Applicants to graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Science are admitted wholly on individual merit. Villanova University does not discriminate against anyone seeking admission on the basis of their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or sex.
Applicants should review the general admissions policies below and explore the web pages of the program of interest for further information about application deadlines, admissions criteria, curriculum requirements, course offerings, resources for students and other discipline-specific details. Please also review application deadlines for each program.
The Office of Graduate Studies also offers additional resources for current teachers, military and veterans, and international students.
General Admissions Policies
Bachelor’s Degree
All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies prior to enrollment.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended and earned 10 or more credits are required at time of application. Official transcripts are required after an admission decision has been rendered and before a student can enroll in classes.
If the applicant has completed any program for which a transcript is required, the transcript must list the conferred degree and the conferral date.
Any applicant in their last year of undergraduate study at the time of application should provide a transcript of all courses completed to date including any in-progress courses ahead of graduation.
If admitted and intending to enroll, final official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office listing the degree received and the date the degree was conferred.
Pre-Requisites
All applicants must have completed the undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in their proposed program. These prerequisites are detailed on each program’s admission requirements page.
Non-Matriculated and Visitor Applications
Applicants who wish to apply as non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) or visiting students must contact the Office of Graduate Studies to request the application link. Please email gradinformation@villanova.edu in order to apply. See more information on Student Status Categories.
VU Staff Admissions
VU Alumni Admissions
Application Requirement Waiver Requests
You will find a waiver request form in your application. Keep in mind that all waivers are subject to review and approval by Office of Graduate Studies admissions staff and internal waiver criteria.
We do not accept or approve Credential Evaluation waivers for international applicants.
Deadlines
View updated admission deadline dates.
Deferral Requests
Admitted students who cannot enroll in the admission cycle in which they were admitted, for whatever reason, may request a deferral via form submission. Applicants may defer once and subsequently extend that deferral once for a maximum of two admission cycles. No additional deferrals will be granted, but we are happy to support reapplication to the program.
NOTE: If you wish to change to a later term within the same calendar year (e.g., spring 2026 to summer 2026), reach out to the admissions counselor in your application portal.
NOTE: This policy only applies to applicants who never officially started the program. For policy related to students who were previously enrolled, see Readmission.
Deferred Enrollment Confirmation
Applicants must confirm with the Office of Graduate Studies that they are prepared to enroll in their chosen deferral term at least two months prior to the start of that semester by completing our Deferred Enrollment Confirmation form. This form will be made available as the semester approaches.
Applicants deferring to the fall semester who would like to be considered for funding must complete the Deferred Enrollment Confirmation form in advance of the funding deadline for their specific program.
Readmission/Reinstatement
See full policy.
International Applicant Admission Requirements and Policies
See full policy.
Enrollment and Onboarding
See full policy.
Application Requirements by Program
Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Prerequisite Courses:
- Multivariable calculus
- Matrix/linear algebra
Deadlines:
- Fall Assistantship: March 1
- Fall: Rolling until August 1
- Spring: Rolling until December 1
- Summer: Rolling until May 1
Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Statistics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Prerequisite Courses:
- Multivariable calculus
- Matrix/linear algebra
Master of Science in Biology or Master of Arts in Biology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Personal Statement (300 words, double spaced): Tell us about your background, your personal and academic journey so far.
- Statement of Purpose for MS (600 words total, double spaced):
- Why do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Biology? What are your career goals, and how will pursuing an M.S. in Biology at Villanova facilitate your pursuit of those goals? (200 words)
- What kinds of experiences (e.g., research, course, or others) have been most influential in shaping your career goals? (200 words)
- Which faculty mentor or mentors in the Department of Biology are you interested in potentially working with and why? How do their research interests align with your future career goals? Have you contacted them? (200 words)
- Statement of Purpose for MA (400 words total, double spaced):
- Why do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Biology? What are your career goals, and how will pursuing an M.S. in Biology at Villanova facilitate your pursuit of those goals? (200 words)
- What kinds of experiences (e.g., research, course, or others) have been most influential in shaping your career goals? (200 words)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- NOTE: The admissions committee in the Department of Biology will evaluate applicants holistically by considering GREs, GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements for admission as well as potential departmental funding.
Prerequisite Courses:
- 24 credit hours of undergraduate biology (including genetics)
- 1 year each of physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and calculus (or calculus plus statistics)
Deadlines:
- Fall Assistantship: February 1
- Fall: Rolling until August 1
- Spring: Rolling until December 1
- Summer: Rolling until May 1
Certificates in Biology
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (Pre-Master's and Post-Master's)
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (Pre-Master's and Post Master's)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Chemistry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- GRE is optional for graduates of accredited U.S. undergraduate institutions
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- Statement of Goals:
- If you are interested in the full-time program (thesis-track with TA-ship), please address the following questions in your personal statement:
- How will a Master of Science from Villanova fit into your personal and professional goals?
