Application Requirements

Requirements

MDiv*, MAM*, MTS, and MSM applicants must provide:   

  • Basic Information: Personal, Citizenship, and Church Information
  • Academic History: List all colleges and universities attended; transcripts required 
  • Recommendations (3):
    • Pastor or ordained religious leader who has observed or led you in ministry
    • Professor (if in school within the past 5 years), or a professional reference who has observed your ability and performance
    • Layperson (non-ordained) who serves in a leadership capacity in your ministry context who can address your faith journey, preparedness for graduate theological study, and potential for leadership in ministry
      **Recommenders cannot be a member of your family.
  • Resume: Provide an overview of work experience, educational background, and ministry and volunteer history.
  • Written Response: Applicants will respond to three questions in a single document that is between 3-4 pages in length. 

 

In addition to the above requirements, ThM applicants must also provide: 

  • Writing Sample: 1000-1500 word sample of academic writing such as an essay or excerpt from an academic paper or article.

 

Non-degree and Exploratory applicants must provide:

  • Biographical, demographic and church information
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • One letter of recommendation from clergy, lay leader, or professor or professional colleague
  • Résumé
  • Written response to two questions in a single document that is between 1-2 pages in length. 

 

D.Min. applicants must provide:

  • Official transcripts demonstrating academic excellence
  • Two references attesting to ministerial leadership and professional readiness 

Written Essay: 
Applicants must submit a short essay addressing vocation, leadership and community building, including: 

  • Objectives for pursuing the D.Min. degree
  • The anticipated contribution of the writing project to the applicant’s vocation, leadership development and commitment to community building 

International Applicants: 

  • Applicants holding a Religious Worker (R-1) visa may be considered for admission
  • English proficiency required (minimum TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based) 

Because the Doctor of Ministry is a ministry-based degree, transfer credit is generally not accepted.

 

*Under extraordinary circumstances, Perkins School of Theology may consider admitting an applicant to a master’s program without a completed bachelor’s degree per the Association of Theological Schools. Such exemptions are not guaranteed and are rigorously evaluated against the standards for admission on a case-by-case basis.