Admissions
Learn More & Apply
Anyone desiring admission to the seminary must complete an application at least four weeks prior to registration. Students who have not attended in two years must update their application. Application for admission is through the BMA Seminary Admissions and Recruiting office. Email the office directly at [email protected] for more information or click the “Get More info” tab.
Seminary Catalog
You may view our current catalog of services here.
Requirements for All Students
Application
Anyone desiring admission to the seminary must file an application for admission at least four weeks prior to registration. Students who have not attended in two years must reapply.
Research & Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate proficiency in writing and research. Prior academic work, entrance testing, and/or previous research papers will be used in evaluating a student’s ability. Students with deficiencies in English and grammar will be required to take a developmental English course at a local college. Students with deficiencies in research and writing will be required to take RE 314 Composition Skills for the Seminary Student. With evidence of deficiency, the Dean may require any student to enroll in the RE 314 course. Undergraduate students may take RE 314 to earn elective credit toward their degree.
Computer Proficiency
All students must demonstrate a basic proficiency in the use of computers by passing either collegiate/seminary courses or a proficiency exam. See details on technical and proficiency requirements here.
Previous Academic Training
Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary is primarily a finishing school for religious workers. The highest academic standards possible shall be maintained. Standards of the Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools limit the number of students who can be accepted from non-accredited colleges.
English Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate a minimum composite score of 80 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Nondiscrimination in Admissions
BMA Seminary does not discriminate against any qualified person on grounds of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, or physical handicap. This policy applies to all admissions and academic policies and other school administered programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has exempted BMA Seminary from certain specified regulatory provisions of Title IX to the extent that compliance with those provisions would conflict with the Baptist Missionary Association of America’s religious tenets. Applicants are asked to review the BMAA Doctrinal Statement during the application process, which contains all our religious tenets. The Seminary Dean serves as the institution’s Title IX Coordinator. For more information on compliance with Title IX, contact the Dean at P.O. Box 670/1530 E. Pine St., Jacksonville, TX 75766 or at 903-586-2501.
Graduate Admissions
Normally, applicants for admission to master’s studies are required to have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Applicants who have degrees from institutions not regionally accredited (SACSCOC, North Central, etc.) but recognized by regionally accredited colleges and universities in the state where they are located, or accredited by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association, or who do not have a grade point average of 2.5 may be admitted by the Admissions Committee on a probationary basis. Students who do not attain a 2.5 grade point average during the first semester of studies (the probationary period) and maintain a minimum 2.5 average throughout the program of studies are discontinued.
Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who do not have a baccalaureate degree, but who have completed a minimum of 100 semester hours of college work (including 75 hours in liberal arts courses), with the stipulation that no more than thirty-three hours of master’s work may be taken before their bachelor’s requirements have been completed. Students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Religion program at BMA Seminary will be permitted to enroll concurrently in B.A.R. and master’s level courses after they have satisfied the 100-hour prerequisite. The thirty-three-hour limit is also applicable to these students.
Transfer Courses
Applicants who meet the graduate admissions requirements may transfer up to eighteen (18) semester hours of work from an accredited institution (organizations recognized by the CHEA) toward the requirements of the Master of Arts (Religion) degree, twenty-seven (27) semester hours toward the Master of Arts in Church Ministries degree, or forty-two (42) semester hours toward the Master of Divinity degree, if the courses are considered equivalent in level, content, and quality to those offered at BMATS and satisfy program requirements, and if an official transcript can be supplied showing a grade of “C” or above for each course that is transferred. Credits earned where a letter grade of “D” is received may not be transferred.
Undergraduate Admissions
Associate of Divinity (ADiv)
Applicants for admission to the ADiv degree program must be twenty-five (25) years of age or older and be capable of benefiting from the program of studies. As a rule, these applicants will be required to show proof of graduation from high school. Individuals who did not graduate from high school may be approved for admission by the Admissions Committee on a probationary basis. Capability is determined after the first semester of studies (the probationary period). Students who attain and maintain a minimum grade point average (2.0) are removed from probation and placed in good standing; otherwise, they are discontinued.
