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Answers for questions about admissions
- How do I apply for admission to AMBS?
- What degrees does AMBS offer?
- Can I get financial aid?
- Can I get a job on campus?
- Do you provide student housing?
- I work and have a family. Can I still be a student?
- I don't have a bachelor's degree. Can I still be a student at AMBS?
- May I visit the campus?
How do I apply for admission to AMBS?
You can apply for admission to AMBS by choosing the appropriate form below or contacting the admissions office at admissions@ambs.edu. These should be completed and returned at least two months before the anticipated time of entrance. In addition to the application, three references are required, including one from the applicant's pastor; a written personal statement of faith; a $30 application fee; and an official college or university transcript. A student transferring from another theological seminary and seeking transferred credit must request a transcript of his or her record and submit that to AMBS.
Online application forms
North American and international applicants can fill out our online form.
If you prefer to complete a print version of the form, please download, complete and mail the appropriate application below to the admissions office.
- US application packet (PDF)
- Canadian application packet (PDF)
- International application packet (PDF)
Reference forms Download and use all three forms (PDF):
Academic reference request form
Layperson reference request form
Pastoral reference request form
See each form for instructions.
One-course registration If you are only registering for one course or for an online course, please use the one course registration form.
What degrees does AMBS offer?
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary offers four graduate degrees and two dual-degree programs with Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.
Master of Divinity (90 credit hours)
The Master of Divinity degree is designed to educate and form Christian men and women for ministerial leadership of the congregation in a variety of church settings. Modified plans of study are available for those who wish to concentrate in pastoral care and counseling, mission and evangelism, theological studies, or youth ministry.
Master of Arts in Christian Formation (60 credit hours)
The Master of Arts in Christian Formation prepares students for ministry in several focused areas: spiritual formation and guidance, teaching ministry, worship and youth ministry. It is not intended to prepare people for independent ministerial leadership of the congregation.
Master of Arts: Peace Studies (60 credit hours)
The Master of Arts: Peace Studies degree prepares students for peace and justice ministries from congregational to global settings.
Master of Arts: Theological Studies (60 credit hours)
The Master of Arts: Theological Studies degree prepares students for stronger participation in the life, mission, and service of the church. It serves as the basis for further academic work and supplements professional training in other fields.
Dual-degree Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work (90 credit hours)
The dual-degree Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work prepares students for congregational leadership and certification in counseling or in administration and development of community programs.
Dual-degree Master of Arts: Peace Studies and Master of Social Work (60 credit hours)
The dual-degree Master of Arts: Peace Studies and Master of Social Work prepares students for community development in North American and in countries around the world.
Can I get financial aid?
All students admitted to the seminary are eligible to apply for financial aid. Aid is granted on a year-to-year basis, with reapplication and review required each year. The purpose of the financial aid program is to assist students who have limited resources in obtaining a seminary education. Financial aid consists of grants and loans. The program is administered primarily on the basis of demonstrated need, which is defined as the difference between the cost of attending seminary and the amount of personal and other non-seminary resources available to the student.
For more information, including our online application form, please visit the financial aid section.
Can I get a job on campus?
The seminary has a limited number of part-time jobs available on campus. Employment cannot be guaranteed, but such work as it available will be open for students who apply. Students who are not citizens of the United States and who enter the country on a student visa are restricted from some types of employment by regulation of the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Full-time students with F-1 or J-1 status may hold part-time jobs on campus during the school year (and full-time during the summer), but may not be employed off campus. Spouses of students on an F-1 visa may not be employed. Spouses of students on a J-1 visa may apply to the Immigration Serve for a work permit if financial need exists.
To see current positions open on campus, visit the Student employment page.
Do you provide student housing?
AMBS provides 38 units of various sizes for student rental. All units are equipped with a stove and refrigerator and have access to laundry facilities within the building. Most units come as furnished apartments, although unfurnished apartments are also available. Students are normally expected to provided their own linens, towels, kitchen utensils, and dishes. (These items are provided for international students and missionary/service workers.)
Rental rates vary according to the type and size of the unit, as well as the number of persons in the apartment. Pets are not permitted in campus housing or on the grounds. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for campus housing. A housing deposit of $100 for a single student or $200 for a couple or family must accompany the housing application. Half of the deposit is refundable if written cancellation is received by the director of student housing at least one month before the expected date of occupancy.
See more including photos of apartments ...
I work and have a family. Can I still be a student?
Pastors, teachers, lay leaders and others who may not be able to enroll for an extended period of study may come for short courses during the summer months, or during the three-week January Interterm. Most summer courses are two weeks in length and are scheduled during June, late July and early August. Housing on campus is available. A schedule of courses is available for the admissions office five to seven months in advance of the sessions and is posted on the AMBS website.
I don't have a bachelor's degree. Can I still be a student at AMBS?
A limited number of students who do not hold a BA degree or equivalent may be admitted for a Certificate in Theological Studies. Students who demonstrate their competence in the Certificate program may then be admitted to the MDiv Primary Program or the MA in Christian Formation program. Such admission requires special petition to the Admissions Committee by the faculty advisor after the student successfully completes at least twelve hours of resident study and meets other requirements for candidacy.
Only students who hold a BA degree or equivalent are eligible to enter the MATS or MAPS program.
May I visit the campus?
We invite you to come visit AMBS. It's one of the best ways to evaluate a seminary's academic programs. Arrangements made in advance with the Admissions Office will facilitate opportunities during your visit to meet with an admissions counselor, attend classes, worship in chapel and meet with faculty and students. AMBS invites all who are interested in or curious about seminary study to come to Open House, an event scheduled two times each year in March and November. The event is planned especially to let you sample study, worship and life at AMBS. If you cannot come to one of these planned events, call us at 1 (800) 964-2627 or email us and we'll arrange a visit just for you. Read more here.
