Ready to Apply to Wesley DC?
Applications open September 1 for students applying to the upcoming Fall or Spring terms.
Application Instructions & Deadlines
Click on the appropriate program below to find application instructions and deadlines.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you experience technical issues, please do not start a new application. Instead, reach out to us directly:
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
202-885-8659
We’re here to support you every step of the way as you take your next faithful step with Wesley Theological Seminary.
Apply to Wesley Theological Seminary
Applications open September 1 for Fall and Spring entry. Wesley uses rolling admissions, but we strongly encourage applying by the dates below for full consideration.
Master’s Degree Programs
Wesley Theological Seminary offers flexible, faith-centered master’s programs that prepare you to lead in the church and the world, whether you’re called to preach, teach, serve, or study. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Wesley provides pathways for every vocation, including the Master of Divinity (MDiv) for pastoral or ordained ministry, the Master of Arts (MA) for specialized or lay leadership roles, and the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) for advanced theological or academic study. Students can pursue their degree full-time, part-time, online, or in hybrid formats—whatever best fits their calling and schedule.
Master’s Degree Programs
Wesley Theological Seminary offers flexible, faith-centered master’s programs that prepare you to lead in the church and the world, whether you’re called to preach, teach, serve, or study. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Wesley provides pathways for every vocation, including the Master of Divinity (MDiv) for pastoral or ordained ministry, the Master of Arts (MA) for specialized or lay leadership roles, and the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) for advanced theological or academic study. Students can pursue their degree full-time, part-time, online, or in hybrid formats—whatever best fits their calling and schedule.
Fall Semester Deadlines
- Dec 1 – Early Admission
- Feb 1 – Priority deadline for:
- Merit-based Financial Aid
- Community Engagement Fellows
- Student Pastor Consideration
- Mar 1 – Residential International Applicants
- Jul 15 – Final deadline for all master’s applicants
Spring Semester Deadlines
- Nov 1 – Priority Scholarship Deadline
- Dec 15 – Final deadline for all master’s applicants
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
International Applicants to Master’s Degree Programs
Wesley Theological Seminary welcomes students from around the world to our vibrant, diverse community in Washington, DC, where international applicants enrich our shared calling to serve Christ and the church. Those applying from outside the United States will need to submit official academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and financial certification documents. Throughout the process, our Admissions Office offers personalized support—from navigating visa requirements to preparing for life and study in DC—to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
International Applicants to Master’s Degree Programs
Wesley Theological Seminary welcomes students from around the world to our vibrant, diverse community in Washington, DC, where international applicants enrich our shared calling to serve Christ and the church. Those applying from outside the United States will need to submit official academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and financial certification documents. Throughout the process, our Admissions Office offers personalized support—from navigating visa requirements to preparing for life and study in DC—to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
International Applicants:
- Must demonstrate academic preparation equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- All non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) at applicant’s expense.
- Evaluation must be complete before your application can be reviewed.
- Questions? Contact admissions@wesleyseminary.edu.
Ready to apply?
Follow these steps to complete your application for admission:
- Request official transcripts.
Request transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions.- Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Wesley Admissions Office.
- Electronic transcripts
Email to admissions@wesleyseminary.edu - Paper transcripts
- Mail to: Wesley Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions
Attn: Transcripts
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
- Mail to: Wesley Theological Seminary
- Submit English proficiency scores.
Required for applicants whose first language is not English. Accepted tests and minimum scores:- TOEFL
- Paper: 550 | Computer: 213 | Internet: 80
- www.toefl.org | Institutional Code: 5899
- IELTS
- Minimum score: 6.5
- www.ielts.org
- Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score: 110
- englishtest.duolingo.com
- Online test includes score, video interview, and writing sample.
- TOEFL
- Waivers: You may be exempt if you have earned a degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college. Please contact the Admissions Office for review.
- Prepare the following documents.
You’ll upload these directly in your online application:- Personal Statement (400–500 words)
Address the following:- Key people and events that shaped your faith and identity
- Your vocational call and professional goals
- Why Wesley is the right place for your theological education
Upload as a Word document.
- Personal Statement (400–500 words)
- Resume
Upload a current resume in the application portal. - Recommendations
List your recommenders in the application, and they will receive an email with a secure link. For master’s applicants, we require three recommendations:- One from a Pastor/Clergy
- One from a Professor or Employer
- One from a Layperson
- Please do not use family members as references.
- Pay the application fee.
- Use a credit or debit card to pay the $60 non-refundable application fee.
- Start your online application.
- Create an account and begin here
- If you run into technical issues, please do not create a second account. Instead, contact us at admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or call 202-885-8659.
- Get ready for what’s next!
As a degree-seeking student, you can choose:
- Full-time: 9 or more credit hours per semester
- Part-time: 5–8 credit hours per semester
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Doctor of Ministry Program
The Doctor of Ministry program offers an advanced-level curriculum combining the experiences of ministry with the academic resources of the seminary. Wesley’s Doctor of Ministry Program enables pastors to develop an integrated theology of ministry that embraces the total life and mission of the church.
Doctor of Ministry Program
The Doctor of Ministry program offers an advanced-level curriculum combining the experiences of ministry with the academic resources of the seminary. Wesley’s Doctor of Ministry Program enables pastors to develop an integrated theology of ministry that embraces the total life and mission of the church.
