General Admissions Criteria
Graduate Degree Programs
Students applying for admission to one of the graduate programs at the School of Theology normally must hold a BA or a BS from an accredited college/university or an equivalent degree.* Students whose first language is not English may be required to hold a passing score on the TOEFL. Separate applications must be submitted for each program to which a student seeks admission. For additional requirements consult the specific degree programs.
*A limited number of mature applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree may be admitted to the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree programs. Admittance may be granted on the basis of non-credit theological study and/or experiences in ministry. These studies and experiences must demonstrate knowledge and skills that are equivalent to those of persons holding baccalaureate degrees. |
Non-Degree Applicants
Applicants seeking admission as non-degree students must meet the University of St. Thomas School of Theology's entrance requirements. The Admissions Committee and the course instructor must be satisfied of the applicant's ability to perform at course level. Non-degree students taking courses for transfer of credit to another institution are responsible for complying with the transfer policies of the institution from which they are seeking credit. The School of Theology will, upon request, provide course profiles to the institution considering transfer of credit. Non-degree seeking students who wish to change their status to degree-seeking must apply for change of status prior to the start of the semester in which the status change will take effect. |
International Applicants
Eligibility for study in the United States is coordinated with the Admissions Department at UST. International applicants must contact the International Student Advisor on the UST Main Campus at (713) 525-3503.
Applicants holding a student visa (F1) will be considered for admission as full-time students only, and must be planning to earn a degree at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Theology. Full-time for graduate students is at least 9 credit hours per semester. International applicants must submit all necessary admission forms and documents by June 1 for fall semester and by November 1 for spring semester. All required information must be on file prior to admission to the University. |
Veterans and Dependents of Veterans
The University of St. Thomas is approved to offer eligible veterans and dependents of veterans the academic courses of study published in the University catalog and bulletins. Eligible students must apply for admission to the University following the procedures for the Graduate School of Theology.
The University Office of Veteran Affairs is under the supervision of the Registrar. The Veteran Affairs Advisor will assist the eligible applicant in processing the documents pertaining to veteran educational benefits, including the initial application for benefits. Once admitted, continuing students who receive these benefits are required to contact the Office of Veteran Affairs each semester prior to or during the registration process. The veteran must also have the approval of the Office of Veteran Affairs when making changes to his/her approved courses during any semester of registration. For additional information on the enrollment of veterans and dependents, refer to the section entitled “Academic Regulations for Veterans and Dependents” in the UST Graduate Catalog. |
General Graduate Application Checklist
Consult the degree program for clarification of specific requirements.
- Completed Application Form.
- Personal essay outlining the applicant's goals for the program*
- Hold a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college/university or an equivalency. Check the specific program for minimum GPA.
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including the final semester with degree posted; official transcripts must be mailed directly to the School of Theology from the issuing institution. All transcripts from colleges and universities outside the US must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation agency whose report is then submitted to the School of Theology.
- Two letters of recommendation: one academic/professional and one personal.*
- Listing of courses completed in theology, ethics, philosophy, or religious education.*
- Any evidence of certification through diocesan programs.*
- Any other material which would support the candidate’s previous theological or religious education and experience.*
- If applicable, written request for transfer of credit.
- Students whose first language is not English may be required to hold a passing score on the TOEFL.
*Waived for students accepted into St. Mary's Seminary Program for Priestly Formation or for those accepted as candidates for the permanent diaconate.
Credentials submitted in support of an application become the property of the School of Theology and cannot be returned to students or interested parties. |
Admission Process
All required documents should be received in the Dean’s office prior to consideration by the Admissions Committee.
- The Admissions Committee of the School of Theology meets approximately once a month throughout the calendar year.
- The applicant will be notified in writing of the Admissions Committee’s decision.
- Credentials submitted in support of an application become the property of the School of Theology and cannot be returned to the student or interested parties.
- Admission to the School of Theology does not necessarily imply acceptance for degree candidacy.
- A student will be permitted to register for only one course prior to completing the full admission process.
- Students admitted provisionally to the University with incomplete academic files must complete their files before the end of the semester they were admitted. Those who fail to comply with this requirement will be denied registration for subsequent semesters until the files are complete.
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Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for keeping their own records and for knowing the University’s policies and regulations, those of a general nature as well as those pertaining to their particular program of studies. The ultimate responsibility for the student’s academic program and orderly progress through the University curriculum rests with the student. If anyone advises a student contrary to the University’s stated policies and regulations, the student should consult the dean of the school involved or the Registrar. |
