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What kinds of student is CDSP seeking?

A recent strategic shift in our approach to theological education have changed CDSP’s student profile and expected acceptance rate. In short, we are seeking students with a call to, and a preliminary track record for, leading mission and ministry aimed at local impact in a fast-changing world.

A strong candidate for admission to CDSP’s MDiv and CAS programs will demonstrate the following:

  • an ability to articulate why they are pursuing ordained ministry within the Episcopal Church;
  • a vocational vision for ministry tied to serving a particular neighborhood, community, population, or context;
  • an imagination for forms of Christian community that can flourish in a pluralistic, increasingly post-Christian society;
  • emotional intelligence and self-regulation;
  • enthusiasm for building peer community in a mostly online environment;
  • openness to interpersonal and intercultural difference;
  • capacity to address and resolve community conflict;
  • intellectual skills and habits appropriate to graduate-level academic study;
  • a realistic sense of the personal demands of a rigorous hybrid program on one’s time, energy, focus, and motivation; and
  • an established support system capable of bolstering the applicant’s resilience amid these demands.

Reminder: No application is required for our CALL continuing education program. To register for CALL courses, visit this page.

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Three reference letters (please pay careful attention to the application instructions)
  • Documented consent of your bishop
  • Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Interview with CDSP community members
  • Optional: FAFSA indicating CDSP as the school of choice
  • Optional: Institutional financial aid application

Application Deadlines

Applications for the 2024–2025 school year opened on September 15, 2023.

  • Priority Deadline: December 1 (MDiv only)
  • Final Deadline: February 1 (MDiv and CAS)

We strongly encourage you to apply by the priority deadline. We will accept 12–15 students per year to our MDiv program, so space is limited. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions? Please contact recruitment director Michael Barham at admissions@cdsp.edu or (510) 204-0738. To indicate your interest or sign up for info sessions, complete this form.