Admissions & Aid

All applicants to Olivet University should evidence strong a Christian character, potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, and the scholastic ability and emotional maturity to handle a higher education experience.

Graduate Admission Requirements

1. Application Form. Prospective students interested in applying to Olivet University must submit the application form from http://apply.myolivet.com/ Olivet University does not accept the Common Application

2. Admission Essay. Applicants must submit a written admission essay. Admission essay Part I should be approximately 700-1000 words in length describing their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Admission essay Part II should be no less than 1000 words, describing their reason for applying to the University and their study plan. All applicants to Olivet University should evince a strong Christian character, the potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, and the scholastic ability and emotional maturity to handle a higher education experience.

3. A bachelor's degree from a CHEA or USDE-accredited U.S. institution. Note: Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from a state-approved or non-accredited institution are encouraged to apply and ask for a transcript evaluation to determine whether conditional admission is possible. Applicants are responsible for making sure this information is mailed directly from the issuing educational institution to Olivet University:

Olivet University
Attn: Admissions
36401 Tripp Flats Rd.
Anza, CA 92539

4. A minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the institution's grading norms, for all coursework during the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation under the following provisions:

  • • The applicant must complete sixteen hours of graduate courses with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • • Successful completion of these requirements will lift the student's probationary status and allow him or her to continue in the degree program.
  • • An undergraduate background supported by undergraduate achievement, which would indicate the ability to engage successfully in graduate theological studies.

5. Proficiency in Bible knowledge. All graduate students must take a written comprehensive examination in the area of Bible knowledge upon matriculation.

6. Test Scores – Applicants must submit GRE/GMAT test scores, with exceptions.*

If an applicant submits multiple score reports, the highest score earned in every single subscore of the examination is used.

*NOTE: GRE/GMAT test scores are not required to establish the admission eligibility of applicants with bachelor’s degree program grade point averages of 3.00 or above on a 4.0 scale. While applicants are not required to submit test scores to Olivet if they earn at least a 3.00 average, it is recommended that they submit standardized admission tests, which can be helpful for advising and placement in appropriate courses.

7. Program Language Proficiency
A. Olivet University requires the submission of evidence for proficiency in the language of instruction. Instructions offered are only in the language(s) of the specific degree program enrolled/applied for. See the section on "Program Language Proficiency Requirements" below. Olivet University offers the following types of programs.

  • i. Degree programs in English. This is the regular type of degree program offered at Olivet University and as long as not noted otherwise in the enrollment agreement, all instructions at Olivet University are offered in English.
  • ii. Degree programs fully in Chinese. These degree programs exclusively require evidence for minimum Chinese language proficiency. All instructions at these programs are offered in Chinese only.
  • iii. Degree programs fully in Korean. These degree programs exclusively require evidence for minimum Korean language proficiency. All instructions at these programs are offered in Korean only.
  • iv. Degree programs with additional language proficiency requirements beyond the ones relating to the language of instruction. These language requirements normally relate to the original languages required for research and are separately listed in those program descriptions.

Note: Students enrolled in any of the programs described may demonstrate proficiency in additional languages of instruction throughout the course of study. Even though this allows registration of additional courses as they are available, more than half (50%) of the program must be completed in the original program language, or a change of program must be applied for.

B. Transcripts not in English must be evaluated by an appropriate third party and translated into English or evaluated by a trained transcript evaluator fluent in the language on the transcript.

In this case, the evaluator must have expertise in the educational practices of the country of origin and include an English translation of the review.

8. Recommendations. Applicants must submit at least three recommendation letters. One letter must be a reference from an Olivet Assembly (OA) church pastor who is familiar with the applicant's current church involvement. The other two recommendations should come from church members who can comment on your personal faith in Jesus Christ. This could be two committed members of your church. Recommendations may not be from a member of your immediate family or your spouse.
Additional recommendation - If applicants serve in another ministry besides their church, they can submit a reference from one of its leadership team members.

9. Statement of Faith – Applicants must sign Olivet University's Statement of Faith.

10. Application Fee – Applicants must submit a $75.00 non-refundable application fee.

Application Deadlines

Spring: February 15
Summer: May 15
Fall: June 30
Winter: November 15