Admission Timeline
October 15 – Application deadline for tracks beginning in January
February 15 – Application deadline for all tracks beginning in May
Doctor of Ministry tracks are limited to 20 candidates. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Master’s Courses/Certificates – Non-Degree Track
You don’t have to enroll in a full degree program to study at Wesley Theological Seminary—students and working professionals may take individual non-degree master’s courses or certificate offerings to deepen ministry practice, meet denominational or professional requirements, or pursue personal and spiritual growth. Offered in person, online, and in hybrid formats across theology, worship, leadership, pastoral care, and spiritual formation, these courses allow non-degree students to learn alongside degree-seeking seminarians with the flexibility to match their calling and schedule.
Master’s Courses/Certificates – Non-Degree Track
You don’t have to enroll in a full degree program to study at Wesley Theological Seminary—students and working professionals may take individual non-degree master’s courses or certificate offerings to deepen ministry practice, meet denominational or professional requirements, or pursue personal and spiritual growth. Offered in person, online, and in hybrid formats across theology, worship, leadership, pastoral care, and spiritual formation, these courses allow non-degree students to learn alongside degree-seeking seminarians with the flexibility to match their calling and schedule.
● Non-Degree Programs
Non-Degree Applicants
For students who wish to take graduate-level courses without enrolling in a full degree program.
Fall Semester
- Aug 15 – Final deadline for all non-degree applicants
Spring Semester
- Nov 30 – National Capital Semester for Seminarians
- Jan 15 – Final deadline for all non-degree applicants
Certificates
How to Apply as a Non-Degree Student
1. Submit your official transcripts.
Request transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions.
- Electronic transcripts:
Send to:
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu - Paper transcripts:
Mail to:
Wesley Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions – Attn: Transcripts
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
2. Prepare your resume.
Upload your current resume through the online application portal.
3. Pay the application fee.
There is a $60 non-refundable application fee, payable by credit or debit card.
4. Start your application.
Create your account and select “Non-Degree” from the program menu.
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
● Audit a Class
Step 1: Submit your transcripts.
To enroll in a course, we need transcripts from your previous undergraduate and/or graduate institutions.
- For audit only: Unofficial transcripts are accepted
- For credit or Continuing Education Units: Submit official transcripts
Send electronic transcripts to:
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Mail paper transcripts to:
Wesley Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions – Attn: JaNice Parks
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Step 2: Complete the non-degree application and registration form.
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
● Take a Class for Credit or Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Step 1: Submit your transcripts.
To enroll in a course, we need transcripts from your previous undergraduate and/or graduate institutions.
- For credit or Continuing Education Units: Submit official transcripts
Send electronic transcripts to:
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Mail paper transcripts to:
Wesley Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions – Attn: JaNice Parks
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Step 2: Complete the non-degree application and registration form.
Need Help?
We’re here to support you! Contact the Admissions Office:
202-885-8659
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Non-Credit Courses/Certificates
Wesley Theological Seminary welcomes learners who want to deepen their faith or expand their ministry skills without pursuing a full degree, offering non-degree options that let you take select graduate-level courses for personal enrichment, professional development, or denominational requirements. Whether you’re exploring a call to ministry, preparing for ordination, or seeking continuing education, non-degree study provides a flexible way to grow both spiritually and academically.
Non-Credit Courses/Certificates
Wesley Theological Seminary welcomes learners who want to deepen their faith or expand their ministry skills without pursuing a full degree, offering non-degree options that let you take select graduate-level courses for personal enrichment, professional development, or denominational requirements. Whether you’re exploring a call to ministry, preparing for ordination, or seeking continuing education, non-degree study provides a flexible way to grow both spiritually and academically.
● Certificate in Christian Studies
Wesley invites interested participants who desire theological enrichment and equipping for a particular ministry to enroll in non-credit courses in biblical studies, church history, theology and practical ministry. Students who complete six (6) courses may receive a “Certificate in Christian Studies” from Wesley Theological Seminary.
Course sessions will be held at Wesley’s campus, on selected weekends, from 1pm – 9pm on Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturday. Each course is comprised of two weekend sessions schedule approximately one month apart and are taken in conjunction with Wesley’s weekend Course of Study program.
Interested individuals should contact the Admissions Office for more information.
● Health Minister Certificate
Members of local faith communities, lay volunteers, clergy, seminarians, and allied healthcare professionals may be interested in the health minister certificate offered through the Heal the Sick Program. The Health Minister Certificate provides an introductory, educational foundation for individuals desiring core competency to serve as health ministers in a faith community setting. The main goal of the health ministry certificate is to equip various audiences with practical ministerial skills such as active listening, theological reflection, and connector to community resources.
● United Methodist Studies for Partner School Students: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Moravian Theological Seminary, Northeastern Seminary
Students from other seminaries with whom Wesley is partnered, who wish to take specific courses toward United Methodist ordination requirements at Wesley, should apply directly for admission as a non-degree student. In lieu of previous academic transcripts, these students may submit a “Letter of Good Standing” from the partner school Registrar to verify their academic standing and matriculation status. The application fee will not apply; however, the student will need to contact the Admissions Office.
● Washington Theological Consortium Students
Seminarians at a Washington Theological Consortium member institution may need to apply directly for admission to Wesley as a non-degree student if their home school does not participate in the Consortium during the J-Term or Summer Term. In lieu of previous academic transcripts, these students may submit a “Letter of Good Standing” from their home school Registrar to verify their academic standing and matriculation status.