- What (if any) previous research experience do you have, and why are you excited about doing research?
- Are there any faculty or research areas at Villanova that you are interested in?
- If you are not accepted into the full-time program, would you be interested in being considered for the part-time program (course-based, without tuition remission or assistantship)?
- If you are interested in the part-time program (evening, course-based), please address the following questions in your personal statement:
- How will a Master of Science from Villanova fit into your personal and professional goals?
- What (if any) previous research experience do you have, and what interests you about chemistry?
- If you are interested in the full-time program (thesis-track with TA-ship), please address the following questions in your personal statement:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Classical Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of Goals (500-700 words)
- Academic writing sample (only for those seeking a Graduate Assistantship or Tuition Scholarship)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Please address the items below in your Statement of Goals.
- Name and email address
- Whether you are applying for the MA degree or as a non-matriculated student
- Whether you plan to attend classes on campus or online (if online, indicate your time zone)
- Describe your interest in Classical Studies (including what areas interest you most)
- Background in Classical Studies (include any Latin or Greek experience and, if so, describe the extent of your experience, where you studied, etc.)
- Current situation (e.g., current degree you are pursuing or current employment)
- Purpose in pursuing the degree or classes
- Any additional information you would like to include
Master of Arts in Communication
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume/CV
- Academic or professional writing sample: Please provide a brief (150 or fewer words) description of your sample and the context in which it was written. Indicate the purpose of the writing assignment, whether the piece was written individually or collaboratively and how your sample shows evidence of your academic and/or professional writing ability.
- Statement of Goals
- The goals statement should be no more than three pages (double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
- Academic and professional goals
- Why Villanova?
- How do you see the graduate program’s curriculum and faculty helping you achieve your personal and professional goals?
- How has your previous experience prepared you to adapt to the rigors of graduate-level education?
- How do you see yourself contributing to the intellectual community?
- What additional strengths and weaknesses should the reviewing committee consider about you?
- Address challenges you have encountered or weak spots in your application materials. What did you learn from these situations?
- What additional information should the reviewing committee consider about you?
- The goals statement should be no more than three pages (double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
- Additional Short Reflection Essays: In addition to your personal statement, please reflect on the following prompt(s) and answer each in 250 or fewer words. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their responses are complete and legible in the file they upload. A complete application must include answers to all components of the prompt.
- Handling Systemic Injustice: Give an example of a time when you faced or witnessed systemic injustice? How did you respond? What did you learn from the experience?
- GRE/GMAT Optional:
- Applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application for the Master’s Degree in Communication. Applicants may submit GRE/ GMAT results, if they feel the scores enhance their application. If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will be reviewed as part of the admission review process. Applicants who do not submit scores will not be put at a disadvantage. If an applicant chooses to submit scores, they must follow up any self-reported scores with official test results.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates in Communication
- Certificate in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
- Certificate in Journalism and New Media
- Certificate in Organizational Communication and Leadership
- Certificate in Mediated Communication
- Certificate in Public Relations and Advertising
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Academic or professional writing sample: Please provide a short (150 words or less) description of your sample. You may address the context or purpose the piece was written for, or how your sample shows evidence of academic and/or professional writing ability.
- Statement of goals
- The goals statement should be around 400-500 words (approximately two pages, double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
- Academic and professional goals
- Why Villanova?
- How do you see the graduate program’s curriculum and faculty helping you achieve your personal and professional goals?
- How has your previous experience prepared you to adapt to the rigors of graduate-level education?
- How do you see yourself contributing to the intellectual community?
- What additional strengths and weaknesses should the reviewing committee consider about you?”
- The goals statement should be around 400-500 words (approximately two pages, double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
- Reflection Essays: In addition to your personal statement, please reflect on the following prompt(s) and answer each in 250 words or less. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their responses are complete and legible in the file they upload. A complete application must include answers to all prompts.
- Intellectual Growth: Describe a time when you encountered an argument that changed your mind. It need not be life-altering: it could be about a piece of music, a work of art, or a political issue. What was the argument? What did it change for you?
- Handling Systemic Injustice: Give an example of a time when you faced or witnessed systemic injustice? How did you respond? What did you learn from the experience?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Computer Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) - In some situations this requirement may be waived. Please contact Dr. Vijay Gehlot if you wish to request a GRE waiver.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Deadlines:
- Fall Assistantship: March 1
- Fall: Rolling until August 1
- Spring Assistantship: October 1
- Spring: Rolling until December 1
- Summer: Rolling until May 1
Certificate in College Admissions Counseling (12 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: In 250 words or less, please explain your motivation for pursuing a certificate in college admissions counseling from Villanova University, including your hopes for applying the certificate to your professional experiences.
