1. Decide which program suits you
It’s important to choose the online theology program that best suits your needs, as our offerings are diverse. Take your time to explore your options, narrow down your choices, and discern the path God has prepared for you. Learn more about our programs today.
2. Check program requirements
With your chosen program in mind, review the specific requirements for applying, including prior education, any required tests, and the necessary application materials such as official transcripts and references. You should also ensure you are comfortable using technology for learning and communication throughout the program.
Admission Requirement for Diploma Programs
Admissions Requirements for the Diploma in Biblical Studies, Diploma in Christian Ministry, and Diploma in Spiritual Formation
- A recognized 4-year bachelors degree with a minimum of a B- average (2.70 GPA.)
- Official transcripts from all schools attended or a notarized letter accompanying a copy of the original transcript.
- A completed online admissions application, including a Personal Statement and Pastoral Reference.
- Applicants whose first language is not English, Mandarin, or Cantonese must meet language competency requirements to study in courses delivered in these respective languages. The options to satisfy these requirements are outlined below.
Admission Requirement for Master of Arts Programs
Admissions Requirements for the Master of Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (excluding MDiv)
- A recognized 4-year bachelors degree with a minimum of a B- average (2.70 GPA.)
- Official transcripts from all schools attended or a notarized letter accompanying a copy of the original transcript.
- A completed online admissions application, including a Personal Statement and Pastoral Reference.
- Applicants whose first language is not English, Mandarin, or Cantonese must meet language competency requirements to study in courses delivered in these respective languages. The options to satisfy these requirements are outlined below.
Admission Requirement for Master of Divinity
- A recognized 4-year bachelors degree with a minimum of a B- average (2.70 GPA.)
- Official transcripts from all schools attended or a notarized letter accompanying a copy of the original transcript.
- A completed online admissions application, including a Personal Statement and Pastoral Reference.
- Applicants whose first language is not English, Mandarin, or Cantonese must meet language competency requirements to study in courses delivered in these respective languages. The options to satisfy these requirements are outlined below.
Admission Requirement for Advanced Diploma
- A recognized theological masters degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of B- average (2.70 GPA).
- A letter of affirmation from the church where the applicant is a member.
- A completed online admissions application, including two letters of reference, at least one being a pastoral reference.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended or a notarized letter accompanying a copy of the original transcript must be submitted.
- An interview with the admissions officer or program committee member OR submission of a brief video responding to interview questions concerning admission.
- A sample academic paper or other formal written piece demonstrating one’s ability to write at the doctoral level—building a cogent argument, communicating effectively, formatting appropriately, etc. (This requirement can be satisfied by submitting (a) an unmarked version of a research paper written for another academic program, or (b) a substantial article written for formal or informal publication, or (c) a thoughtful 1,000-word essay or book review on a subject related to the Advanced Diploma program.)
- Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy competency requirements in this area to study in courses that are delivered in English. Options to satisfy this requirement are outlined below.
Admission Requirement for Doctor of Ministry
- A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree or its equivalent (72 graduate level credits) from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (or equivalent), with a minimum of B+ average (3.3 GPA).
- A minimum of three years in active professional ministry after graduation, and being currently engaged in ministry
- A completed online admissions application, including three letters of reference: One academic reference, one character reference, and one reference from a ministry supervisor
- Verification of church affiliation.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
- A letter of endorsement in support of enrollment in the Doctor of Ministry program from the congregation or employing agency, indicating support for D.Min. studies, financial assistance (if any), and clearance of sufficient time to undertake doctoral studies.
- A current C.V.
- A written statement of 1,000 words detailing: (1) Ministry experience and view of ministry; (2) Reasons for pursuing D.Min. education; (3) Goals for the program and vision for the future of your ministry; (4) Proposed area of interest for ministry project and key ministry questions
- A sample academic paper or other formal written piece demonstrating one’s ability to write at the doctoral level—building a cogent argument, communicating effectively, formatting appropriately, etc. (This requirement can be satisfied by submitting (a) an unmarked version of a research paper written for another academic program, or (b) a substantial article written for formal or informal publication, or (c) a thoughtful 1,000-word essay or book review on a subject related to the D.Min. program.)
- Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy competency requirements in this area to study in courses that are delivered in English. Options to satisfy this requirement are outlined below.
3. How can I prepare myself?
Learn more about Carey's expectation and commitment to your online theological education,
and what you will need to successfully complete your degree.
What can I expect as a student?
Learn about Carey’s Academic Year
Carey's academic year consists of four (4) terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer term. Each term is ten (10) weeks, with a three (3) weeks break in between terms.
What will participation in class look like?
Coursework typically includes these segments: Online Readings, Forum Discussions, and Assignments.
Readings are generally completed on a weekly basis (100+ pages for Masters & 200+ pages for Doctoral students), with introduction and conclusion videos provided by the instructor to guide you through that week's reading materials.
Student will also be expected to engage with their instructor and peers in an online discussion forum to share their ideas and reflect on their new ideas.
Assignments are done either individually or in a group.
