Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Wheaton’s mission statement expresses the stable and enduring identity of the College - our reason for existence and our role in society and the church. All the purposes, goals, and activities of the College are guided by this mission. Wheaton College serves Jesus Christ and advances His Kingdom through excellence in liberal arts and graduate programs that educate the whole person to build the church and benefit society worldwide. This mission expresses our commitment to do all things "For Christ and His Kingdom." Students must be able to affirm this mission and our community covenant. We also encourage students to review the statement of faith which all Wheaton staff and faculty affirm, in order to understand the Christian heritage which serves as the foundation for our community. If you are not a Christian, Wheaton would not be the best choice of colleges for you as the goal and mission of the school is to prepare students to serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

All Wheaton faculty, staff, and graduate students must affirm Wheaton's Statement of Faith. This document outlines the core theological beliefs affirmed by the Wheaton College community.

All incoming students must agree to participate fully in Wheaton's Community Covenant. This document establishes the basic biblical standards for godly Christian character and behavior in order to establish a campus atmosphere that encourages healthy spiritual, moral and intellectual growth.

Application deadlines vary by program. Check your program to view the admission deadlines and requirements.

Entrance exam requirements vary by program.

Financial aid, including loans and scholarships, are available for graduate students.

Yes, graduate students have the option of living on campus or off campus. On campus, there are a limited number of one-bedroom apartments and houses.

A limited number of assistantships may be available in each graduate academic department. Some duties include clerical work, test grading, and classroom or research assistance. Pay is on an hourly basis up to ten hours per week and second semester students are given preference. Inquire and submit an application directly to the academic department.

Some programs, such as the M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership and the M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development, encourage students to apply for program-tailored Graduate Assistantships and Graduate Residential Advisor positions. 

The department chair for your program and the Registrar's Office will make the official determination after you have enrolled of what credit can transfer. At least 75% of the total hours required for your Wheaton College Graduate School program must be taken from Wheaton. Courses cannot be transferred if they have a grade lower than B-, were used toward an earned graduate degree, or were taken eight or more years before enrollment at Wheaton. Students must complete their last semester of study at Wheaton.

You can defer enrollment for up to an entire academic year for any program - except Ph.D./Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and M.A. in Marriage and Family, which require approval. For the second year of deferral, you will need to re-apply with the short app form. For the third-year deferral and beyond, you will need to submit a new application. An exception may be made for international students with circumstances beyond their control with the F1 visa denials. If you have already confirmed and need to change your status, please contact the the Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu or 800.888.0141. 

Please visit International Admissions. TOEFL scores are required if your degree is from a non-U.S. college and you are not a citizen of Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, or the British West Indies.

The Wheaton College Graduate School does not offer an Master of Divinity degree, but some students who pursue an M.Div. after studying at Wheaton can transfer credit into the M.Div. or demonstrate fulfillment of some of its competency requirements.

If you are not seeking a graduate degree or have missed the application deadline, you may submit the Graduate Short Application. Special students can apply up to twelve credit hours taken as a special student toward a degree program. The Graduate School is not obligated in any way to accept a special student for degree status.