Requirements:

To gain entry into any Highlands College Leadership Institute certificate, an applicant must submit and meet the following admission requirements:

• Meet the recommended minimum age of 23 by the start of class. Age exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Admissions Committee if applicants meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Employed full-time (40 or more work hours per week)
• Has earned a bachelor's degree from another institution
• Current military service
• Enrolled full-time at a community college or four-year college/university. To qualify for this exception, the applicant must be attending class in – person, online program enrollment does not qualify.
• Married and/or has children
• Be a committed follower of Christ.
• Ensure access to sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, accommodations, and living expenses. Students may view our tuition and fees page.
• Be a graduate of an accredited four-year high school or equivalent homeschool, having earned a standard diploma certifying readiness for a two-or four-year college experience.
• Completed Online Application
• Payment of the $50 Application Fee
• Background Authorization Consent

For those pursuing the Ministry Leadership Certification, the following additional application requirements must be received in order to complete the admission application:

• Ministry Recommendation from a Church of the Highlands Staff Member
• Character Recommendation
• Admissions Interview (not online)
• Ministry Calling Essay
• 3 Month Serve Requirement

For those pursuing the World Missions Certification, the following additional application requirements must be received to complete the admission application:

• Ministry Recommendation from a Church of the Highlands Staff Member
• Character Recommendation
• Admissions Interview
• Ministry Calling Essay
• 3 Month Serve Requirement

Following receipt of a completed application demonstrating that the above requirements are met, the Admissions Committee will review the applicant, and the Admissions Department will notify the applicant of an admission decision. In some cases, the Admissions Committee may request that an applicant provide additional evidence that they meet these requirements. At its discretion, the Admissions Committee may apply additional conditions concerning the above entry requirements.

Secondary Education

All candidates for admission must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Ministry Recommendation from a Church of the Highlands Staff Member
• Character Recommendation
• Admissions Interview
• Ministry Calling Essay
• 3 Month Serve Requirement

Documentation of Secondary Education

Highlands College Leadership Institute does not require applicants to submit any formal certification verifying completion of the secondary education requirement so long as the student attests that requirement is satisfied.

Prior College Enrollment

Highlands College Leadership Institute does not require applicants to submit official transcripts for prior college enrollment.

Standardized Test Scores

Highlands College Leadership Institute does not require submission of standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT for Leadership Institute Program applicants.

Online Reference Forms For World Missions & Ministry Leadership Applicants

Applicants must submit at least two online reference forms as part of their admission application. Reference Requirements:

• Character Reference: This reference should be completed by someone who has a close, personal relationship with the applicant, such as a pastor, pastoral staff, small group leader, dream team leader, employer, coach, mentor, etc. who can testify to the applicant's Christian character. The reference may not be from a relative.
• Ministry Service Reference: Applicants must submit at least one reference from a Church of the Highlands staff member from their campus, who can testify to the applicant's relationship with Jesus and their leadership skills. The reference may not be from a relative.