Getting Started

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Official college transcript(s)
• A personal Essay
• A copy of a government-issued photo identification card

The following forms of transfer credit may be transferable in University BA programs. Only courses with an earned grade of C- (1.67) or higher will be accepted for transfer credit. In no case will more than 75% (90 units) of a Bachelor of Arts program be satisfied through transfer credit:

• Up to 90 units of transfer credit may be applied to General Education and elective credit requirements.
• Up to 30 units may be satisfied through test-out credit or experiential credit. Refer to the University test-out credit policy for a complete list of accepted tests and required scores.
• See Transferring Credit for more information

Students whose previous education did not take place in the United States will need to work with the WES (World Education Services) to have their educational experience evaluated. For information on the evaluation process refer to the World Education Services website.

If a student has not met the admissions GPA prerequisites but possesses other life experience or attributes which show a strong indication of success in an undergraduate program, admission is possible. If accepted, the student will be placed on admissions probation for the first 15 units and must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average in all classes during the probationary period.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed application form (including applicable resume or CV)
• Official college transcripts
• Two recommendation forms:
  • One recommendation from an overseeing pastor, board member, or similar position
  • One recommendation from a peer
• A copy of a government-issued photo identification card

Students whose previous education did not take place in the United States will need to work with the WES (World Education Services) to have their educational experience evaluated. For information on the evaluation process refer to the World Education Services website.

Following is the maximum allowable transfer credit for each program:

• Eighteen units may be transferred into the MAPM program
• No units may be transferred into the MAL, MHD, or MWL programs
• Thirty-six units may be transferred into the MDiv program

Only courses with an earned grade of B- (2.67) or higher will be accepted for transfer credit, including:

• Units from an accredited graduate level biblical and/or ministerial studies program.
• For MDiv applicants who received a bachelor’s degree in biblical and/or ministerial studies from an accredited Bible college, up to 15 units awarded for biblical studies at the undergraduate level.
• For MDiv applicants, up to two CPE completed prior to enrolling in the MDiv program may be accepted toward program requirements: the 300 hour Supervised Ministry requirement and three units of elective credit. CPE credit applied toward these requirements must be no more than three years old and ten years old respectively.
• For MDiv applicants, up to three CPE credits taken while enrolled in the MDiv program may be accepted toward program requirements: the 300 hour Supervised Ministry requirement, Mentored Ministry course, and three units of elective credit.

While prior-earned CPE credit and concurrently earned CPE are both considered, no more than three CPE credits will be considered for transfer.

Students who do not meet admissions GPA prerequisites may be admitted if they have experience or attributes which demonstrate a strong indication of success in a graduate level program. If accepted, the student will be placed on admissions probation for the first 15 units and must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all classes during the probationary period.

Church and parachurch leaders who do not have a completed undergraduate degree may be admitted if they have 5 years of full-time ministry experience (ten years part-time) and are actively engaged in a church leadership role. A limited number of qualifying students can be admitted. Please contact the admissions department before applying through this exception. Additional requirements for those applying under this exception are:

• An additional reference from church or denominational leadership.
• A detailed resume showing at least twelve years of work experience.
• A detailed resume showing at least 5 years of full-time ministry experience (or ten years part-time), and actively engaged in church leadership role.
• An additional 500-word essay about applicant’s rationale for pursuing a graduate degree instead of an undergraduate degree.
• Official high school transcript or official General Education Development (GED) transcript.
• One of the following:
  • Undergraduate Units: Official transcript showing at least 30 semester units (hours) of undergraduate courses from an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 2.50, in the following areas:
    • English/Communication – writing (3 units)
    • English/Communication – speech (3 units)
    • And 24 units from a combination of the following:
      – History/Cultures (3 to 9 units)
      – Humanities/Language (6 to 12 units)
      – Social Science (3 to 9 units)
      – Mathematics & Natural Science (3 to 6 units)
    • Note that the GRE may be required even if you have 30 semester hours of undergraduate courses.
  • GRE Test Score: Official transcript showing passing score on GRE verbal and analytical sections. A passing score for the verbal section is 153; a passing score for the analytical is 4. Visit ets.org to register for a GRE test. Use code 6716 when taking the test to indicate Shiloh University as the score recipient.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Two recommendations from:
  • Ministry supervisor or overseeing pastor (if the applicant has one)
  • Ministry peer or knowledgeable lay leader
• Official transcripts for all graduate/seminary work to date
• A biographical statement (a minimum of 500 words) that includes the following:
  • The applicant’s name, mailing address, and email address
  • The applicant’s call to the ministry
  • How that call has been expressed to the present
  • Why the applicant desires to pursue the Doctor of Ministry degree at Shiloh University
• A copy of a government-issued photo identification card

