Application for Student at Large (S.A.L.)

For students without a Bachelor's Degree

Student At Large Status allows a student to take courses in an area of interest at her/his own pace without the expectation to complete the requirements set by a degree program.  A Student At Large may attain a Certificate of Theological Studies, if she/he successfully completes six courses.  Many students, studying under the status of Student At Large, decide to apply for admission to a degree program at a later date.

Application Instructions

Qualifications:  In order to be considered for admission, applicants who do not possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution 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.

1. APPLICATION PROCESS: Completion of the online application form is only one part of the comprehensive application process. Official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be submitted in hard copy.  Applications must be complete before they will be forwarded to the CTS Admissions Committee for consideration.  Please plan accordingly to meet the appropriate deadlines.

2. ONLINE APPLICATION FORM: The bulk of your application information will be collected by way of the online form. Read all directions prior to beginning the form to understand the requirements for the degree program to which you are applying.  Prepare your written materials and assemble them in one document to be submitted as an attachment.  Identify the persons who will serve as referents. Gather information regarding institutions attended and degrees received. Determine your form of payment for the application fee.

You may complete the form in more than one session.  Once you have completed the first screen and proceed to the next, a PIN will appear at the upper right hand corner of the second screen.  For convenience, keep your PIN handy.  You will use this number to access your application at any time, once you have exited.  Once you have begun your application, you will have 30 days to complete the form.  Online applications that are not completed within 30 days will be discarded.  If you experience technical difficulty, please contact the Office of Admissions at 773-896-2420 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3. WRITTEN MATERIALS: Written materials should be carefully assembled into one document to be included as an attachment on the online application form.  The application form will refer to this collective document as an “essay”.

1. Autobiographical Statement Please write an autobiographical statement (2000 words or less) incorporating a response to the following:

1. Briefly discuss your call or describe what compels you to pursue theological studies.

2. Describe your religious history and/or a personal experience that has led you to pursue theological studies.

3.What are your educational and vocational goals in seeking theological education?

4. What is your view of the church and its ministry and the role you expect to play in them?

5. What do you believe to be the two most important issues facing the church over the next five years, and why?

6. What do you regard as your most important life experience?

7. What aspects of CTS and its program of studies have led you to make this application for admission?

2. Current Resume: Provide a current resume or a brief description of any of the following: your recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, religious or church involvement, and any honors/awards you have received.

4. REFERENCES: Persons who have not completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution applying to study under the status of Student at Large must submit four (4) written references.  At least two of the references must be academic in nature, affirming your aptitude for graduate level scholarship. One may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a professional colleague or personal friend. If you have been out of school for an extended period and are not able to secure an academic reference, please select someone who might be able to speak specifically to your intellectual abilities and gifts for written/oral expression.

Provide a copy of the downloadable REQUEST FOR REFERENCE to each of the four referents named on your application form.  Prior to delivery to the referent, complete the top section, identify the type of reference, and sign the form.

It is an expected courtesy for you to provide each person with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope.  Each writer should return the completed reference directly to CTS (or to you) in a sealed envelope with a signature across the back flap.

Reference waiver: Unless otherwise indicated, you waive your right to review letters of reference. Waiving your right will assure freedom of full expression in the evaluation you are asking each person to provide.  If you do not wish to waive this right, you must indicate as much on the reference form.

5. ACADEMIC RECORDS: Provide the names of all colleges and universities attended or presently attending and indicate the degrees earned or expected on the online form. List them in chronological order. The online form can accommodate up to five institutions.

Request the Registrar of each institution to send an official transcript of all academic work in a sealed and signed/stamped envelope directly to CTS.  Please include transcripts for all post-secondary schools attended, including those at which you did not earn a degree.

6. APPLICATION FEE:  A non-refundable $50 application fee is required of all online applicants. Payment may be made by debit card or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card or American Express.)  Persons serving as volunteers, team members, Corp members, staff and alums of the AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps, and VISTA are eligible for an application fee refund.   Refund will be done by mail following receipt of proof of affiliation.

7. STUDENT AT LARGE—WITHOUT BACHELOR’S DEGREE APPLICATION CHECKLIST: A downloadable checklist is provided for your convenience to assist you in organizing your materials and completing the requirements.

8. SUBMISSION: Transcripts and sealed references should be mailed to:

Chicago Theological Seminary
Admissions Office
1407 E. 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

9. FACULTY INTERVIEW: Once your application file is complete and ready for review by the Admissions Committee, the Office of Admissions will contact you to arrange a brief personal interview with a member of the CTS faculty.  The interview may be done in person or by telephone.

10. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS: All applicants must complete the admissions process within two years of submission of application materials. No applications will be held after two years.  Applicants who are not accepted to CTS may only re‑apply after two years, and must re‑submit an application. Submission of an application and the supporting documents assumes that the information is accurate and true to the best of the applicant’s knowledge. All documents submitted as a part of an application become the property of the Chicago Theological Seminary and are not transferrable to a third party.

11. APPEAL FOR ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF DIVINITY, MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP, OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS: Upon successful completion of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of eight (8) courses with a grade of “B” or higher, a Student At Large without a Bachelor’s Degree may appeal for consideration for admission to the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Religious Leadership programs or request approval to pursue a Certificate in Theological Education.  Appeal for admission/approval is made through the Director of Studies for consideration by the appropriate CTS program committee.