MDIV/MAMD/MART Application

Apply Here for Fall 2023: Applications are due June 15, 2023

Thank you for your interest in applying to the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary! All of our Master's level applications are completed through GradCAS. Please read all of the following guidelines and instructions.

If you have any questions during the application process, please reach out to our Seminary Admission Office at 563.589.3115, or UDTSAdmission@dbq.edu. MART applicants contact Dr. Richard Burnett at 864.378.5416 or rburnett@dbq.edu.

Helpful application information is listed below.

GradCAS: Add Program

Once you create your account, it's time to add the program(s) you are applying for. Search for Dubuque to view all available programs from the University of Dubuque and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Application Fee

Please note that the $30 application fee, paid online at the time of application submission, is nonrefundable.

Background Check

Like many other theological institutions, the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary requires criminal history checks, including driving records, before an applicant's admission file will be considered complete and ready for review. This policy has been adopted to address the safety and well-being both of our Seminary community and of the churches, agencies, and other institutions that our students and alumni/ae serve.

Our checks will include these steps: verification of social security numbers; searches of state data bases for criminal histories, motor vehicle violations and sexual offender lists; and searches of county or other local jurisdictional criminal records of places of residence. The Seminary Admissions Committee may consider the impact of any offenses disclosed in these checks as possible grounds for denial of admission or matriculation.

In addition, we take seriously what applicants say about themselves. As a crucial part of the admissions and matriculation process, applicants provide several kinds of information about their personal and academic backgrounds. Either failure to make written disclosure of information which the admissions form requires or misrepresentation in the information supplied constitutes a prima facie basis for denial of matriculation. Where omissions or misrepresentations come to light after matriculation at the Seminary, the student is subject to dismissal.

The care we bring to our admissions and matriculation process recognizes that personal integrity and spiritual maturity are essential to good ministry. Yet we recognize also that no one is without sin, and that in the mystery of redemption even serious misdeeds have sometimes been a part of what leads a person to seminary. Moreover, we know people come to the attention of criminal justice systems for a variety of reasons - including not only the commission of crimes but also mistaken allegations, civil disobedience, and such systemic injustices as racism. Accordingly, no charge or past offense automatically disqualifies an applicant from matriculation. All records will be evaluated in context, and, prior to matriculation.

Background Check Instructions

Visit: https://www.castlebranch.com/online_submission/package_code.php
Use the following code: UB94
Contact UDTS Admissions at 563.589.3115 or UDTSAdmission@dbq.edu with any questions.

Standardized Tests

Standardized Tests are not required for admission into any of our Master's level programs, unless you are an International student. If you are an International student, please submit your TOEFL scores through GradCAS.

GPA Entries

Your GPA can be found on your transcript. You may select "I don't have a GPA to add" if you cannot remember your GPA but have submitted your Official Transcript.

Recommendations Section

Request three letters of recommendation through GradCAS. References may not be related to you by blood or marriage.

  1. Pastor
  2. Professor
  3. Friend or Colleague

References should speak about you in terms of the following:

  • Your commitment to Christ and gifts for service in the church.
  • Your leadership ability, maturity, and facility in interpersonal and group relationships.
  • Your academic ability and intellectual enthusiasm, curiosity, and perceptiveness.

References do not need to create an account; when the evaluation request is received, references can select "continue without account" directly below the "Create Account" button.

Please upload letters as PDF or Word Documents.

Admission Deposit

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary requires a $100 admission deposit to confirm enrollment from admitted applicants planning to be degree-seeking students. The admission deposit is deposited into their student account, and applied to the first semester charges. The admission deposit is not refundable and will be forfeited in the event the student does not attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.