If a person is admitted and decides not to attend, the file remains current for one year only. In the event the person does not enter the following year, the file is invalidated, and the application process must be repeated entirely.

Students whose previous education did not take place in the United States will need to work with the WES (World Education Services) to have their educational experience evaluated. For information on the evaluation process refer to the World Education Services website.

Because of the comprehensiveness and sequencing of the program, there will be no transfer of credit for individual doctoral seminars completed in other seminaries.

If, in the opinion of the admissions committee, previous academic work at a doctoral level equivalent to the first year of study in Shiloh University’s program is already completed, an applicant may transfer credit of up to two seminars (6 units). The Doctor of Ministry Admissions Committee will evaluate the transfer of credit in this specific instance and inform the applicant if its decision.

For admission into the Doctor of Ministry program, Master of Divinity equivalency is considered three years of post-baccalaureate study comparable to an M.Div. degree which must include:

1. An earned master’s degree in the area of biblical or ministerial studies or related field,
2. at least 72 semester units of study, and
3. a balance of biblical, theological, and ministerial disciplines.

If the applicant earned a master’s degree in the area of biblical or ministerial studies and has completed at least 62 semester units, he or she may qualify for Concurrent Admission to the Doctor of Ministry program. Concurrent admission students must complete the remaining graduate semester units before being granted candidacy status in the Doctor of Ministry program.

Applicants who have earned less than 62 semester units are encouraged to discuss their options with the Admissions Office to either earn a Master of Divinity with Shiloh University or take graduate coursework with the University in order to earn M.Div. Equivalency.

An applicant may consider applying to the Doctor of Ministry in Relational Leadership program without the required Master of Divinity degree under the following circumstances, the applicant: 1) completed a master’s degree that is similar in content, 2) earned a large number of units but had to relocate before being able to complete an M.Div., or 3) exceeded the maximum time frame allowed for completion of their M.Div. degree. Note that in all cases, applicants must still meet all criteria named above.

Prospective Graduate students who are not native English language speakers are required to demonstrate proficiency through one of the following methods:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum required scores:
  • 71 on internet-based test (iTOEFL)
  • 530 on paper-based test (pTOEFL)
  • 543 on TOEFL ITP (option for certificate and non-degree students only)
• At least a 6.5 on International English Language Test Score (IELTS).
• At least a 50 on Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report.
• A high school diploma completed at an accredited/recognized high school where the medium of instruction is English.
• At least a Level 3 on the ACT COMPASS’s English as a Second Language Placement Test.
• At least a Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam
• A minimum B-2 English proficiency level from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as assessed through various ESOL examinations.
• Submission of a transcript indicating completion of at least 30 semester hours of credit at an English-speaking accredited college or university. Graduate student must have maintained a ‘B’ grade point average or higher. All non-U.S. transcripts may need to be reviewed by the World Education Services before they can be accepted.

