Criteria for Admission

Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts (M.A.), & Master of Arts in Religious Leadership (M.A.R.L)

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. Under certain conditions, persons wishing to take courses within the master’s level programs, who do not possess an undergraduate degree, may apply to study under the non-degree status of Student At Large. [Please refer to the Student At Large (non-degree) Status--Criteria for Admission for more information.)

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 religious communities, the academy, and society.

The M.Div., M.A. and M.A.R.L. application process includes:

  • 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;
  • Written materials, including an autobiographical statement, as directed for each degree program;
  • A brief interview with a member of the CTS faculty, scheduled by the Admissions Office upon completion of the application paperwork.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is not a first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application.  The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree, in English, in the United States.

To view or download an application:

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

Applicants to the S.T.M. Program must have earned a Master of Divinity Degree (or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background) and demonstrate aptitude for advanced theological study.

The S.T.M. application process includes:

  • 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 current resume;
  • A two page statement of proposed focus of study, as guided by the application instructions;
  • A brief interview with a member of the CTS faculty, scheduled by the Admissions Office upon completion of the application paperwork, (as needed.)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is not a first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application.  The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree, in English, in the United States.

To view or download the application:

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry Program must possess a Master of Divinity Degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited seminary, divinity school or other graduate program of theology and ministry. Three years of experience serving in a ministry context subsequent to completing the M.Div. are also required.  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 in cooperation with the ASCPE, or Advanced Study in Psychotherapy and Counseling in cooperation with the CRPC.)

All applicants should be able to articulate a persuasive rationale for advanced study and clearly communicate the capacity to integrate theological and theoretical concepts and insights in verbal and written forms.  An understanding of the Vision, Mission and Commitment statement of the Chicago Theological Seminary is also valuable.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required for all D.Min. applicants for whom English is not a first language, regardless of previous degrees completed in English in the United States.  The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application.

The D.Min. application process includes:

  • 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 current resume;
  • A statement of objectives clearly describing the applicant’s rationale for advanced study as directed by the application instructions;
  • The provision of a writing sample from seminary/graduate studies (term paper, discrete section of a master’s thesis or published essay);
  • A conversation with the Director of the D.Min. program regarding intention for study.

To view or download the application:

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 a 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:

  • 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 current resume or curriculum vitae;
  • A sample academic/research paper (term paper, discrete section of a master’s thesis, or published essay);
  • Scores from the Graduate Record General Test (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test taken within 7 years of application.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is not a first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application.  The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree, in English, in the United States.

To view or download the application:

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 experience 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:

ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program Coordinator
5555 S. University Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 947-6270
fax: (773) 947-03765460

www.actsdminpreaching.com

Certificate in Theological Studies

The Certificate in Theological Studies is designed to offer theological education for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore theological studies in the seminary setting, but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a degree.

Applicants to the Certificate program must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Under certain conditions, persons who do not possess an undergraduate degree may apply to study under the non-degree status of Student At Large with hopes of achieving a certificate at a later date. [Please see the Student At Large (non-degree) Status--Criteria for Admission for more details.]

Though a wide variety of academic and life experience provide adequate preparation from which to pursue a Certificate in Theological Study, it is to the applicant’s advantage to have background in the humanities, strong written and oral communication skills, mature intellectual abilities, and the capacity to think critically.

Application to the Certificate program is simple. G.R.E. scores are not required. The application process includes:

  • Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended;
  • An autobiographical statement (250 words or less) describing your interest in theological study;
  • A current resume or a brief description of your recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, religious or church involvement;
  • Two letters of recommendation as described within the Certificate Application Instructions;
  • A brief interview with a member of the CTS faculty, scheduled by the Admissions Office upon completion of the application paperwork.

To view or download the application:

Student at Large (non degree) Status

Student At Large (non degree) status allows a student to take a course or courses in an area of interest at  her/his own pace without the expectation to complete the requirements set by a degree program.  As a Student At Large, a student may appeal for consideration for admission to a degree program or request approval to pursue a Certificate in Theological study at a later date, provided specific requirements are met.

A bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.  Persons who do not possess a completed bachelor’s degree may also apply following consultation with the CTS Office of Admissions at 773-322-0213.

Applicants wishing to study under the Student at Large Status should demonstrate aptitude for graduate level scholarship.  College level course-work, background in the humanities, relevant work and life experience, strong written and oral communication skills, mature intellectual abilities, and the capacity to think critically are advantageous.

Applicants with a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution complete a simplified application.  To view the application for more information, or to download:

Application for S.A.L. – with bachelor’s degree

Applicants who do not possess a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution complete a slightly more substantive application.  To view the application for more information, or to download:

Application for S.A.L. - without bachelor's degree

Distance Scholar (non-degree)

Those interested in taking a specific online course for academic credit should apply as Distance Scholars.  The Distance Scholar application is brief and focused.  Courses taken as a Distance Scholar may later be applied to an admitted student’s degree program.

Distance Scholar Application

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 an 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 773.896.2471.

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 773.896.2471.  Full tuition is charged.