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health or Master of Science, School Counseling
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters:
- It is recommended that letters speak to the applicant's: aptitude for graduate-level study, ability to form effective counseling relationships and respect for cultural differences.
- Essay Questions
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Deadlines:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Fall Assistantship: TBD
- Fall admittance only: TBD
School Counseling
- Fall Assistantship: TBD
- Fall admittance only: TBD
Master's Degrees in Education
Master of Arts in Education (30 credits)
Masters of Arts in Education, Concentration in Higher Education Leadership (30 credits)
Master of Arts in Education Plus Teacher Certification (34 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
- Prompt (excluding Teacher Certification): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master's Degrees in Education
- Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Teacher Leadership (30 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1–2 pages): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- Valid teaching certificate or documentation of employment at an independent or charter school
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates in Education
- Certificate in Education (15 credits)
- Certificate in Higher Education Leadership (15 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Teacher Leadership (15 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals (1-2 pages): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- Valid teaching certificate or documentation of employment at an independent or charter school
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in English
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Writing sample
- The writing sample should be a work of literary analysis that is 10 - 20 pages long. It should demonstrate your ability to articulate a clear, specific argument and to support that argument through close readings of literary text or texts. It is preferable if the sample also makes reference to secondary critical sources, but this is not a requirement.
- Statement of Goals (1-2 pages)
- The personal statement should address the following: the reason(s) you wish to pursue advanced study in literature; specific areas of literary study and/or specific intellectual issues you hope to concentrate on; how the academic work you’ve done has prepared you for graduate study; how Villanova in particular might help you develop your intellectual interests; and what you would like to do with your MA.
- $90 non-refundable application fee
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in English
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Personal Statement
- Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your preparation for graduate study in English or other pertinent experience you have had.
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional for all applicants
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- Supplemental Form
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Gender and Women's Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals and interest in Gender and Women's Studies
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in History
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional: Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals: 500-750 word statement about fields of interest in history, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking the degree.
- Writing sample (history)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates of Graduate Study in History
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching Advanced History and Government
- Certificate of Graduate Study in History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in American History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in European History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in World History
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Human Resource Development
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1-2 pages)
- Resume
- Academic writing sample: Only needed if requesting to waive HRD 8102: Evidence-Based HR prerequisite course (see HRD website for details).
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadlines:
| Summer 1 2024 | Summer 2 2024 | Fall 1 2024 | Fall 2 2024 | Spring 1 2025 | Spring 2 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | April 10, 2024 | June 5, 2024 | July 24, 2024 | Sept. 18, 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| International Applicants | Ineligible | Ineligible | May 1, 2024* | Ineligible | Ineligible | Ineligible |
| Start Date | May 13, 2024 | July 1, 2024 | Aug. 26, 2024 | Oct. 21, 2024 | Jan. 13, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
*Please note: Applicants who wish to be considered for departmental funding must apply no later than March 1, 2025 and begin their studies in the Fall 1 term.
Human Resource Development Certificates
- People Analytics and Research Certificate
- HR Business Partner Certificate
- HR Leadership Certificate
- Organization Development Certificate
- Inclusion and Diversity Strategy Certificate
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- Resume
- Academic writing sample: Only needed if requesting to waive HRD 8102: Evidence-based HR prerequisite course (see HRD website for details).
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadlines:
| Summer 1 2024 | Summer 2 2024 | Fall 1 2024 | Fall 2 2024 | Spring 1 2025 | Spring 2 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | April 10, 2024 | June 5, 2024 | July 24, 2024 | Sept. 18, 2024 | TBD | TBD |
| International Applicants | Ineligible | Ineligible | May 1, 2024* | Ineligible | Ineligible | Ineligible |
| Start Date | May 13, 2024 | July 1, 2024 | Aug. 26, 2024 | Oct. 21, 2024 | Jan. 13, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals/interest in Liberal Studies
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Mathematics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional: Recommended but not required for general admission. Required if applying for funding (i.e., for graduate assistantships).
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications
- 3 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Mathematics Certificates
- Certificate of Graduate Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics
- Post-Master's Certificate in Mathematics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
PhD in Philosophy
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1-2 page statement of goals including areas of proposed research
- Recent writing sample
- Curriculum vitae
- 3 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- NOTE: GRE is not required.
