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English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency

To obtain more information:

TOEFL:
www.toefl.org

IELTS:
www.ielts.org

Applicants, for whom English is not their first language, are required to demonstrate evidence of mastery of the English language for graduate study. The standard for this is through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test. The seminary requires the following minimum scores for degrees:

TOEFL

  • ThM, DMin., and the Doctor of Intercultural Studies/EdD/PhD require a 25 on each of the four sections of the TOEFl-IBT (600 on the paper-based exam or 250 on the computer-based exam and a 4.5 writing score). 
  • MA in Counseling program requires a 20 each on reading and writing sections and 25 each on the speaking and listening sections of the TOEFL-IBT.
  • MDiv, MA (other than those mentioned above), Graduate Studies Diploma, and Graduate Studies Certificate require a 20 each on the four sections of the TOEFl-IBT (550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam and a 3.5 writing score).

IELTS

  • ThM, DMin, and Doctor of Intercultural Studies/EdD/PhD require a 7.0 or above in each area with a 7.0 overall score.
  • MA in Counseling program requires a 6.5 or above in the reading and writing; 7.0 or above in the speaking and listening with a 7.0 overall score.
  • MDiv, MA (other than those mentioned above), Graduate Studies Diploma, and Graduate Studies Certificate require a 6.5 or above in each area with a 6.5 overall score minimum.

Applicants should allow sufficient time for the results of the TOEFL or IELTS exams to be received in relation to application deadlines.

 

TOEFL/IELTS Waiver

For those who have completed higher education from an accredited institution in English, there may be the possibility to receive a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS exam requirement as proof of English proficiency. Please note that generally speaking, Master of Arts in Counseling students will be required to complete the TOEFL exam for proof of English proficiency. More information and a request to be considered for a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be made here.

 

The TOEFL institution code of Western Seminary, to be written on the test paper, is 4968.