APPLY

Applying to seminary doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are some important details for you to keep in mind as you get started. Read below to learn more about how and when you can be considered for admission to Columbia Theological Seminary. And if you encounter any issues along the way, please reach out to our admissions team anytime.

Submitting an application creates a unique opportunity for reflection and discernment. Our application process is 100% online and can be completed through our Application Portal. Each degree program has a unique set of application requirements outlined below.

Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate why you are interested in theological education and how your unique background has prepared you for the journey ahead.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Master of Divinity

General Requirements

Required for all degreed programs
$50 Application Fee,
nonrefundable.
Resume/CV
of professional and academic experience.
University, College or Seminary Transcripts
from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.
Letters of Recommendation
from those who know you best.
Academic references,
Professional references,
Pastoral/Vocational references,
Academic Writing Sample

from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

· What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

· What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement

Autobiographical Statement

that introduces yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3-4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

General Requirements

Required for all degreed programs
$50 Application Fee,
nonrefundable.
Resume/CV
of professional and academic experience.
University, College or Seminary Transcripts
from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.
Letters of Recommendation
from those who know you best.
Academic references,
Professional references,
Pastoral/Vocational references,
Academic Writing Sample

from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: 4 to 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

· What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

· What are two implications for Christian ministry from Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement

Autobiographical Statement

that introduces yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3 to 4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Plan of Study

Plan of Study

outlining your academic goals and any particular courses or faculty members you wish to engage while enrolled.

Required for the MATS, ThM, DMin, and DEdMin degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

Master of Arts in Practical Theology

General Requirements

Required for all degreed programs
$50 Application Fee,
nonrefundable.
Resume/CV
of professional and academic experience.
University, College or Seminary Transcripts
from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.
Letters of Recommendation
from those who know you best.
Academic references,
Professional references,
Pastoral/Vocational references,
Academic Writing Sample

from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Dr. Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

· What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

· What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement

Autobiographical Statement

that introduces yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3 to 4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Concentration Declaration Statement

Concentration Declaration Statement

to identify your intended concentration (Worship, Preaching and the Arts, Educational Ministries or Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology) and how that choice connects to your sense of vocation.

Required for the MAPT and Dual MDiv/MAPT degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font