General Admissions Criteria

Students applying for admission to one of the graduate programs at the School of Theology normally must hold a B.A. or a B.S. 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.

*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.

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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.

General Graduate Application Checklist
Consult the degree program for clarification of specific requirements.

  1. Completed Application Form.
  2. Personal essay outlining the applicant's goals for the program*
  3. A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college/university or an equivalency. Check the specific program for minimum GPA.
  4. 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 U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation agency whose report is then submitted to the School of Theology.
  5. Two letters of recommendation: one academic/professional and one personal.*
  6. Listing of courses completed in theology, ethics, philosophy or religious education.*
  7. Any evidence of certification through diocesan programs.*
  8. Any other material which would support the candidate’s previous theological or religious education and experience.*
  9. If applicable, written request for transfer of credit.
  10. 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.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for keeping their own records and for knowing the University’s policies and regulations 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.