- Fall Admittance only
Master of Arts in Political Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional for graduates of accredited U.S. undergraduate institutions
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters (academic references are strongly preferred)
- Statement of goals - a 500-750 word statement that outlines the applicant's topics of interest in political science, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking the degree
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Political Science Certificates
- Certificate in International Politics
- Certificate in American Politics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Psychology
Application Requirements:
- 18 undergraduate credit hours in Psychology (completed or currently enrolled, including statistics)
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (3 pages)
- In a cohesive statement, please describe:
- Your "immediate" and "long-term" career goals
- How your prior experiences (e.g., academic, research, professional, leadership) have helped prepare you for graduate education, and how those experiences may have shaped your current interests
- Why you think our program is a good fit for you
- Why you think you are a good fit for our program. If there are specific faculty members whose research resonate with your interests, by all means, tell us about that, too. Please note that you are not required to identify specific faculty members in your application material. Many students come to our MS program (rather than directly to PhD program) because their interests are not yet focused on a specific research area, and our program can help them refine those interests. Finally, if you wish to explain barriers that might have impacted your academic performance, you may include a brief paragraph at the end of your statement to describe those factors, such as family care responsibilities, illness, or disability.
- In sum, your statement will help us determine the fit between your interests and our program and also the fit between our program’s strengths and your eventual goals. There is no specific length requirement, but we strongly recommend keeping your statement to no more than 3 pages.
- In a cohesive statement, please describe:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Fall admittance only
Master of Public Administration
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters (professional or academic)
- Statement of Goals
- Why is an MPA degree from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals? In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing an MPA from Villanova, how an MPA from Villanova will build on your work, volunteer, and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future? (2 pages)
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Public Administration Certificates
- Certificate of Graduate Study in City Management
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Nonprofit Management
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Administration
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters: Professional or academic
- Statement of Goals
- Why is a Graduate Certificate from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals? In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing a Graduate Certificate from Villanova, how this Certificate will build on your work, volunteer and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future? (1–1.5 pages)
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Software Engineering
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) - In some situations this requirement may be waived. Please contact Dr. Vijay Gehlot if you wish to request a GRE waiver.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Theatre
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume (including theatre and professional work experience)
- Statement of goals
- Academic Writing Sample - 15 to 25 pages. Please upload an academic writing sample that shows us how you critically think and write. By “academic writing” we mean writing that includes a thesis statement, evidentiary support with citations, and a conclusion. You may use a paper written for a college-level course for this sample, even if the course did not relate to theatre or performance. If at all possible, however, a good academic writing sample should represent you and your interests. This is a moment to show us writing that you are proud of, but it is not the place for your new play, screenplay, or other creative writing. If you wish, you can submit a creative writing sample as a Supplemental Essay in your applicant portal.
- Headshot
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Graduate Certificate in Practical Theatre
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
PhD in Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters: Please note that if you are a member of a religious order or have been ordained within a Christian denomination that is governed by bishops, one of these three letters must be requested from your immediate superior or bishop
- Application Essay (click here for the application essay prompt in the Admission dropdown, footnote #6)
- CV or Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Fall admittance only
Master of Theological Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Application Essay
- MTS Theological Education Track Prompt:
- Which situations, questions, and/or insights have motivated you to seek advanced training in theological education within the Catholic tradition?
- Which two or three texts have been most significant for you, and why?
- What are your goals for pursuing the MTS – Theological Education Track?
- MTS Research Track Prompt:
- Which situations, questions, and/or insights have motivated you to seek advanced training in theology within the Catholic tradition?
- Which two or three texts have been most significant for you, and why?
- What are your goals for pursuing the MTS – Research Track?
- Length for both: 700-1000 words that integrates in a critically reflective way your answers to the questions above, depending on track.
- MTS Theological Education Track Prompt:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Application Essay
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree?
- Length: maximum 500 words
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Ministry and Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters (2 academic, 1 ministerial)
- Pastoral Ministry Statement
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate?
- Length: maximum 500 words
- Interview
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates in Theology
- Certificate of Theological Studies
- Certificate of Interdisciplinary Theological Inquiry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1 recommendation letter
- Resume
- Application Essay
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate?
- Length: maximum 300 words
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 ministerial recommendation letters
- Resume
- Application Essay
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology and/or pastoral ministry within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate?
- Length: maximum 500 words for master's applicants, 300 words for certificate applicants
- Interview
- $50 non-refundable application fee
International Applicants
Additional Requirements for applicants from outside the United States:
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (for applicants who are non-US citizens) - See the Test Scores tab on the left
- Official Credentials Evaluation (for transcripts from institutions outside the United States).
- Permanent Resident (green) Card (If applicable)
- Official Financial Certification in the amount of $34,280 (amount subject to change) is a requirement for all international applicants in need of an F1 visa. You will be required to submit Financial Certification upon your acceptance to the university in order for your I-20 to be issued.
NOTE: Please check that your submitted transcript (unofficial or official) includes the grading legend or scheme.