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Applicants for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree program must have completed a minimum of fifty (50) semester hours toward an Associate of Arts degree (or hold an A.A. or equivalent) at a regionally accredited college or university (or an institution not regionally accredited [SACSCOC, North Central, etc.] but recognized by regionally accredited colleges and universities in the state where it is located, or accredited by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association), with the provision that all deficiencies in the A.A. are completed before the bachelor’s degree is conferred. Ordinarily they will be required to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 “C.” All students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 throughout the program. Students who do not have a 2.0 grade point average, but have completed 50 semester hours of studies toward the A.A., or have an A.A. degree (or equivalent), may be admitted by the Admissions Committee on a probationary basis. After one semester of studies, if students have not attained a 2.0 grade point average, they are discontinued
Transfer Courses
Applicants who meet the undergraduate admissions requirements may transfer up to thirty-three (33) semester hours of work from an accredited institution (or, with approval by the Admissions Committee, from an institution not regionally accredited but recognized by regionally accredited colleges and universities in the state where it is located or accredited by organizations recognized by the CHEA) toward the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree or the Associate of Divinity degree, if the courses are considered equivalent in level, content, and quality to those offered at BMATS and satisfy program requirements, and if an official transcript can be supplied showing a grade of “C” or above for each course that is transferred. Credits earned from courses where a letter grade of “D” is received may not be transferred.
International Admissions
Non-immigrant Students
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. In addition to general admission requirements, proof and guarantee of financial means of support (use I-134 or I-864 to verify $15,500 annually) and a $3,000 deposit ($1,000 of which is non-refundable; $2,000 to be used toward applicable student expenses as deemed necessary by the institution) are required of international students prior to the issue of an I-20. Students are responsible for complying with all U.S. immigration student visa requirements, including the I-901 fee. Forms are available at www.uscis.gov.
English Proficiency
Prior to the issue of an I-20, applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate a minimum composite score of 80 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS).
International Transcript
Prospective students must submit international transcripts and a credential evaluator’s report of those international transcripts. Evaluators must be rated an “A” or higher by the better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
Please complete this form: Contact Info for International Students and dependents
How to Apply
Read the instructions for the application very carefully to ensure you fill it out properly.
Step One
Fill Out Application
The online application consists of six sections that must be completed before the application is submitted. If you are unable to complete a portion of the application, you can hit the “Save and Finish Later” button so you can return later to finish the application. All the information previously entered will remain available for you to review and modify. You must completely fill out each section of the application before progressing to the next one and be sure to electronically sign and date it as the final step.
Step Two
Provide Documentation
Even in our highly electronic world, some things still need to be done on paper. Get all the requested documents together and send them in to the seminary to complete the application process or upload directly to the site. Remember, all transcripts, reference forms and the church validation need to be sealed and sent directly to BMA Seminary at P.O. Box 670, Jacksonville, TX 75766.
Step Three
Acceptance and Registering
The Admissions Committee meets regularly to review applications. You will be notified by phone, e-mail, or letter when your application has been approved or denied.
If and when you are accepted, class schedules and registration forms are available on our website. As part of the registration process, you must call the Dean’s Office and speak to an adviser to discuss your class schedule.
Tuition and Fees
Regular Expenses
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Tuition – $325.00 per semester hour ($975 for a 3 hour course)
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Audit Fee – $325.00 per course
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Payment Plan Fee – $30.00 per payment plan
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Directed Studies Fee – $325.00 per course
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Internship/Supervised Ministry Fee – $325.00 per course.
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Incomplete Fee – $325.00 per course
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Advanced Standing Fee – $325.00 per course
Common Fees
- Distance Learning Fee (including online)—$100.00 per course (in addition to tuition)
- Laboratory Fee—$35.00 per course (in addition to tuition)
- Directed Studies Fee—$325.00 per course (in addition to tuition)
- Internship/Supervised Ministry Fee—$325.00 per course (in addition to tuition)
Occasionally Charged Fees
- Application Fee—$35.00
- Late Registration Fee—$120.00 (for students who register after the dates specified in the Academic Calendar at the front of the catalog)
- Add/Drop Fee—$20.00 per course
- Late Payment Fee—$10.00
- Moodle Reinstatement Fee—$15.00 per reinstatement
- Incomplete Fee—$325.00 per course for students who receive an incomplete grade for a course and complete course requirements during the following semester
- Advanced Standing Fee—$325.00 per course
- Graduation Fee—graduating students are only charged the seminary’s cost for items required for graduation. As these costs vary from year to year, the graduation fee cannot be calculated until the semester of graduation. The cost in previous years has averaged around $70.
Refund of Tuition
All withdrawals from specific classes or the seminary must begin with the Dean’s Office.