Prospective Doctoral students who are not native English language speakers are required to demonstrate proficiency through one of the following methods:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum required scores:
  • 80 on internet-based test (iTOEFL)
  • 550 on paper-based test (pTOEFL)
• At least a 6.5 on International English Language Test Score (IELTS).
• At least a 58 on Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report.
• A high school diploma completed at an accredited/recognized high school where the medium of instruction is English.
• At least a Level 3 on the ACT COMPASS’s English as a Second Language Placement Test.
• At least a Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam
• A minimum B-2 English proficiency level from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as assessed through various ESOL examinations.
• Submission of a transcript indicating completion of at least 30 semester hours of credit at an English-speaking accredited college or university. Doctoral student must have maintained a ‘B’ grade point average or higher. All non-U.S. transcripts may need to be reviewed by the World Education Services before they can be accepted.

Higher Education Associations Release Updated Joint Statement on Credit Transfer – 2021-Joint-Statement-Award-of-CreditTransfer Credits into Shiloh University

Credits from course work earned at other seminaries or colleges, test-out credit earned (such as Advanced Placement test credit), or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) credits may be transferable to the degree programs offered by Shiloh University. Shiloh University will determine the applicability of such course work/credit according to specific requirements related to each program and the following guidelines:

• Transfer Credit: Official transcripts from the transferring institution are required for transfer credit consideration. Shiloh University reserves the right to request a course catalog and/or syllabus from the granting institution for the year(s) the credit was originally earned. Non-U.S. transcripts may need to be reviewed by the World Education Services before they can be accepted for transfer credit.
• Test-Out Credit: Official score reports from a testing service are required for test-out credit consideration. Refer to Shiloh University’s Test-Out Examination Policy for information about specific test and score requirements.
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) credit: Official report from the organization which granted the CPE credit is required for credit consideration. The University currently only accepts CPE credit from the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training and programs accredited through the ACPE. CPE credit earned from other reputable sources may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Typically, credit earned within the last 10 years is considered for transfer. The consideration of credit earned more than 10 years ago will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Undergraduate students who successfully completed composition courses more than ten years ago at other colleges or universities may transfer their credits by passing Shiloh University’s writing exam. Only courses directly related to one of our programs will be considered and the exam will only earn a student credit for courses taken and passed.
• Shiloh University does not currently give course credit for experiential learning, prior work experience, or any other nonacademic learning.
• Transfer credit will not be evaluated or denied solely on the source of accreditation of the sending institution.
• Please see the admissions requirements specific to each program for more information.

If applicable, during the application process, students may request that their included transcripts and score reports be evaluated for credit. Potential credit will be evaluated by the Admissions Review Committee as part of their application review. Any transcripts or score reports received during the student’s active enrollment in Shiloh University can be evaluated for credit upon request. The student must contact the Registrar to request this service.

There are no fees associated with transfer/test-out credit evaluation. The cost of any required courses waived due to credit awarded is subtracted from the total degree program cost.

Transfer Credits from Shiloh University

The acceptance of transfer credit is always up to the receiving institution. Students should always verify if credits will be transferable to their chosen institution.

There are several tested transfer avenues that students are encouraged to consider. Students may want to consider other schools that are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) which offer quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional doctoral programs. Program areas include business, law, health, computer science, Christian ministry, and more.

Transcript Request

If you would like to request an official transcript, please submit a Transcript Request Form. Once payment has been received, your transcript will be mailed to the requested recipient(s) within 10 business days.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required information is submitted to the Admissions office. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants in writing as soon as possible after the decision has been made, but typically no later than two weeks after the admission deadline. Upon notification of acceptance, applicants must return a signed enrollment agreement to the admissions office.

After acceptance into a Shiloh University program of study, an enrollment agreement must be signed by the student and the University. The enrollment agreement spells out the obligations of the University to the student and the obligations of the student to the University.

The following technical requirements will help you prepare for participation with Shiloh University and work in the online classroom environment.

