AdmissionsBecause Lancaster Bible College exists to educate Christian men and women to live according to a Biblical world-view and to serve through professional Christian ministries, LBC maintains a distinctive set of admissions requirements.
LBC is committed to educating your entire person and has basic admissions standards in the spiritual and personal areas as well as academics. Below is a brief overview of the admission requirements. For a detailed explanation click the links.
Spiritual Standards - Applicants must confirm that they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and be in essential agreement with the Statement of Faith of the College. Academic Standards - Applicants must provide documentation through transcripts and other evaluative instruments that their educational preparation and academic achievements and potential are sufficient for being successful as a student at LBC.
Minimum SAT: 880 (LBC Average - 1000; LBC Code - 2388)
Minimum ACT: 15 (LBC Average - 20; LBC Code - 3707)
Minimum GPA : 2.0Personal Standards - LBC's purpose of ministry preparation expects applicants to demonstrate a level of spiritual, social, and educational maturity. The autobiography and reference forms are the methods used to evaluate this area. Nondiscriminatory Policy - LBC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.
Admission into the Degree Completion Program is a simple process which can lead to a quick decision on our part. The requirements to be met are:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 semester units from an accredited college/post-secondary institution. If you already have a bachelor's degree, check out LBC's Graduate Program.
- Minimum age of 25.
- GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better on all prior academic work.
- Commitment to Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
- Completion of application form and payment of the application fee.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. Click Here to download the Transcript Request form.
- Completion of Credit for Prior Learning interview (waived if general education requirements are met and a total of 60 semester credits have been accepted for transfer).
- Submission of a brief autobiographical statement (500-word) including headings about your home life, conversion, school and employment history, church experiences, and your reasons for wanting to attend LBC's Degree Completion Program.
- Submission of a pastoral reference.
- Other satisfactory personal references if requested.
- Principles and standards of conduct have been established by the College based upon Biblical absolutes, scriptural principles, personal responsibility, and administrative policies. While enrolled in the Degree Completion Program, all students are expected to adhere to the following Lifestyle Standards.
- Certain products are harmful to one’s physical and psychological health. Therefore, use of any form of tobacco, hallucinogenic drugs, illegal substances, narcotics, or alcohol (except where prescribed by a physician, used in cooking, or taken as part of the Lord’s Supper) is prohibited. Abuse of legal substances such as over-the-counter or prescribed medications is prohibited.
- Participation in gambling or other forms of betting is prohibited.
- We must use godly wisdom, discernment, and discretion in the selection of the media we use. TV programs, movies, computer programs and games, theater and dramatic productions, literature, and music with obvious pornographic, profane or coarse language, and themes that glorify violence or are morally degrading are inappropriate forms of media and are prohibited.
- We recognize there are appropriate and positive forms and occasions for non-sensual dancing such as choreography in drama and musical productions, cultural activities, aerobic classes, and dancing at special family events. Unfortunately, many forms of dancing in today’s culture are sensual and undermine that which promotes godliness. Sensual dancing and attendance at establishments or events that encourage such dancing is prohibited. Dances will not be permitted on or off campus or at College-sponsored events.
- Students are expected to refrain from attending nightclubs, bars, or similar places and to avoid potentially offensive activities such as games of chance, lotteries and participation in secret societies.
- The LBC student should endeavor to spend a personal time each day with the Lord and to make wise use of the many opportunities God provides for sharing with others the Good News of eternal life in Christ.
Note: Any applicant not meeting the above-stated requirements will be considered by the Student Appeals Committee.
To learn more about the Degree Completion Program, we suggest students either attend one of the Information Sessions on the Lancaster Bible College campus, or make an individual appointment with the Director or Program Coordinator. Either option is a good time to ask questions and receive further information to make a decision about the Program.
Decisions for admission into our graduate programs are made on the basis of the applicant's personal and professional credentials and goals. Evaluation criteria include evidence of Christian character, academic credentials, references, and personal data from the application materials that provide indications of previous ministry experience and future ministry potential.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with evidence of potential for work at the master's level. It is recommended that a student has an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 for MAB and MAM and 3.00 for MA (Counseling) and MEd (School Counseling). Don't have a bachelor's degree yet? Check out LBC's Degree Completion Program.
- 30 credits in Bible. For students without 30 credits in Bible, the Bible Entrance Exam must be taken.
- Involvement in a full-time ministry or an equivalent appropriate to the requested specialization for a period of not less than two years, positively evaluated by the applicant's peers and/or supervisor.
- Completion of the admissions application form and submission of required application credentials.
Nonnative speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 is required.
Admission criteria will be considered holistically. An item that does not meet the stated expectations may be compensated for by other areas that exceed the minimum expectations.
Personal Enrichment
Students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment are classified as nonmatriculating students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Nonmatriculation Application and adequacy of class space according to course enrollment limitations. Enrollment by a nonmatriculating student is limited to three courses. If, at a later time, the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through formal application procedures. The granting of credit for courses taken while a nonmatriculating student is not automatic. The degree director will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual course basis.