How to Apply
Because Union Theological Seminary is a graduate school, only graduates of accredited colleges or universities can be admitted. The Seminary seeks a talented student body characterized by diversity in race, color, age, sex, and national origin. All applicants receive full consideration for admission. When writing to the Director of Admissions for application information or forms, the applicant is requested to specify carefully the degree program desired as the application materials differ. The applicant may also complete the online Request for Applications for Admissions form. The Seminary considers degree program applicants for fall admission only; non-degree students can make application and be admitted for either semester.
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How to Apply
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Pre-theological Studies
An applicant's undergraduate record should demonstrate strong preparation in the liberal arts: English, philosophy, Bible or religion, history, natural science, the social sciences, and foreign languages. Familiarity with historical-critical methods of analysis is recommended, and applicants are encouraged to avail themselves of any opportunities of study and supervised practice their college may offer to heighten competence in oral and written communication.
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit recent TOEFL scores (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if they are not graduates of institutions in which English is the language of instruction. For more information regarding the TOEFL and other requirements for applicants from other countries, please consult our International Students page.
Requirements
The following are required from every applicant for admission:
- official transcripts of his or her previous academic record since high school.
- three letters of recommendation and all other materials required by the instructions accompanying the application forms. Two of these letters should address the candidate's past academic performance and future potential.
- non-refundable application fee is required.
Additionally, the following programs have these requirements:
Master of Sacred Theology (STM):
An applicant must hold the Master of Divinity degree from a theological seminary of recognized standing.
Doctor of Philosophy:
An applicatnt must hold the Master of Divinity or a two-year Masters in Theology degree in order to be eligible to apply. Only applicants to the doctoral programs need submit recent scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations and a writing sample.
To request application materials from Union, please send your contact information to admissions@uts.columbia.edu or download our application materials online.
Confidentiality of the Admissions Process
The process of admission to all degree programs is confidential. This means that Union will not voluntarily make an applicant’s file of application materials accessible to anyone other than appropriate members of the Union staff and faculty. This also means that Union will not disclose any specific information about the evaluation of an application for admission with the applicant. For Union’s benefit only, admissions personnel and Seminary faculty may consult persons—in addition to references offered by the applicant—who are able to provide pertinent information and insight about an applicant’s work experience, academic promise, and general character.
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Notification of the admissions decision will be sent as soon as it is made. Applicants to the doctoral program will be notified in early March, while S. T.M. applicants will be notified on or about April 15. Admitted applicants must indicate whether they accept the offer of admission within 30 days of notification. Admission is valid for the year stated in the letter of acceptance and can not automatically be deferred to a later term. Student status is gained only upon being enrolled by the registrar for courses. Any person who makes arrangements to move into the Seminary dormitory before the semester begins can not be regarded as a student with respect to privileges such as access to libraries, etc.
Deferment
The Seminary will allow an admitted applicant to one of the Master’s programs to defer admission for one year. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information regarding deferment. Admission deferral is not possible in the Ph.D. or S.T.M. programs, nor is it permissible for any student to defer a scholarship or fellowship.
Admission to Advanced Standing
Applicants who have satisfactorily completed relevant studies in another accredited seminary or graduate school may apply for advanced standing as candidates for degrees in this Seminary. Only courses in which the student attained a grade of B or better will be considered for transfer credit. The transfer of credits to a program at Union will not be finally approved until the student has satisfactorily completed a year of study in the Seminary. Applicants should nonetheless state their desire for advanced standing by separate letter when applying for admission. Studies completed in unaccredited schools or institutions that do not grant degrees will not be considered for transfer credits. Advanced standing is not permissible in the S.T.M. or Ph.D. program.
Enrollment of Students Visiting from Other Institutions The Seminary may allow students who are matriculated in other graduate institutions to enroll in courses at Union if they have first obtained the written permission of the appropriate officials of the schools where they are primarily enrolled. Those enrolling as visitors from other schools will be expected to pay tuition fees directly to the Seminary unless proper authorization is presented to send such bills to the school where they are regular students.
Enrollment of Auditors The Seminary may at its discretion permit persons not otherwise enrolled at the Seminary to register as auditors in certain courses. A non-refundable auditing fee is charged for each course. Auditors are not required to apply for admission. An Application for Audit Privileges is filled out at the time of registration and must be accepted by the registrar since every person auditing a course is required to enroll with the registrar during the period for registration at the beginning of each term. The Seminary reserves the right to cancel audit privileges at any time during the semester by refunding fees paid by the auditor. Auditors attend class lectures and follow class assignments but are not expected to contribute to class discussions or submit written work to the professor.
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Policy of Non-Discrimination
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York admits students—regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability—to all the rights, privileges, and programs generally accorded or made available to students at the Seminary. It does not discriminate on the basis of any of these in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, or other programs administered by the Seminary.
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