Admissions
Candidates for admission to the Theological School must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited (or, outside the United States, government-approved) college or university. Specific admissions criteria for each Theological School program are listed under the programs to which they apply. The Theological School of Drew University considers candidates for admission in terms of their overall qualifications for the degree in question. The school does not consider gender, race, ethnic background, national origin, sexual orientation, age, class, financial need or handicapping conditions in its admissions decisions.
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Deadlines and Procedures
Applicants for masters programs who plan to begin classes in the fall semester must complete their applications by July 1 to clear all housing and financial aid procedures and to allow for participation in orientation activities. Applicants who plan to begin classes in the spring semester must complete their applications by December 1. International student deadlines may be found in the International Student section.
Please note that the Theological School uses a self-managed application that requires the applicant to gather and send in all required materials. All application documents (except TOEFL/TWE scores) should be mailed together in one envelope to the Office of Theological Admissions.
Applicants to all Theological School degree programs must submit the following credentials to the Office of Theological Admissions:
- A completed application form, accompanied by a nonrefundable $35 application fee (check or money order made payable to "Drew University"). The application fee is waived for on-line applications.
- Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) of all academic study done beyond the high school (12th year) level. Transcripts must be submitted by the institution at which the work was completed. Persons who apply while still enrolled at another institution may submit a transcript of work completed to date, but a final transcript showing the award of the degree must be furnished before registration at Drew. Records submitted as part of an application cannot be returned.
- Four letters of reference from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant's intellectual competence and suitability for the degree. (See application for specific criteria.)
- A personal statement from the applicant.
- A TOEFL/TWE score from students whose first language is not English. The Theological School will gladly accept your paper-based (PBT), computer-based (CBT) or internet-based (IBT) TOEFL scores! The University of Cambridge language examinations may be submitted as an alternative to the TOEFL examinations.
If a candidate is admitted, the following are also required:
- A signed copy of the Intent to Accept Form and payment of the $300 enrollment deposit, $150 for non-degree seeking applicants. The deposit is nonrefundable after July 1 for the fall semester and after December 2 for the spring semester.
- A health history report, due prior to registration. Registration will be blocked until this form is completed and filed with Drew's Health Services.
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Degree Program Changes
Students wishing to make program changes between the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Ministry programs must complete the first page of the application form, provide an updated personal statement, and provide a reference from a Drew professor. The student's credits will automatically transfer from the previous degree program to the new degree program unless the student has completed the first degree program and received the degree.
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Admission Options
Students seeking admission to the following degree programs apply using the Degree Application.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The M.Div. degree is for people who expect to seek ordination as ministers or who anticipate engaging in religious professions. This degree may be completed in three years and requires 84 credit hours.
The M. Div./M.S.W. dual degree
Drew offers a dual degree program with Monmouth University School of Social Work. This program allows students to complete the M.Div. and M.S.W. in four years of full-time study. Prospective students should apply for the M.Div. to Drew indicating their interest in the program. During the second year of the M.Div. program, the student applies to Monmouth University for admissions to the M.S.W. program. For more details, contact the Admissions Office and the Associate Academic Dean.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
The M.T.S. is a flexible degree designed to accommodate the learning objectives of the individual student. This degree will meet the educational requirements for individuals who hold a master's degree in a related field or professional identity who are seeking ordination as a U.M. deacon. The M.T.S. degree requires 48 credit hours, including the completion of a Capstone Project Seminar.
Master of Arts (M.A.)
The Master of Arts program is a two-year master's degree designed for students who wish to attain a foundation for further studies in religion at the doctoral level, to explore the religious disciplines for personal interests or to acquire a bcackground for teaching at the secondary level. This degree is not designed to lead to ordination and does not presuppose any particular faith stance.
Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A. in Min.)
The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is a two-year, 45-credit, professional master's degree for students preparing for leadership in congregations,non-profit agencies, or other organizations. It may also be used by those who are preparing for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist church.
Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.)
The S.T.M. degree is a one-year academic program requiring 18 credit hours of course work and an extended research paper (30-40 pages) in conjunction with one course. This degree is designed for those who have completed their basic theological education with the M.Div. degree (or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background, or its educational equivalent) and wish to pursue further study through the curriculum of the Theological School.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
The D.Min. degree is the highest professional degree in the Theological School at Drew. It is designed to move pastors to the next level of competence in the practice of ministry and contribute to the field of Christian ministry. It is a team-based, peer model, six-semester program for experienced pastors who wish to continue their education with a systematic program of study. This degree is offered in both a traditional, regional, group format and in an online format. Requirements include either a) the Master of Divinity degree, b) an M.Div. equivalent (3 years of graduate theological education), or c) a master's degree in a related field plus the Master of Theological Studies degree or 24 credit hours of Basic Graduate Theological Studies. The D.Min. also requires 3 years of full-time ministerial experience following the first theological degree.
Doctor of Ministry Special (D.S.)
This student status is not on Drew's application form. Admission to this status is offered at the request of the D.Min. Director or Dean to allow a student in the application process to take a D.Min. course. This status offers students who do not seek matriculation into a D.Min. program the chance to take doctoral level courses. These persons must complete a one-time application; registration is on a space-available basis. D.Min. Special students are ineligible for financial aid.
Students seeking the following statuses apply using the Non-Degree Application
Theological Unclassified (T.U.)
A limited number of persons wishing to take one course per semester, up to three courses (9 credits), but who do not wish to matriculate as degree candidates, may be admitted as unclassified students. A limited application process must be followed for this status. Registration for courses is on a space-available basis. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid.
Theological Online/Offsite (T.O.)
A limited number of persons wishing to take one course per semester, up to three courses (9 credits), of online or offsite work but who do not wish to matriculate as degree candidates, may be admitted as online/offsite students. A limited application process must be followed for this status. Registration for courses is on a space-available basis. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid.
Theological Visitor (T.V.)
This classification is used for persons enrolled in another seminary or theological institution who wish to take classes at Drew, generally summer classes, for academic credit. A letter from the Academic Dean or Registrar from the applicant's home institution approving the course work is required to complete the application. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid.
Theological Special (T.S.)
Persons who wish to take courses but do not wish to matriculate as candidates for degrees may be accepted as special students. The complete application process must be followed for this status. Registration for courses is on a space-available basis. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid.
Theological Audit (T.A.)
- Official Audit: Matriculating students may receive permission to officially audit from the Associate Academic Dean's office and register for the class. They are charged the full audit rate. Spouses of students and alumni/ae may be permitted to officially audit courses as space is available as official auditors, with audit credit being entered into a permanent transcript record. After completing the admissions process they receive permission to audit from the Academic Associate Dean's office and register for the class. They are charged the full audit rate.
- Unofficial Audit: Matriculating students may receive permission to unofficially audit from the Associate Academic Dean's office. They DO NOT register for the class. There is no tuition charged for unofficial audit. Spouses of students and alumni/ae may be permitted to unofficially audit courses as space is available as unofficial auditors without audit credit and without entry into a permanent transcript record. After completing the admissions process, they receive permission to audit from the Academic Associate Dean's office. They DO NOT register for the class. There is no tuition charged for an unofficial audit.
Community Fellows (C.F.)
Members of the community who wish to explore new subjects in a non-credit setting can apply to be Community Fellows. This program offers selected courses which include matriculated students. The aim of this program is personal enrichment, not credit towards a degree. Community Fellows are non-matriculated students. Students, spouses of students and alumni/ae are ineligible for this status and must apply as a Theological Auditor. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid. An on-campus interview is required.
Certification Studies (C.S.)