Hardware Requirements

• A reliable computer.
  • PC users should not use a computer running the Windows 7, Vista, or earlier operating systems. These systems are no longer supported by Microsoft and are vulnerable to malware attacks without up-to-date security patches. Windows 10 is preferred; Windows 8 is acceptable.
  • Mac users should use a computer running a current and supported version of Mac OS X (now Mac OS). Apple no longer supports El Capitan (10.11.2) and earlier versions with security updates.
  • Public computers, such as those found in a public library, may not be able to support all of the required functions such as:
    • audio and video for proctored examinations
    • the proper viewing of class presentations and other resources
    • the ability to save files that you are working on
  • A broadband Internet connection with a minimum download speed of 5Mbit/sec is recommended. Your Internet provider should offer direct technical support.
  • A video camera and audio microphone are required for most classes and for Personal Enrichment students who take classes that require them.
    • Webcam with 720p HD video resolution or higher.
    • Headphones or working speakers connected to the computer.
    • Microphone connected to the computer. We recommend that you use a microphone built into a headset or webcam.

See the current Course Materials Master List in the Student Information Center for details.

Software for General Classroom Use

For security reasons, please make sure to update all your software on a regular basis and all critical security patches have been installed. When installing or updating the software, avoid installing any optional offers or updates that may be promoted.

• A major brand antivirus client with daily updates.
• A current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.

• • The Internet Explorer browser should not be used as it has been phased out and may no longer provide the features necessary to view all content within the classroom and could affect your ability to complete assignments.
  • Safari for Windows should not be used since it is no longer supported by Apple.

• Browser setup: Check the Help command in your browser for information on these settings.
  • It is important that you enable first-party and “session” cookies. Most browsers are set up by default to do this. If your browser is not, change its settings so you can use all the features of the classroom site. You should block 3^rd party cookies for privacy reasons.
  • Allow pop-ups permanently for the domain “shilohuniversity.edu.”
• The capability to scan paper assignments to create PDF documents may be required on a class-by-class basis. Instructions will be provided in the class as necessary.
• Microsoft Word 2013 with Service pack 1 or newer (Office 2010 and earlier versions are no longer supported by Microsoft.).
  • If for some reason you cannot obtain Microsoft Word for your Apple computer, and you use the Apple Pages app, documents must be saved in Microsoft Word (.doc) compatible format. Your instructor is the bottom line for whether your submitted document can be read correctly and is acceptable.
  • Personal Enrichment students may use an alternative word processor, as long as it can open, edit, and save in a Microsoft Word compatible format (.doc).
• Adobe Reader – the “up-to-date” version is available at this official Adobe website
• Please note that Adobe Flash Player product is no longer integrated into any Adobe products and has been phased out. Adobe is advising users to uninstall any Flash product that is installed on their computers due to security risks.

Student’s Email Account

We recommend a “private” email account provided by your Internet service provider, for security reasons. This should be provided as part of your personal Internet service. We do not recommend a workplace account, nor a public account provided by Outlook.com, AOL, or any similar provider. Gmail accounts have worked well in the past.

Neither a Yahoo! nor a Hotmail.com email account is acceptable for classroom use due to long-standing data breaches which compromised accounts. Using one of these accounts may mean that you will miss communications from the classroom, and possibly jeopardize your fellow students’ email accounts. If you currently use one of these risky providers, please obtain an alternative email account instead, Gmail is preferred.

Personal enrichment and professional development students may take classes on a credit/no-credit basis. Courses taken may not be applied to a degree program.

Prerequisites:

• No scholastic prerequisites
• Must be at least 18 years old

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Personal Statement (on application form)

In keeping with the academic mission and strategic priorities, as well as fairness and equity to students, Shiloh University considers new sources for learning and alternative assessment methods.[1]

The accrediting body of Shiloh University defines Prior Learning as:

Learning that has occurred outside the classroom. In some cases, credit may be
awarded for prior learning through various means of assessment. An institution
offering credit for prior learning assessment publishes and follows evaluation
standards consistent with CAEL’s Ten Standards for Assessing Learning. Prior
learning assessment is performed by qualified individuals with experience in prior
learning evaluation.[2]

[1] American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, American Council on Education, & Council for Higher Education Accreditation (December 15, 2021). Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit Letter
[2] Distance Education Accrediting Commission (July 16, 2021). Accreditation Handbook.

