Applicants for the doctoral degree at Missional University must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a master's degree in the field of discipline related to the desired area of study. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in graduate studies in their field of discipline. If an applicant has not completed the degree program, transcripts verifying the possibility of attaining a 3.0 must be submitted before an application will be considered. Some degree areas may also require completion of pre-requisites at a graduate level for entrance into that program.

Each applicant must submit a substantial research paper on a subject in the student's chosen major either previously prepared (an ungraded copy) or prepared especially for the Missional University professional doctoral application. This paper should represent the best quality research and writing that the applicant can offer. The form and style should follow the most recent edition of Turabian or Chicago Manual of Style. The research paper will be used to assess the applicant’s research and writing abilities and will help the respective program advisors to assess the learner’s readiness for doctoral work or need for further remedial or pre-requisite work prior to entrance to the program.

Applicants should have a minimum of 2 years actual hands-on experience in their field of expertise and study prior to their application.