Students interested in applying for a graduate degree program must submit a complete, signed application and fee to the Registrar's Office. Upon receipt, the registrar will provide the prospective student with additional forms and requirements necessary to complete the applicant file.
Applicants who have successfully submitted their admission materials as described
above will be invited to the seminary for interviews which may include the
director of lay formation, director of finance, and academic dean. Students will receive written notice of their
admission status within one week of their interview. Student admission is decided by the office of the academic
dean.
An applicant must submit documentation that demonstrates fulfillment of the following admissions criteria or equivalent qualifications:
An earned baccalaureate or professional degree from an accredited college or university
A minimum of 2.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average in all undergraduate and graduate work
At least twelve (12) credits in philosophy and/or religious studies. Recommended philosophy courses include: ancient, medieval and modern philosophy; philosophical anthropology, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Students lacking sufficient background may be required to take a minimum of six (6) credits in foundational theological and/or biblical studies to qualify for provisional matriculancy. This requirement is for students applying for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Theology.
An applicant who holds a baccalaureate or professional degree from an unaccredited college or university may be required to submit an additional writing sample.
All applicants whose cumulative point-hour ratio for all previous undergraduate and/or graduate academic work is below 2.5 may be required to submit an example of written work as outlined by the academic dean. For these students, admission will not be considered until the academic dean has reviewed applicant's submission.
An applicant's file contains the following forms and documentation:
- For the graduate program in Theology: two letters from persons acquainted with the applicant's academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance
- For the programs in Divinity and Pastoral Ministry: two letters — one from persons acquainted with the applicant's academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance, and one from a qualified member of the ministry (pastor, chaplain, supervisor of ministry, Church officer, etc.)
To comply with New York State Department of Health regulations, all students born on or after January 1, 1957, in post-secondary institutions must submit proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella within 30 days of the first day of class. This demonstration must be given in written form, certified by a qualified medical professional, to the Registrar's Office.