missions, and church-leadership experience.
- Credit by Examination. Course credit may be earned through examination programs like the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), former military Dantes Standardized Subject Tests (DSST), Excelsior College UExcel Exams, and tests designed by university professors.
- Military Experience. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military experience and recommend appropriate college credit for members of the Armed Forces.
- Workplace Training and Professional Credentials. Courses, licenses, certifications, apprenticeships, government agencies and professional associations are evaluated by the American Council for Education (ACE) which provides recommendations for such academic credit.
- Foreign Language Proficiency. Speakers of English and an additional language may be awarded up to 32 credit hours for demonstrated mastery of a foreign language as determined by the language expert.
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Online & Graduate Student ServicesOur dedicated Online and Graduate Student Services team is here to support you throughout your educational journey at AGTS. From admission inquiries and financial aid guidance to enrollment assistance and general information, our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you navigate your graduate experience with ease and confidence.
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