Knowledge of the English Bible

A thorough knowledge of the English Bible is expected of all recipients of the M.Div., M.A.(Religion)., and M.A. degrees at Westminster. Every student entering the Seminary should do so with as comprehensive a knowledge of the English Bible as possible. Each student is required to pass the English Bible examination or the course PT 013P English Bible Survey. The English Bible Exam is a requirement for every student to be taken upon completing one year of full time study (or after completing 24 credit hours).  The exam cannot be taken prior to completing 24 credit hours, and cannot be taken later than the end of the winter term examination period of the year in which a student expects to graduate. If a student finishes coursework during the fall semester or winter term, the exam must be passed by the September of his or her last fall semester.

Students need a minimum score of 80 percent to pass the exam.  If the examination is not passed in the specified time with a minimum score of 80 percent, the student will be required to take PT 013P English Bible Survey.  For tuition charges, see Financial Information.

For more information about the online English Bible Exam, the study guide and the link to the exam, click here.

Advanced Theological Writing

The ability to produce quality written work in English is expected of all Westminster degree recipients. International students with extensive English language training, as well as those with advanced degrees in other professional fields, find it advantageous to learn the expectations of American academic writing; study the special features of theological genres; and receive feedback on their linguistic accuracy. The course PT 031P/033P Advanced Theological Writing is provided as a support for these students. All entering international students as well as non-native English speakers must take this class, unless their TOEFL and TWE score is higher than 630 (267 computer) and 5.5, respectively. Faculty members may also require students to enroll. See the course description on page 121 for further requirements.

Knowledge of the Biblical Languages

Because Westminster seeks to train "specialists in the Bible," it requires that all students demonstrate that they can read and understand the Bible in the languages in which it was written. Students must demonstrate that they can read most portions of the Bible in the original languages without assistance.

Normally, this level of competence is achieved after one year of language study at Westminster. However, students may learn the languages through other methods or programs of study as long as they can demonstrate competence on a language placement test taken at the beginning of enrollment in a degree program. Since most courses at Westminster in New Testament, Old Testament, and Systematic Theology require knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, students must satisfy the language requirement at the beginning of their degree program.

Westminster provides instruction in the biblical languages for students who have not previously studied them. Students who have studied Greek and/or Hebrew prior to enrollment may demonstrate their competence in Greek and/or Hebrew through Greek and Hebrew Language Placement Exams  administered upon enrollment. Students who demonstrate competency may receive advanced placement or a waiver for the introductory program of language study.