This status is assigned to students in United Methodist Certification programs who will receive their certificates from the United Methodist Church, but who take Drew course(s) to meet these programs' academic requirements. These courses are entered into a permanent transcript record. A separate application is required for each U.M. certification. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid from Drew.
Students receiving an offer of admission will be awarded one of the following admission statuses:
Full Admission: This status signifies that the student has met all admission requirements and is a matriculated candidate for a degree.
Conditional Admission: This status is awarded to students who have met all requirements in principle but from whom one or more official documents are still required. When the materials required are provided to the Office of Theological Admissions, the status is changed to Full Admission. The fulfillment of the condition is the responsibility of the student. When the condition is met, proper documentation must be presented to the Office of the Associate Academic Dean. Any work completed prior to meeting conditions outlined on the Intent to Accept cannot be guaranteed to be applied to a degree program. It shall be the student's responsibility to petition the Academic Standing Committee for consideration of all such work.
Probationary Admission: In rare cases a student with outstanding credentials in all other areas but whose previous academic record is ambiguous may be admitted on a probationary basis. Students may remain in probationary status for up to one year and are limited to nine (9) credit hours of instruction per semester. Continuation of financial aid is contingent upon satisfactory progress and the removal of probationary status. Persons whose academic performance while on probationary status does not show clear ability to meet required standards are disqualified from continuing enrollment. The Academic Standing Committee reviews the records of students on probation at the end of each semester.
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Transfer Students/Advanced Standing
Transfer and Advanced Standing
Applicants who meet the requirements for admission and have completed courses at another theological school accredited by the A.T.S. (Association of Theological Schools) may be considered for transfer admission. Applicants who wish to be considered for transfer or “advanced standing” should notify the Admissions office during the application process. A written transfer assessment will be produced for the applicant upon request to the Office of the Associate Academic Dean. All transferable credit can be applied to the student’s permanent record after successful completion of 10 credit hours at Drew Theological School. At such time, the student must request the transfer using a petition form available in the Office of the Registrar.
Previous academic credit will be considered for transfer if it meets the following criteria:
- The credit is from a graduate theological school accredited by the A.T.S. in the United States and Canada. Credit from unaccredited seminaries will be considered on a case by case basis with appropriate documentation provided by the student.
- The grade is no lower than “C“ graded on a conventional grading scale. “Pass” grades are not considered for transfer unless the student has documentation to indicate that the work was at least C level.
- The course was completed within ten years prior to matriculation at Drew.
No more than one-half of the credit hours (42) of the M.Div. program at Drew nor one quarter (12) of the M.A. or M.A. in Min. programs may be fulfilled by transfer credit. No credit may be transferred into the S.T.M. program. Every candidate for the degree programs must complete all degree requirements, including Drew’s supervised ministry requirement.
Applicants who have previously earned a theologically oriented degree may be considered for advanced standing credit provided their cumulative Grade Point Average for that degree was 3.0 or higher. Advanced standing credit transfer from a previous degree is limited to not more than fifteen hours for the M.Div. degree and nine hours for the M.A. or M.A. in Min.; not more than one-half of the credits required for the previous degree may be transferred. The courses may not be used to replace required courses.
Applicants who have earned graduate credit hours in a non-theological degree with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher may be considered for not more than twelve hours of transfer credit, provided that the courses are related to studies at Drew. Requests for such transfer should include a written explanation of how the courses related to the degree pursued at Drew.
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Orientation
All new degree-seeking students are required to participate in the Theological School orientation program prior to registering for classes. The program is designed to introduce students to the academic regulations and community life of the school. It also serves to begin to build community within the entering class and introduces new students to returning students. An important element of the program is the introduction of students to the spiritual life of the school. Families of students are invited to participate in portions of the program. A language skills diagnostic test is required of all students. Failure to participate in the orientation program may result in students not being permitted to register for the semester.
