Graduate Admission

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Admission Requirements

Prospective students desiring admission to pursue a graduate-level degree at CCCB are expected to have completed a Bachelor’s degree. 

  • Application for Graduate Admission
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended with a minimum 2.5 GPA (preference is given to those with exposure to Christian higher education)
    • Former Central, Cincinnati Christian University or St. Louis Christian College  Students will not be charged for official  CCCB transcripts provided to the Admissions Office  - the Academic Office will provide an official copy directly to the Admissions Office on behalf of the student.
  • Writing sample, received by admissions and reviewed by the Dean of the Russell School of Ministry
  • Resume
  • Interview with the Dean of the Russell School of Ministry

A writing sample may be waived if  the student has higher than a 3.0 GPA with a bachelor's degree from a Bible College, or the candidate has work experience in ministry. 

International Graduate Admission

International graduate applicants have the same admission requirements as domestic students but are also required to be proficient in English. International students are also expected to demonstrate sufficient financial support to attend CCCB. 

In addition to the application materials required for domestic applicants, international applicants are also required to provide the following materials for admission consideration:

International graduate applicants must meet the following minimum English proficiency standards:

  1. Evidence of English Competency 

A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score is required.

  • Minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), or 61 (internet-based) or a minimum IELTS score of 5.0. We will also accept Duolingo Test Scores as proof of English Proficiency if the test score exceeds 105.

The TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo  can be waived if applicants:

  • Prior to review for admission, came from an English-speaking country 
  • Have received a US high school diploma or graduated from an international high school in their home country (with all English instruction)
  • Enrolled for at least one semester at a college or university in the United States
  • Completed an English as a Second Language program (ESL or ELL)
  • Further requirements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and could include an interview and writing sample
  1. International graduate applicants must also submit a Personal Funding Statement demonstrating financial ability to attend Central, and include sponsorship information. 

Additional Requirements Due Upon Admittance:

  1. Visa Interview: Once the I-20 and SEVIS receipt are received by the student, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate and schedule an interview to apply for an F-1 visa. Applications requiring security clearance can take between 2 and 4 months in addition to the normal processing time. It is best to apply for the student visa as early as possible, but not more than 120 days prior to the start of your program. Go to the Department of State website for current procedures, required forms, and operating hours.
  1. US College Transfer Students: International students currently attending college in the U.S. and desire to transfer to Central must complete all of the above steps required for application. Transfer students will also be required to provide Official Transcripts from all colleges attended. Once an admittance decision has been made, students must complete the International Student School Transfer Certification Form. This step is necessary for international students wishing to transfer from another U.S. college or university.

Students who do not meet any or all of the minimum requirements may be considered for admission by a subcommittee of the Academic Leadership Team, which includes the Vice-President of Academics, Registrar, Dean of Student Success, and Associate Dean of Professional Studies. 
All candidates with completed applications will be admitted or denied after review by the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and the Dean of the Russell School of Ministry.