Applying for Admission

The seminary is looking for women and men who show strong potential for service to the church. We seek people that are serious about the development of their personal faith as well as evidence of academic talent, strong communication skills, and potential for leadership.

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school. All students applying to degree programs must have graduated from colleges or universities accredited by an agency recognized by the Commission of Recognition of Post Secondary Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada.
Residential students may be accepted into the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Religion programs for the fall or spring semester. Distance M.Div. students matriculate in August. A residential student may be accepted under the following categories of entry:

• as a full- or part-time student in the degree program,
• as a transfer student, or
• as an unclassified student.

Application Process
Applicants for the M.Div. and M.A.R. Programs must:

• provide a completed application form;
• provide a five- to seven-page narrative statement about his or her faith development and views of the ministry;
• provide three letters of recommendation from the following persons:
  • applicant's pastor
  • a professor (or, if out of school for over 5 years, a person who can comment on applicant's ability to complete master's level work)
  • a friend or colleague
• A visit/ interview is required for admissions.  Contact the Admissions Office to make arrangements; 
• have an official transcript sent from each college, university or seminary attended; and if currently enrolled as a student, provide a letter of academic standing;
• submit a $30 nonrefundable application fee; and
• upon acceptance, submit a non­refundable enrollment fee of $100.

Matriculation
As an institution of the church, not merely in existence for a student's private interest, membership in the seminary community is by invitation.

All applications for degree programs are reviewed by the admissions committee of the faculty without prejudicial regard to race, ethnic origin, sex, marital status, physical handicap or age.

Applications are to be submitted by December 1 for early admission and April 15 for regular admission for the following academic year. Given the realities of housing and financial aid for fall semester admission, applications completed after April 15 are considered on a space-available basis. The admissions committee reserves the right to postpone action on any applicant.

The admissions committee will require an interview with the candidate before making a decision on admission. The committee may also require a letter from the appropriate denominational body having responsibility for the candidate's preparation for ministry before making a decision.

We encourage a broad baccalaureate preparation: studies in world history, philosophy, languages and literature, the natural sciences, the social sciences, music, and other fine arts, and religion are recommended.

Priority in the awarding of financial aid is given on the basis of the date of acceptance, and priority in assigning campus housing is given on the basis of early confirmation of enrollment. If an applicant intends to use The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary housing, an additional housing deposit of $100 is required. These deposits are nonrefundable for students who do not enroll.