Application Process

Making an Application to the School of Theology

Once you have determined which degree program is right for your academic interests and vocational goals, you are encouraged to apply online.  Applying online speeds the process considerably for you, your references, and for the Admissions Office staff.  You may start your application at any time, so long as the semester to which you are applying is available on the online application site.  The online system allows you to begin an application and save, review, and change it at your leisure until you are ready to submit it.

You can access the online application system here.

Applying to the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, or Master of Theological Studies Program

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. a completed online application with $70 application fee paid electronically (If an applicant is unable to complete the online application due to technological inavailability, a paper application will be accepted.)
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic records.
  3. letters of reference from a pastor (or ecclesiastical superior) and three college professors. A reference letter from a work supervisor may be submitted for one college professor’s letter. If you have been out of college for a number of years, you may substitute work supervisors, colleagues, or other appropriate persons for college professors.
  4. a personal statement, clearly and concisely written. For the Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Music programs, this statement must describe (a) persons, experiences, and other influences which have inspired your move toward a Christian vocation; (b) your concept of the character, purpose, and possibilities of the Christian ministry; (c) your sense of commitment to the Christian faith and vocation (include any present uncertainties); (d) your specific interests in the proposed degree program; and (e) your understanding of personal spiritual formation and development. For the Master of Theological Studies program, this statement must describe (a) your specific purpose in seeking the degree; (b) your identification of personal and professional goals; (c) the areas in which you seek competence and the kinds of learning experiences needed to achieve such competence; and (d) your understanding of personal spiritual formation and development.
  5. official test results of either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination General Test, taken during the past five years (for non-international applicants only).
  6. Master of Sacred Music applicants are required to audition in the spring before their desired entrance date; contact the Admissions Office for details.
  7. International students should also look here for additional requirements.

Master of Sacred Theology or Doctor of Theology

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. a completed online application with $70 application fee paid electronically (If an applicant is unable to complete the online application due to technological inavailability, a paper application will be accepted.)
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic records.
  3. letters of reference from an ecclesiastical superior, two former seminary professors, and a professional peer.
  4. a personal statement, clearly and concisely written, which describes (a) persons, experiences, and other influences which have inspired your move toward a Christian vocation; (b) your concept of the character, purpose, and possibilities of the Christian ministry; (c) your sense of commitment to the Christian faith and vocation (include any present uncertainties); and (d) your specific interests in the proposed degree program. Doctor of Theology applicants must include a request for both a major and a minor discipline (see the Degree Program section of this website for a list of acceptable ThD majors and mino), with a description of what you wish to study in each discipline and how you see the relationship between the two.
  5. official results of either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination General Test, taken during the past five years (for non-international students only).
  6. Doctor of Theology applicants must submit a sample of their scholarly writing (not to exceed 30 pages).
  7. International students should also look here for additional requirements.

Doctor of Ministry

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. a completed online application with $70 application fee paid electronically (If an applicant is unable to complete the online application due to technological inavailability, a paper application will be accepted.)
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic records.
  3. letters of reference from an ecclesiastical superior, former seminary professor, professional peer, and lay person.
  4. a personal statement, clearly and concisely written, which (a) describes your specific purpose in seeking the degree; (b) sets forth your concept of ministry; (c) identifies your academic, personal, and professional goals; and (d) includes an assessment of your own spiritual formation or development.
  5. official results from either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination General Test, taken during the past five years (for non-international applicants only).
  6. a recent sample of scholarly writing, such as a research paper either from a previous graduate degree program if within the past five years, or on a topic relevant to ministry in the church (five to ten pages).
  7. a personal interview with the Director of Admissions, or a designated faculty member or, for persons living a considerable distance from Boston, with a person selected by the School.
  8. information or documentation of professional competence in addition to that listed above may be sought in determining the readiness of the applicant for participation in the degree program.
  9. a proposed Plan of Study with a supporting Rationale that outlines the reasons a particular Plan will help students bring together their experiences with additional academic studies to create a fresh synthesis of theory and practice.
  10. International students should also look here for additional requirements.

Special Students

Those who wish to take foundational courses in preparation for diaconal ministry and others who wish to take theology courses without applying for candidacy in a degree program must submit the following application materials:

  1. a completed Application Form.
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic records.
  3. an explanation of the proposed study plan indicating courses desired.

Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology or Religion

Those who wish to enter programs in theology or religion leading to the MA or PhD degree, rather than the professional programs in theology and ministry offered by the School of Theology, should apply directly to the Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for admission to the Division of Religious and Theological Studies (DRTS). For applications, write to Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.