CAEL Standards for Assessing Learning[1]

Shiloh University adheres to the guidelines established by the Council of Adult and
Experiential Learning (CAEL) for recognizing and assessing prior learning:

1. Credit or its equivalent should be awarded only for learning, and not for
experience.

2. Assessment should be based on standards and criteria for the level of acceptable learning that are both agreed upon and made public.

3. Assessment should be treated as an integral part of learning, not separate from it, and should be based on an understanding of learning processes.

4. The determination of credit awards and competence levels must be made by appropriate subject matter and academic or credentialing experts.

5. Credit or other credentialing should be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

6. If awards are for credit, transcript entries should clearly describe what learning is being recognized and should be monitored to avoid giving credit twice for the same learning.

7. Policies, procedures, and criteria applied to assessment, including provision for appeal, should be fully disclosed and prominently available to all parties involved in the assessment process.

8. Fees charged for assessment should be based on the services performed in the process and not determined by the amount of credit awarded.

9. All personnel involved in the assessment of learning should pursue and receive adequate training and continuing professional development for the functions they perform.

10. Assessment programs should be regularly monitored, reviewed, evaluated, and revised as needed to reflect changes in the needs being served, the purposes being met, and the state of the assessment arts.

For the CPL & PLA program to operate effectively, the following policies have been
adopted by Shiloh University:
· Shiloh University may award a maximum of 25 percent of the credits for experiential or equivalent learning required for a degree.

· Shiloh University may award a maximum of 25 percent of the credits for experiential or equivalent learning required for a degree.

· Shiloh University does not award credits for experiential or equivalent learning for a professional doctoral degree.

· CPL & PLA cannot be used to meet, replace, or substitute for general education, thematic studies, or a capstone project.

· CPL & PLA is not issued grades, but rather awarded credit hours.

· CPL & PLA cannot replace a failing grade or duplicate previously earned credit for a course.

· Students must pay all applicable fees before CPL & PLA awarded hours will be posted to the student’s transcripts.
· It is strongly recommended that students seek CPL & PLA no fewer than six months prior to their planned graduation date.
· Students are advised that such credit may not be recognized by new majors or transferred to other institutions.
· CPL & PLA is not guaranteed.

Overview
Believing that thorough professional and/or personal development often occurs in settings outside the traditional classroom, Shiloh University grants CPL/PLA to students who demonstrate the academic merit of such experiences. Experiential learning is learning by doing. It is not based on just doing, which is experience, but learning while doing, which is education.

Eligibility
Eligibility for CPL/PLA is, as noted above, not guaranteed, but may be available to students enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at Shiloh University and in good academic standing at the university in all phases of their respective enrollments in academic, ethical, and financial obligations to the university.

What is CPL/PLA?
Prior Learning Credit is a highly individualized process that offers adult and non-traditional students the unique opportunity to petition for college credit for the knowledge, training, and skills they previously learned through a broad range of experiences outside of the traditional academic setting.

What Are The Benefits of CPL/PLA?
· A CPL/PLA award will save money and accelerate degree completion.

· Undergraduate and Graduate students are permitted to petition for up to 25% of their degree program for CPL/PLA hours at $125.00 per credit hour.

· CPL/PLA will reduce the repetition of relevant course-related material for students with prior learning.

· Most importantly, CPL/PLA enables students to gain greater insight into themselves, while having Shiloh University validate the importance of their prior learning.

What Prior Experiences May Qualify For CPL/PLA?
Formal and informal learning experiences that have resulted from a rich array of:
• Professional Work Experiences
• Military
• Training Classes
• Professional Skills Workshops and Seminars
• Volunteerism
• Unique Life Experiences

The CPL/PLA Program Guides Students As They:
• Identify areas of relevant learning from their past experiences,
• Demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation,
• Submit learning materials for assessment, and
• Possibly gain academic credit for CPL/PLA.

