Admissions

Distance Learning

Franciscan University is pleased to offer a Master of Arts in Theology through distance learning classes. Learn all about our Distance Learning program and what it entails at the Distance Learning Pages.

To qualify for this program applicants must submit the following to the Distance Learning Office:

International Students

Applicants from a foreign country must submit the above, plus the following:

1. Academic Records: Consideration of an application for admission cannot be given until all required credentials have been received. Proper transcripts (or certificates) must be submitted of all academic records or examination results documenting each year of study from the first year of secondary school and for all post-secondary or university-level work; these documents must be signed by the appropriate school official. Only original or certified copies will be accepted. Original documents will be returned upon request.
   
   
2. English Translations: If official credentials are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be included. One option is World Education Services, which provides academic credential evaluation services for a fee.
   
   
3. Academic History Ladder: The Academic History Ladder is a list of your entire educational history, including the schools you have attended, the dates attended, the school location, and the type of diploma or certificate granted at the completion of each level. Because different countries have different educational systems around the world, it is often difficult to evaluate the documents precisely. For that reason, we request that you provide a year-by-year account of your educational experience. Official copies of secondary/high school and college/university documents should be sent with this form and include an official English translation. At your request, official copies will be returned after they have been evaluated. Primary/elementary certificates or transcripts are not needed to accomplish the Academic History.
   
   
4. Required Standardized Tests: Unless English is the native language of your country, all applicants must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
   • If you are taking the paper-based test, the minimum score required is 550.
   • If you are taking the computer-based test, the minimum score required is 213.
   • If you are taking the internet-based test, the minimum score required is 80.
   
   This evidence of proficiency must be provided regardless of the language of instruction.
   
   Native English Speakers note: International students who come to the University from some English-speaking countries may be required to submit TOEFL scores. Although English is the lingua franca of many countries, some students from English-speaking countries arrive at Franciscan University with minimal English language skills. Please contact the Distance Learning Office at Franciscan University to determine whether you are required to submit TOEFL scores with your application materials.
   
   
5. Three letters of recommendation from academic or other professional persons able to comment on the applicant's level of personal maturity, academic abilities and potential success in his or her proposed field of study.

Entrance Considerations

An Admission decision will be based on these qualifications:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum quality point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
   
   
2. Determination by the Graduate Admissions Board of the candidates potential to be effective and responsible in Christian Ministry.

Franciscan University of Steubenville
Distance Learning
1235 University Blvd.
Steubenville, OH 43952
U.S.A.