How to Apply

Graduate Degree

Eligibility

To seek a graduate degree, you must meet these criteria:

• Have a four-year bachelor’s degree (in any field of study) from an accredited college or university; some exceptions may apply
• Maintained a college academic GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Possess the interests, aptitudes and personal objectives that correspond with the program’s goals
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language
• Have sufficient computer skills

How to Apply

1. Request an application
2. Submit the following:

- Official transcripts (undergraduate, graduate) sent from the institution

- Completed application

- Application essays (described in the application booklet)

- Nonrefundable $40 application fee - pay online here

3. Schedule an interview - call 800-634-6723

Exceptions

You may be admitted to the degree program on probation if you are pursuing, but have not yet completed, an undergraduate degree. However, you may earn no more than 15 credit hours toward your graduate degree before your undergraduate degree is completed.

In exceptional cases, you may seek admission without a bachelor's degree. You must have completed the majority of an undergraduate program and must petition the Academic Dean and the Director of Graduate Theology Programs to be accepted.

Computer Skills

You need to be able to:

• Use a word processing program to submit term papers and other written assignments;
• Send and receive email; and send, receive and open attachments;
• Use the Internet and Internet search engines;
• Use our online course management system to read and post assignments; 
• Use the Archabbey Library's print and electronic resources; and
• Make class presentations using PowerPoint or other presentation software.

International Candidates

International candidates need to ensure they have filed the necessary applications and documents to acquire the appropriate status for study in the United States.

1. Sponsorship or proof of financial resources (how you will pay educational, living and travel costs)
2. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
3. An academic GPA of 2.5 or higher during college or university
4. A minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 500 (61 on the internet-based test) for full-time graduate study
5. The completion of the entire application process

When you arrive on campus, your language skills will be assessed, and any needed support will be available through the Mader Learning Center. For more information about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, see www.toefl.org.

Non-Degree

Eligibility

To take classes as a non-degree student, you must:

• Have a four-year bachelor's degree (in any field of study) from an accredited college or university
• Have graduated with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

You may take no more than 15 credit hours without enrolling in a degree or certificate program.

How To Apply

1. Request an application
2. Submit the following:

- Completed Non-Degree Student Application Form

- Official transcripts (undergraduate) sent from the institution(s). [Note: If you are enrolled in a graduate theology program at another institution, please have the registrar of that institution send us a letter to confirm your student status.]

- A 1-3 page essay (prompt found on application)

3. Request permission from the Director of Graduate Theology Programs

Auditing

You can audit any class with the permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean, prior to the beginning of the course. You will receive an official record of such an audit.

To register, contact the Office of Graduate Theology Programs.

Application Deadlines

You may apply and be admitted throughout the year. Here are the deadlines to start classes in the given term:

• Fall term: July 1
• Spring term: December 1
• Early summer term: February 15
• Late summer term: May 1