Do I need an M.A. (M.Div., S.T.M., M.T.S., Th.M. or comparable degree) for admission to the Ph.D. program?
Because degree requirements vary, the Admissions Committee and your particular program will determine if you have sufficient preparation for admission to the Ph.D. program. In some cases, applicants may be urged to apply first for the M.A. in their chosen discipline.
Would Drew consider my personal faith an obstacle to my ability to pursue advanced scholarly work?
GDR students should not find their opportunities at Drew limited by their personal beliefs or religious affiliation – nor by any lack thereof. However, the Ph.D. degree is designed to prepare students for academic careers. Those looking for advanced training in ministry may want to consider the D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry), a professional degree that is also available at Drew.
Does the GDR offer a general religious studies degree?
While interdisciplinary work is encouraged, Drew requires each student to choose an area and a field of concentration to prepare them to teach and research in a specific discipline. Once admitted, many students study across disciplines and some switch to another concentration within their area, but the application must indicate the area and field of study that will be the student’s disciplinary "home."
Will Drew accept transfer credits from another institution towards my degree at Drew?
Advanced standing (the term for transfer credit) is not a decision made at the time of admission. An enrolled student may petition the Committee for Academic Standing for advanced standing after completing one full-time year of course work. The maximum amount of advanced standing awarded generally does not exceed one semester of full-time study (i.e. nine credits). Acceptance into Drew’s graduate program does not guarantee advanced standing.
Can I study part-time?
Graduate students at Drew may take classes on either a part-time or a full-time basis. Full-time enrollment is defined as three courses per semester. Students must take at least two courses per semester in order to qualify for financial aid.
What kind of scholarships are available for graduate study?
Drew currently offers merit-based scholarships ranging from 80% to 100% of tuition. They are based on the student’s academic record and promise. A small number of stipends in addition are currently offered to the most outstanding applicants. Applicants interested in being considered for these awards should indicate this on the application form and fill out the Supplemental Financial Aid form located in the application packet. Note, however, that scholarship levels can vary from year to year, based on larger budgetary issues. In addition, students may qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans and work-study money, which requires completion of the FAFSA, available both on-line and at the GDR Admissions Office after January 1. There are also a number of student employment opportunities on campus, including teaching and research assistantships, as well as off-campus jobs, which are publicized through Drew’s Career Center.
Is housing available on campus for graduate students?
There is limited graduate housing for single students and those with families. Graduate students are housed in several apartment complexes and houses on or bordering the campus, at a cost less than that of comparable accommodations in the Madison area. All apartment and residence hall applications are made to the housing office. Campus housing is reserved for full-time students.
I would like to enroll at Drew but will need to commute from a distance. Does Drew offer courses online?
Because of the unique interaction that occurs in graduate seminars, all GDR courses are offered on campus. However, classes are scheduled to facilitate travel for commuting students. All classes meet just one day a week, and most are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Most commuting students are able to arrange their class schedules so that they only come to campus one, or more commonly two, days each week. Once course work is completed, the student’s program, involving preparation for comprehensive exams and then work on the dissertation, can more easily be done from a distance.
Can I defer my admissions offer?
Generally no. The GDR does not defer admissions decisions from year-to-year in order to be able to offer the greatest amount of scholarship aid to students matriculating in the term for which they applied. Occasionally an exception is made and a deferral is granted upon petition. However, be advised that this is the exception and not the rule.
I would like to visit Drew to see the campus and talk about my prospective application. How do I go about making an appointment?
Prospective students are welcome to visit the campus for a campus tour and/or meetings with selected faculty, and should contact the GDR Admissions Office. Since tours, guest housing and meetings with faculty are scheduled on an individual basis, please write or call for an appointment as far in advance as possible.