How Can I Participate In CPL/PLA?

There are six pathways in which to participate in CPL/PLA and potentially earn academic credit:

Military Transcripts: Thank you for your service! Knowledge and skills acquired from military service may be converted into college credit. Veterans and active military personnel may have their transcripts re-evaluated by CPL/PLA to determine if credit may be granted for military education, training, and/or occupations.

CPL/PLA Pre-Assessed: Many individuals have completed various kinds of training for which they have earned credentials. Certain professional and standardized training, licensure, and certification experiences whose content is equivalent to offerings from Shiloh University have been evaluated by faculty for credit hours. Examples of such education credit include Microsoft Certifications and Paramedics License. Also, certifications from ACE/NCCRS, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and other industry-recognized certificates and licenses. Currently, enrolled students are allowed to provide original documentation as proof of satisfactory completion for prior learning experiences.

CPL/PLA Portfolio: Students without pre-assessed learning experiences are able to seek academic credits by developing a portfolio. The portfolio serves as a reflective narrative of the student’s previous learning experiences and includes supporting documentation. Thus, the portfolio helps students articulate what they know and can do, as well as integrate this learning with the principles that would have been learned in university coursework. Strong, professional CPL/PLA portfolios with breadth and depth will:

• Clearly identify key learning concepts and describe concrete examples of the learning experiences;
• Critically reflect on the learning experiences;
• Thoroughly demonstrate an understanding of generalizations and principles gained from the experiences; and,
• Analyze how the learning can be applied in future personal and professional situations.

You may be able to convert Learning Events into Program Credit by completing the Experiential Learning Credit course which includes the following seven modules. This is an elective course with the same tuition rate as the program in which the student is enrolled.

Portfolio courses are self-paced. Our intent is that you complete the portfolio within 16 weeks. An aggressive 8-week timeline is suggested. However, since the courses are self-paced, you will manage when you begin and when you complete the portfolio.

Outside Institutions
On rare occasions, degree-relevant CPL/PLA credit may be recognized by Shiloh University for CPL/PLA awarded as shown on a certified transcript by other accredited institutions.

Nationally Recognized Exams 

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test is an assessment test developed by the College Board. In order for Shiloh University to award credit for the course, a score of 50 must be achieved on the test, unless otherwise noted. Other nationally accredited exams are also accepted. If a student has documentation of an acceptable test score (transcript/report) for a nationally accredited exam, the student will submit it to Student Services or the Registrar. Potential exams include Advanced Placement (AP) with a score of 3 or higher, DSST (formally known as DANTES), UExcel, or FLATS (or other foreign language) exams. For other national exams, scores will be reviewed to determine if the score is acceptable. These exams are proliferating, so please check with the Registrar to see if any tests you took or intend to take are acceptable.

Challenge Exams
A Challenge Exam is an exam developed by Shiloh University faculty that allows a student to demonstrate that they can meet the competencies of a course. Successful completion of a Challenge Exam allows a student to earn credit for that course toward completion of the program. Depending on the course, the challenge exam could be a written or standard test or a demonstration test. Not all classes have the option for a challenge test.

To request to take a challenge exam:
1. Contact Student Services or the Registrar to let the staff know which course you would like to take a test for and who the instructor is (if you know).
2. The Registrar will contact the instructor to arrange for a test.
3. The Registrar will arrange a time for you to take the test.
4. Your account will be billed for the test once it is scheduled.
5. Once the test is scored, you will be notified.
6. If you pass, the credit will be awarded.

Fees
1. The cost to take a challenge exam is $125 for a standard test and $175 for a demonstration test.
2. The fee applies to each test taken.
3. The charge will be added to the student’s account once the test is scheduled.
4. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

[1] Fiddler, M., Marienau, C., & Whitaker, U. (2006). Assessing Learning: Standards,
Principles, and Procedures (2nd ed.) Dubuque, IA. Kendall Hunt Publishing.