Pre-Seminary Studies

The Association of Theological Schools recommends the following guidelines to its member schools to offer as counsel for students who are preparing for graduate-level seminary studies:

1. Schools should require evidence that a student has developed to a satisfactory degree the ability to think independently, to communicate effectively, and to do research.
2. Students should possess a basic general knowledge of past and present culture through studies in the humanities and in the natural and social sciences.
3. The biblical languages are useful tools which may be acquired in the pre-seminary period. Other language study may also be helpful, including modern languages such as German, French, and Spanish.
4. Generally speaking, it is desirable that applicants have some study in each of the areas listed below:
   • English, Speech
   • History, Geography, Cultural Studies
   • Philosophy, Ethics
   • Social Sciences, Psychology
   • Management
   • Fine Arts (Music, Art, Drama, Cinema)
   • Natural Sciences
   • Mathematics, Statistics
   • Modern Foreign Languages
   • Biblical Studies
   • Religious Studies (History, Theology, Ministry)
   • Biblical and Classical Languages
   • Professional Studies

Canadian Baptist Theology Seminary strongly encourages students to consider ministry within a bi-vocational context. Therefore, undergraduate training which produces a “marketable” skill is advantageous for a variety of ministry applications.