Online teaching format through Zoom
Coursework also includes mandatory online classroom Zoom sessions to connect with their instructor and fellow peers for reflection, discipleship, and integrated learning.
It is a requirement to attend all Zoom session, in order to graduate. Students are expected to be capable in learning and using technology for communication and education.
Expect 2-3 hours of studying per day
Carey's programs are designed for part-time students who continue to work full-time secular jobs or pastors in their context. Coursework typically requires 15 hours per week. For Master students, each course is about 127.5 hours. For Doctoral students, each course is about 150 hours.
Carey understands each student might have busy schedules in family, ministry, and daily life. It is important to maintain a regulated schedule in completing coursework; this is to ensure that students are keeping on top of their studies.
Program Language Requirements
English is the primary language of instruction at Carey Theological College, and is essential for study in most Carey degree and diploma programs. All prospective students applying to programs in which English is used for instruction must demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency before they can be admitted.
Options to Satisfy English Language Competency Requirement for Non-Native Speakers
- Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to enrolling at Carey Theological College.
- Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending Carey.
- Achieve a grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of BC English 12 or English Literature 12 or the equivalent.
- Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A1 or A2 (higher-level or standard-level).
- Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
- Achieve the competence standard indicated by Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in academic settings. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills necessary for effective communication and successful coursework. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory results from an internet-based TOEFL test taken within the last two years. Use Carey’s code number 5981 when indicating Carey as a score recipient. Scores will be sent to Carey directly from Educational Testing Service. (TOEFL is available from Education Testing Service at www.ets.org). Refer to minimum required scores below.
- Achieved an overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS test (TOEFL iBT 79-95), with no less than 6.0 (TOEFL iBT 60-78) in all language competency requirements.
- Students can appeal the English-language requirement when they apply to Carey by providing a written record of their English language experience in school, workplace, and life. The admissions committee may require a writing sample to assess an applicant’s language competency. The Admissions Committee will consider the student’s qualifications and the Committee’s decision will be final.
Chinese Language Requirements for Graduate Programs
Students who are enrolled in programs delivered entirely in Cantonese, or Mandarin must demonstrate verbal and written competency in the language of instruction. Normally, the applicant must obtain an equivalent of an undergraduate education in the specific language program a student will be enrolled in. The admissions committee may require a writing sample to assess an applicant’s language competency.
Transferring Credits & Advanced Standing
Shared/Transfer Credits and Advanced Standing
Students with previous theological training from a recognized institution may be granted certain credits toward their program of study upon application, if courses in question have been taken within the past ten years and meet required accreditation standards. A specified maximum number of credits may be earned through advanced standing (no more than 25% of the program), course transfers, or shared credits. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to decide on the total number of transfer, shared, and advanced standing credits given to a student to fulfill the specific requirements of a particular academic program. Assessment of shared/transfer credit and advanced standing is normally done in conjunction with admission, though the two decisions are made independently. You will be asked to signal your desire for an assessment of shared/transfer credit and/or advanced standing as part of your admission process.
Shared Credit
Where a student has completed an academic program at another accredited seminary or religious institution, and a particular graduate course taken as part of that program can be shown to have specific relevance to one’s Master’s program at Carey, shared credits may be awarded. A minimum grade of B- is required and the course must have been taken within the last 10 years. The number of shared credits received will be dependent on the discretion of the Admissions Committee, in consultation with ATS guidelines and policies. Shared credits must be processed at the time of admission.
Transfer Credits
Where a student has completed coursework but not an academic program at another accredited seminary or religious institution, and a particular graduate course taken in that setting can be shown to have relevance to one’s Master’s program at Carey, the course may be applied as transfer credit. Transfer of prior course credits must be processed at the time of admission.
Students who wish to take courses at another institution for credit after admission to Carey must receive prior written approval. Requests for credit toward all degrees should be made to the Registrar. After written approval is received and a Letter of Permission (LOP) is granted, the student must make application and register for such courses with the appropriate institution. On completion, an official transcript must be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Transfer credit is awarded only if the grade achieved is at least of the average grade required to graduate the Carey program. There is a fee for transfer credits. Carey course offerings are published in advance so that students may plan their course load to fulfill the requirements of their program. Students should note the maximum number of transfer credits that are acceptable.
Maximum combined shared/transferred credits that can be applied to a Carey degree program: DMin: 9; MDiv: 36; MASF: 24; MACM: 24
For certificate and diploma programs, no more than 1⁄2 of the required credits can be transferred/shared.
Advanced Standing With Credit
Advanced Standing with Credit is the process by which a student’s prior learning through degree program coursework in an accredited undergraduate institution is recognized as providing limited equivalency to the requirements of a seminary degree program, allowing a corresponding reduction in graduate credits required for graduation. It is a way of acknowledging that some students enter seminary with an extensive background in theological study that overlaps to some degree with what is covered in the seminary program, in a manner that would not be true of the typical seminary student who lacks that background. (A parallel process is occasionally applied for students with Th.M. credits or two Master’s degrees who seek Advanced Standing toward the D.Min.)
