Admission Procedures for Degree-Seeking Students
Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for admission to a degree program at Richmont:
1. Admission application with a $50 application fee. Application fees are only refundable within 3 days of the original transaction.
2. An acknowledgement that the applicant has reviewed the Statement of Faith and Richmont’s Statement of Diversity and Inclusion as part of the application.
3. One official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Richmont. A completed admissions application requires an official transcript for every institution attended, even if any credits were transferred to another school. One official transcript must reflect a conferred, qualifying bachelor’s degree. Any applicant with international transcripts must have their transcript evaluated through WES (World Education Services) for course credit equivalency.
4. The School of Counseling and the Doctor of Ministry require three reference forms. These should include one academic/professional reference, one character reference, and one pastoral reference. The School of Ministry Master’s programs require one ministry reference form and do not require a character or academic reference. Please note that references cannot be completed by family members for either school.
5. A resume highlighting professional and volunteer experience.
6. A professional essay incorporating all of the following topics:
- Why do you want to be a counselor?
- What do you look forward to about working with diverse populations?
- Why is Richmont the graduate program for you?
- What does your spiritual life look like?
- School of Ministry – Master of Arts in Ministry:
- What are your personal and professional goals and how would a degree from Richmont help you obtain those goals?
- What significant event(s) and/or influence(s) have helped shape your present values and approach to life?
- Describe your conversion experience and/or other important events in your Christian walk.
- School of Ministry – Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction | Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction:
- Describe your current sense of leading and/or call to spiritual direction.
- Who has affirmed and supported you in your pursuit of further training and in what setting do you expect to serve? In what ways have you provided spiritual guidance to others?
- As you assess where you are in your journey, describe both your strengths as well as the areas where you feel growth is most needed and desired.
- School of Ministry - Doctor of Ministry:
- A personal statement that outlines the applicant’s intent behind applying for the Doctor of Ministry at Richmont. Said application must be between 500 to 700 words typed, double-spaced. Professional essays should be a minimum of 500 words and approximately 2-5 pages. This essay will be examined to determine the applicant's writing ability and will be rated according to the following criteria: clarity of thought, grammar, and readability. The professional essay will be used to learn more about the applicant personally.
- Personal interview with the Dean of the School of Ministry and the Program Director
At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, Richmont may require an applicant to appear for a personal interview in order to make an admissions decision.
Admission Procedures and Requirements for Non-Degree Students
A non-degree student is one who is not enrolled in a degree program. The non-degree status is for those wishing to enhance their knowledge of the integration of counseling, ministry, and theology; enroll in courses for personal enrichment; or obtain continuing education (CE) credit.
Richmont does not guarantee any course as meeting requirements for Continuing Education (CE). Students seeking CE approval for Richmont courses must obtain it from the organization or governing body for which the CE is required (i.e., state board or professional organization). Credit for courses completed by non-degree students is recorded on the student’s transcript.
Non-degree students may enroll in courses for credit or audit. Because Richmont trains professional counselors, not all courses are suitable or available for the non-degree or audit student. Some courses have prerequisites (see course descriptions) or assume advanced skills that limit them to the full-time student. Courses that focus on Bible, theology, ministry, spiritual formation, and Christian faith, however, are open to qualified people who are not seeking a graduate degree.
Non-degree students are subject to the same fees as degree-seeking students and are required to pre-register for courses on the same schedule as regular degree-seeking students.
Any student approved as a non-degree or audit student who wishes to take courses at Richmont must meet the admissions requirements for a non-degree seeking student for either the School of Counseling or School of Ministry before receiving permission to register for those courses.
Non-degree application requirements:
1. A completed admissions application accompanied by the application fee of $50.
2. A completed four-year college degree. One official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Richmont. A completed admissions application requires an official transcript for every institution attended, even if any credits were transferred to another school. One official transcript must reflect a conferred, qualifying bachelor’s degree. Any applicant with international transcripts must have their transcript evaluated through WES (World Education Services) for course credit equivalency.
3. Non-degree students may register until the end of the first week of the semester. Enrollment after this point will be deferred to a future semester.
4. Applicants admitted as non-degree students must understand that acceptance in this category does not constitute acceptance to a degree-granting program, accept personal responsibility for the applicability of credits earned while registered in this category and understand that students in this non-degree category cannot be considered for scholarships, federal, or state financial aid.