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In general, undergraduate program applicants must have a high school diploma, SAT or ACT scores, and demonstrate an ability to complete baccalaureate studies. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant's complete application file.
Graduate program applicants must normally have a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an institution accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation body. Graduate applicants should have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and are expected to possess a basic understanding of the Bible and the essentials of the Christian faith so as to be able to engage in meaningful graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant's complete application file.
Admission depends on factors beyond the applicant's previous academic history. Acceptance to study for ministries of the church involves qualities of the whole person. Therefore, the seminary seeks students who are committed to Christ and who desire to live lives consistent with the teachings of Scripture. It is expected that such students will be emotionally suited for Christian service, intellectually capable of rigorous academic discipline, sensitive to the needs of the total community, able to demonstrate personal integrity, and willing to grow morally and spiritually.
Faith Seminary reserves the right to draw conclusions regarding the Christian profession of all applicants. The seminary also reserves the right to admit or deny admission to any individual with a theological position or personal lifestyle not in accordance with the biblical and ethical standards established and determined by the Word of God. The final authority for the definition of biblical and ethical matters lies with the Governing Board of the seminary. All applicants must read, respect, and uphold the basic doctrinal statement and code of conduct of the seminary.
Faith Seminary is authorized under Federal law to issue I-20 forms through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) system and to enroll nonimmigrant international students.
An international student refers to an applicant who is not a citizen of the United States. International students must meet all of the stated admissions requirements and follow the same application procedures specified in this catalog. In addition, international students must submit the following:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language normally is required of all applicants for whom English is not his or her first language. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based) is required for acceptance to the seminary.
The applicant must show evidence of adequate financial resources to live and study in the USA. This includes an official summary statement of available financial support from the student, the student's family or other financial guarantors in the USA or the home country of the applicant. An official bank statement verifying financial resources for a year of seminary study must be submitted.
In order for the applicant to receive the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) necessary to obtain the visa for non-immigrant students, the following conditions must be satisfied:
Situated in a residential area of north Tacoma the seminary building provides classrooms, offices, a library, and a bookstore. The city of Tacoma is located 30 miles south of Seattle in the southern part of the picturesque Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest. The area is renowned for the majestic beauty of Mt. Rainier and is within a two-hour drive of the Pacific Ocean. The seminary does not have on-campus housing facilities. However, off-campus accommodations for single and married students are within easy walking distance of the school. The responsibility for housing agreements is solely between the tenant (student) and the householder or apartment manager.
Official transcripts bearing the seal of the seminary may be issued upon a written and signed request accompanied by the current transcript fee ($5.00 for each transcript).
Telephone requests are insufficient for the release of any transcript. Email or faxed requests (with signature) are allowable. Unofficial transcripts may be issued to the student. To release a transcript, the student's financial accounts must be current. Official transcripts normally are sent directly to academic institutions or to denominational representatives. Occasionally, an institution will require the student to collect official transcripts. In that case the official transcript will be issued to the student in a sealed envelope. If the seal is broken the official transcript becomes invalid.
Registration is mandatory and ensures that students receive credit for courses taken during a quarter and that an accurate transcript record is developed. Registration dates for all students are stated in the academic calendar. Resident, distance, or online students cannot be admitted to classes or receive course materials without formal registration. Resident, distance, or on-line students are required to register for courses two weeks before the beginning of each quarter and have all work completed by the end of the same quarter.
Registration after the registration period or during the first week of classes constitutes late registration and a late registration fee must be paid. All students must pay tuition and fees on or before the first day of the new quarter, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Registrar. Registration for any course after the first two weeks of the quarter is not allowed without special permission from the professor and the Registrar.
Besides registering for courses on campus, students are able to register online (click "Registration"). On campus or online registration is preferred. Registration forms may also be mailed to the seminary or faxed (253.759.1790). Payment by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or an approved bank draft allows immediate shipment of materials for distance education students and provides immediate access for online students.