When assessing Advanced Standing with Credit, the Office of the Registrar will review a student’s undergraduate transcripts, identifying areas of correspondence with core classes required in the Carey program. Credit will be granted for the relevant Carey courses based on assessed equivalency.
Advanced standing may not be awarded for required electives. No more than 25% of credits required for the Carey program may be covered through Advanced Standing. Normally Advanced Standing is granted only to students who have completed a theological undergraduate degree whose program focus is similar to that of the Carey degree, where there is a clear specialization (50-60+ credits) in the area where Advanced Standing is sought. Ministry experience cannot be used to substitute for academic credits. In some cases ministry experience plus an advanced guided study may be permitted to substitute for some introductory courses within the Advanced Standing quota on a Prior Learning Assessment basis with the approval of the VP Academic.
Please note that Advanced Standing “credits” are non-transferrable, and can only be used in the context of the relevant Carey degree program. They are not applicable to Certificates or Diplomas.
Maximum Advanced Standing credits: D.Min.: 6; M.Div.: 18; MPM: 12; MASF: 12; MACM: 12
What is a Mature Student status?
Mature Student status is a special subset of Provisional admission, applicable to graduate programs (M.Div., MPM, MASF, MACM and graduate Diplomas). It may be granted to students who do not have a completed undergraduate degree, but who have sufficient relevant work and/or life experience to prepare them for study in the degree program.
A prospective student must be 30 years of age or older to be considered for admission under Mature Student status. He/she must provide a detailed summary of relevant training and experience which demonstrate readiness for theological study at the graduate level. This should include an account of learning opportunities experienced, of work and ministry history, with other relevant life experience. Please provide dates and length of time in various roles, specific information on courses and training taken, and on relevant achievements (eg: ordination, certification, publications, etc.). Because educational equivalence must involve reflection as well as simple experience, please also include information on reading and professional development practices, and identify ways in which your life and ministry experiences have been the subject of focused reflection, and especially of reflection in conversation with other peers and supervisors.
Once the Admissions Committee has reviewed the prospective student’s dossier and granted admission under Mature Student status, the student will be admitted to the relevant program on a provisional basis. Note that though a student may be admitted directly to a degree program on a Mature Student basis, in most cases those who enter with Mature Student status are admitted initially to a graduate Diploma program. This allows the candidate to engage in graduate studies, and it can become a pathway into admission into a graduate degree. (For those with Mature Student status, admission to the Diploma does not guarantee subsequent admission to a Degree.)
Whether a student is admitted to a Diploma or Degree program, entering with Mature Student status is understood to be admission on a provisional basis. He/she must maintain a minimum final grade of at least B- on each of the first 5 foundational courses taken (15 credit hours). At the completion of 15 credits, the Admissions Committee will assess the student’s academic work, which will lead either to full admission or denial of entry to the program.
Note that normally a student admitted under Mature Student status retains that designation throughout the degree program, even after full admission. In some cases undergraduate degree completion equivalency can be established through a combination of recognition for courses taken and a formal Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) review by the Student Life Office, in which case Mature Student status may be dropped and Regular Student Status granted.
Accreditation regulations require that Carey limit the number of Mature Students who are active in any Master’s Degree program at any one time. This has several practical Implications:
- Even though a prospective student has the appropriate qualifications to receive Mature Student status, Carey may not be able to grant admission to a degree program on this basis if Mature Student quotas have already been filled. Carey reserves the right to prioritize student applications for Mature Student status, based on strength of candidates’ application, perceived benefit of the program to the student, and perceived contribution of the student to the program.
- Carey reviews and approves applications for Mature Student status at fixed intervals during the year—normally in early summer, with the option of a second review in January. This is different from regular admission to Carey programs, which is continuous throughout the year.
- Carey reserves the right to require Mature Students to enroll in a higher number of courses per year than what is normally needed to maintain current student status in a degree program. Mature Students are currently required to take a minimum of 2 courses per year, for credit, in order to maintain their current student status. Those who fail to maintain this level of enrolment may be deemed inactive in the degree program and registered in the corresponding Diploma; re-admission will be required in order to regain active status in the graduate degree.
View our Academic Catalogue.
4. Tuition, scholarship, and financial aid options
Take a look at the costs associated with your program and research the financial resources available to you to cover those costs, including: scholarships, loans, work-study or other employment, or personal savings.
5. Apply for our program
Once you have done your research, get started on your application to become a Carey student!
Fill out our All Students Application Form. If you have any questions during the application process, our Admissions Officer would love to help.
Admissions Deadlines
Carey operates by rolling admissions. Students can apply and start their programs at the start of the following term during the Academic Year.
September 3rd, 2024
Fall Term Application Deadline
February 28th, 2025
Spring Term Application Deadline
December 2nd, 2024
Winter Term Application Deadline
March 4th, 2025
Summer Term Application Deadline
View Academic Calendar >>
6. Wait for admission approval
Once we receive your completed form and the reference letter (if applicable), we will review your application in our next monthly admission meeting. You will be notified of the admission response within 2 weeks after the decision is made.
