Criteria for Admission

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) & Master of Arts (M.A.)

Applicants to a master’s degree program at Chicago Theological Seminary must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. M.A. applicants may have already attained a first theological degree. Though a variety of degree programs provide adequate, academic preparation from which to begin graduate level study in the area of theology, it is to the applicant’s advantage to have well developed written and oral communication skills, strong academic references, good critical thinking skills, and coursework in the area of humanities.  G.R.E. scores are not required. Applicants are considered for admission based upon the overall presentation of materials within the application, which should reflect the applicant’s promise for service to the church, academy, and society. 
The M.Div. and M.A. application process includes:

• Application Form
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
• Four letters of reference—at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend
• An autobiographical statement, as guided by the questions stated within the application form
• A brief personal interview with a member of the CTS faculty, scheduled by the Admissions Office upon completion of the application paperwork

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.)

Applicants to the S.T.M. Program must have earned a Master of Divinity Degree (or its equivalent) and possess the ability to articulate an intended focus for one year of advanced master’s-level study.
The S.T.M. application process includes:

• Application Form
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended;
• Four letters of reference—at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend;
• An autobiographical statement, as guided by the questions stated within the application form;
• A two page statement of proposed focus of study, as guided by the application instructions;
• A brief personal interview with a member of the CTS faculty, scheduled by the Admissions Office upon completion of the application paperwork, (as needed.)

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Successful applicants to the Doctor of Ministry Program will possess an earned Master of Divinity Degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited seminary, divinity school or other graduate program of theology and ministry. They will also have three years of experience serving in a ministry context subsequent to completing the M.Div. and be able to articulate a clear sense of intention regarding goals for advanced study in the area of professional ministry. Occasional exceptions to the requirement of three years of pastoral experience can be made if one is applying to one of the cooperative programs (Advanced Study in Clinical Pastoral Education Cooperative Program with the ASCPE, Advanced Study in Spiritual Leadership Cooperative Program with the ISL, or Advanced Study in Psychotherapy and Counseling with the CRPC.)

The D.Min. application process includes:

• Application Form
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended;
• Four letters of reference—at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend;
• An autobiographical statement, as guided by the questions stated within the application instructions;
• A two page reflection on an issue in the practice of ministry that will serve as a focus for study, as guided by the application instructions;
• A conversation with the Director of the D.Min. program regarding intention for study.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Applicants to the Ph.D. program should have earned a master’s degree (or equivalent) in theology or religion from an accredited college, university, seminary, or divinity school, and have superior academic record in previous undergraduate and graduate education.  Applicants should be able to articulate a clear sense of intention regarding goals for advanced study in the concentration selected: Bible, Culture and Hermeneutics or Theology, Ethics and the Human Sciences.
The Ph.D.  application process includes:

• Application Form
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended;
• Four letters of reference—at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend;
• A personal essay describing your intention and goals for Ph.D. study as guided by the application instructions;
• A sample research paper (term paper or published essay);
• Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Exam taken within 7 years of application.  The GRE code for CTS is 1120.  The CTS code for the Miller Analogies Exam is 2021.

ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching

Applicants to the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching must have a Master of Divinity Degree or equivalent from an accredited seminary or divinity school with a GPA of 3.0 or greater (4.0 scale.)  Applicants must also have a minimum of three years pastoral expereince serving in a ministry context subsequent to completing the M.Div., and currently serve in a context that involves sustained preaching to a community.  Additional information regarding criteria for admission and application materials can be received by contacting the program coordinator at the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program Office:

www.actsdminpreaching.com

Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer into a CTS degree program must submit the application materials relevant to the degree program into which the applicant hopes to transfer.  In addition, applicants wishing to transfer should submit a letter of honorable dismissal and transcripts from the Academic Dean and/or Registrar of the previous school.

All master’s level transfer students who have earned 18 credits or more will be evaluated by the CTS Registrar before the CTS Admissions Committee will act upon the application.  Applicants should not expect all credits to transfer; credits must have been earned at the master’s level from and accredited seminary or divinity school to be considered.  Regardless of credits already earned, a transfer student must complete a minimum of one academic year, or 24 credit hours, at CTS, in order to receive a CTS degree.

Auditors

A person who is not a matriculated student may audit CTS courses with permission of the instructor.  To register, contact the office of the CTS Registrar at 773.322.0227.  The fee to audit is one-half tuition.  Audit credit is awarded.

UCC Polity

A person who is not a matriculated student may take the UCC Polity class for credit without application to a degree program.  To register, contact the office of the CTS registrar at 773.322.0227.  Full tuition is charged.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed by CTS faculty committee with admissions decisions communicated in a timely manner by the Office of Admissions.  Degree programs will be filled on a space available basis.  In order to insure space in the program to which you are applying, it is wise to apply by the recommended deadlines stated.

If you would like to apply, but have questions regarding the timing of your application; please contact the Office of Admissions.  Our staff will be happy to assist you.

In order for an applicant to be considered for a Merit-based Scholarship or a Need-based Grant, application must be made on or before February 15.

For deadline information by degree program, please refer to the charts provided:

*Applications received after the recommended deadline will be considered on a space available basis. Please contact the Office of Admissions for helpful assistance.