Withdrawals during Fall, Spring, and Summer Online semesters
Any seminary student who officially withdraws during a regular semester (fall or spring) or a summer online semester will receive a refund on tuition according to the following schedule:
- Before the first week of the semester: 100%
- During the first week of the semester: 80%
- During the second week of the semester: 60%
- During the third week of the semester: 40%
- During the fourth week of the semester: 20%
- During the fifth week or thereafter: 0%
Withdrawals during Winter and Summer Motion semesters
Any seminary student who officially withdraws from a Motion course will receive a refund on tuition according to the following schedule:
- Seven days prior to the first day of class: 100%
- During the first day of class: 50%
- After the first day of class: 0%
Refunds are only offered for tuition. All fees, including audit fees, are non-refundable.
Policy for Determining Credit Hours
This policy explains how BMA Seminary determines credit hours for its courses.
Financial Aid
However, obtaining a seminary education is a serious financial commitment. Here you can find information on how much seminary costs and various ways that you can find financial assistance that will make seminary possible for you.
Ultimate Provider
At BMA Seminary we know that the Lord who owns the cattle on a thousand hills has enough money to pay for your seminary education. As you consider the financial aspects of seminary, we encourage you not to forget the most important resource you have: prayer.
Scholarships
All students at BMA Theological Seminary are assisted by the churches of the BMA of America. Since a significant portion of the costs of seminary education are met by generous donors and supporters, this enables tuition to remain as low as possible for all students. This is, in effect, a significant scholarship.
Any student who qualifies for enrollment in BMA Theological Seminary is eligible to apply for an academic scholarship. A student who wishes to apply for an academic scholarship should contact the Dean’s Office. Scholarship funds will be granted or denied, based upon the need of the individual student as revealed by the application, and the availability of funds, as determined by the Scholarship Committee.
Federal Student Aid
Pell Grants
Undergraduate students (B.A.R. and A.Div.) who have need of assistance in order to continue their education may make application for a Pell Grant. Students who can show need may qualify for grants up to $6,895 per year.*
Funds received through this source must be used for educational expenses. Application for Pell Grants must be completed accurately at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If a grant is awarded, the funds will be disbursed by the Business Office.
*2022-2023 maximum award amount. Figures are adjusted annually by United States Department of Education.
Student Loans
Both undergraduate and graduate students who have need of assistance to continue their education may make application for a student loan at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and at studentloans.gov. Students must complete items at both sites as well as a Loan Request Verification form from the Dean’s Office. Loan limits apply per a student’s degree and year of study.
Disbursement
All Pell Grants are disbursed at the beginning of each enrollment period (usually near October 1 and March 1), one-half at the beginning of the fall semester and one-half at the beginning of the spring semester.
Student loans are disbursed in four payments throughout the academic year. Normally, one-fourth of payments are disbursed at the beginning and near the end of the fall and spring enrollment periods.
Seminary policy requires that all aid be used first to pay tuition, fees, housing costs, or other institutional expenses.
Veteran’s Administration
The Seminary has approved programs for students who receive educational assistance allowances from the Veteran’s Administration. Contact the Dean’s Office for details.
Payment Plans
Students are to pay their tuition and fees in full upon registration. However, when severe financial difficulties exist, the student may make other arrangements with the Business Manager. All installment payment plans are subject to a Payment Plan Fee and must be approved by the Business Manager. The following guidelines shall apply:
For a student who has enrolled in a regular semester of studies:
100% of fees and books due at registration
25% of tuition due at registration
25% of tuition due on the 15th of the next three months following registration
Motion Course: when taking one course only
100% of tuition, books and fees upon registration
Motion Course: when taking more than one Motion course during a summer or winter session;
60% of tuition for all sessions plus registration fee due at registration (a single registration fee is charged for all sessions)
40% due by start of second Motion course
100% of books due at registration upon purchase
A student is not officially enrolled in any class until he or she has either paid tuition and fees in full or signed a tuition contract that has been approved by the Business Manager.
Failure to pay tuition payments when they are due will result in dismissal from the Seminary. Students will not be allowed to attend classes or access Moodle until matters are settled with the seminary business office. Late tuition payments are subject to a Late Payment Fee and students may have to pay a Moodle Reinstatement Fee to regain access to their courses. Great effort will be made to avoid legal actions for collection of funds owed to the seminary. Students are expected to meet their financial obligations to the seminary in a timely and Christian manner.
Student Life
Students at BMA Seminary form a close-knit community. Families work, study, play, and worship together. Students are able to fellowship through regular celebrations and meals held throughout the year and, of course, between classes.
Areas We Serve
BMATS is proud to attract students throughout Texas, and across the nation. We welcome students from Tyler, TX, Lufkin, TX, Longview, TX, Tulsa, OK, Shreveport, LA, and many more locations.