Admissions Requirements for MDiv and MTS

Admission Requirements for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) programs, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.

The application requires:

1. complete transcripts from all colleges attended;
2. official scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless the applicant holds a masters or doctoral degree, or for international students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL);
3. three letters of reference as specified on the admissions forms;
4. two essays;
5. on-campus personal interviews;
6. a non-refundable application fee of $50.

Applicants who are considering ordination should inquire about diocesan policies regarding the timing of seminary application in relation to admission to postulancy.

Although participation in the ordination process is not a requirement for admission to CDSP, part of processing an application for the M.Div., or M.T.S. normally includes contacting the applicant’s bishop.

Transfer Credit: Students transferring into the M.Div. or M.T.S. programs from other accredited institutions of higher learning may be given appropriate credit for work done, as determined by the faculty. A written request for transfer credit should accompany the admission application. Such credit is decided on an individual basis. Students transferring credit must complete a minimum of one full year’s work (eight three-unit courses) at CDSP in order to be eligible for a degree.

Special Status: Some students are admitted as special students, with the understanding that they are not candidates for a degree. The requirements for admission to the M.Div. or M.T.S. programs generally apply. In certain circumstances, a student may be admitted to special status without a B.A. or its equivalent. Special students must apply each year for continuation of that status, no later than May 1.

Limited Status: Persons who wish to take one course only and do not plan to pursue a degree program at CDSP may be admitted to limited status through a modified admissions procedure. Courses taken under limited status may not be applied to future degree work at CDSP. A special admission form for limited status is available from the Admissions Office. Applications for limited status will not be considered after June 30 for the Fall semester or November 1 for the Spring semester.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester:
  • March 1 (priority deadline for financial aid and housing)

• Apply online
• Contact CDSP admissions

CDSP Admissions Office
2451 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA
94709-1211
510-204-0715

Concurrent M.Div./ M.A

Students may enroll in the M.Div. and M.A. programs concurrently. A separate admission process for each program is necessary, as is the completion of all requirements for each degree. Concurrent M.Div./M.A. programs can be completed in no less than four years.

For more information on requirements and to receive an application, contact the Graduate Theological Union (GTU).