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Inclusive Language Policy
It is Drew's policy to require in term papers and doctoral theses the fair use of inclusive language in reference to human gender and divinity. Any theological or cultural objection to the use of inclusive language related to divinity must be justified by the author in text or footnote. See Daniel's Dictionary and D.Min. Handbook for further information.
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Advising
Each Theological School student is assigned a faculty adviser, who ordinarily remains with the student throughout his/her entire academic career at Drew. The adviser exercises an academic and a mentor responsibility. Each student, however, retains full responsibility for his/her own satisfactory performance as a student and as a community member, and for meeting all degree requirements.
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International Students
Students from outside the United States are a vital part of the life of the Theological School. We therefore welcome applications from women and men throughout the world who would like to engage in theological studies at Drew Theological School. The deadline for completed international applications is April 1 for enrollment in the fall semester and October 1 for enrollment in the spring semester.
Records of international applicants are evaluated by American university standards: the educational level of requirements, the course of studies completed, the quality of the student's work, and the rating of the institution by agencies and persons acquainted with it. At least one-half of any program submitted as the equivalent of an American undergraduate degree must be college-level subject matter in the liberal arts.
Apart from exceptional circumstances, applicants whose native (first) language is not English must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score and a TWE (Test of Written English) score when applying for admission. TOEFL scores can be submitted to Drew Theological School, Code 2193, Dept. 21.
Applicants that have completed a previous degree at an accredited English-speaking institution may request a waiver from the Office of Theological Admissions. The TOEFL waiver form can be found on our website.
The Theological School reserves the right to admit outstanding students with slightly lower TOEFL scores if the application overall indicates that the student is able to succeed in this environment.
The University of Cambridge language examinations may be submitted as an alternative to the TOEFL examination. In such instances, a passing grade in the Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) is required.
After admission, and before matriculation for the first semester of course work in the Theological School, the English language proficiency of non-native English-speaking students is evaluated by means of a written examination and an oral interview. Based on the results, the student may be required to participate in Drew's ESOL program prior to and during the first semester of study.
International students and non-native English speakers will spend approximately three weeks prior to their first semester in an intensive language program, in which they will be trained in American English and culture, as well as English for theological students. The intensive language course is a requirement for most international and non-native English speaking students.
Financial aid awards for eligible international applicants are announced when the candidate is notified of an admissions decision. The Theological School's financial aid resources do not permit full coverage of student expenses; thus, like other Theological School students, international students should seek additional financial support to underwrite the cost of Drew studies. International agencies related to major denominations are often a source for additional financial aid.
Additional resource opportunities can be found on our website: www.drew.edu/moneyforseminary.
International students should not plan to pay for their education through employment in the United States, other than through limited campus employment. While occasional remunerative field education positions may become available, a student cannot rely in advance on such opportunities, especially not during the first year. International students and their spouses require the specific approval of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration services (BCIS) or the International Student Services Office to work off campus, and the BCIS expects that there will be sufficient resources without employment to see a student through at least the first full year of his or her program in the United States.
International students, whose statements of resources indicate they will contribute toward their own support, from sources other than Drew financial assistance, are required to submit irrevocable letters of credit or official letters of commitment from sponsors covering the expected amounts, before the University issues the immigration form necessary for obtaining a student visa (DS 2019 or I-20). Students must meet all BCIS standards before documents will be issued.
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Concurrent B.A./M.Div. Study
Using standards approved by the Association of Theological Schools (A.T.S.), Drew may admit a very limited number of students into the Master of Divinity degree program while they are completing a few remaining academic requirements for their baccalaureate degree. Such students are eligible for admission on conditional status, when they have completed two-thirds or more of their undergraduate degree.
Students in this category are not considered fully matriculated until all baccalaureate work is satisfactorily completed.
Concurrent course work is limited to a maximum of 28 credits prior to being fully matriculated.
Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid until they fully matriculate into the M.Div. program.
Persons interested in the concurrent B.A./M.Div. opportunity should contact the Admissions office for more information.
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