ONLINE APPLICATIONS:
Applicants to the M.T.S. and M.Div. degree programs at the Divinity School must hold the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and must have maintained an academic average of 2.9 or better. Typically students with prior first theological degrees are not considered for admission to the M.Div. and M.T.S. programs. Applications and supporting documents completed and on file by January 15 for fall matriculation will receive preference. Completed applications will be accepted through April 1 for the fall semester. Applications received after April 1 will be considered until May 1 if space permits. Applications received by January 15 are eligible to be considered for named full-tuition scholarships.
Applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee, which determines the status of admit, decline or wait list. Applicants are notified as soon as a decision is made. Students who are denied admission may be allowed to reapply after two years, as stated in our catalog.
To complete the application process, students must submit the following:
* Completed application form with accompanying essays
* Official transcripts of all the student’s previous college, seminary, and graduate school work, along with evidence of graduation with the baccalaureate degree.
* Three letters of recommendation. At least two of the recommendations should be from professors who can evaluate your academic work. If you have been away from formal academic studies for seven years or more, you may select any three persons who can evaluate your academic potential and professional accomplishments. Each letter must be accompanied by a completed reference form, which is included in the application materials.
* Vanderbilt Background Check Authorization and Release Form. Per Vanderbilt Divinity School policy, all admissions are issued pending our receipt and approval of the results of the applicant’s background check, which will be conducted by the Divinity School on behalf of the applicant.
* Résumé listing employment, extracurricular or community activities, and scholastic honors.
* A non-refundable application fee of $50.00. A check or money order should be made payable to Vanderbilt University. Currently it is not possible to pay this fee online.
* If requested, a personal interview with a representative of the Divinity School.
The Divinity School accepts transfer students, international students, and transient students who wish to take a limited number of courses but do not intend to enroll in a degree program. In each of the three cases listed above there are unique requirements for admission. You may contact the Office of Admissions for information.
Additional information for International Students (From Divinity Catalog)
Admission Deadlines
January 15
Preferred submission date for fall-term applicants. To be considered for full-tuition scholarships, your application must be complete by this date.
Application Supplement for The Cal Turner Jr. Fellowship (.pdf)
April 1
Final submission date for fall-term applicants. Applications received after April 1 will be considered until May 1 if space permits.
