A Bachelor's degree (in any subject) from an accredited college or university is required of all applicants. Although it is helpful if one has some background in philosophy or theology, it is not required.

This chart offers a general outline of application requirements by program:

Statement of Purpose: This should articulate clearly and concisely the applicant's goals, study interests, and the reason DSPT is an appropriate fit for the proposed program of study. Click here for more information about how to write the Statement of Purpose.

Academic Writing Sample: This is required of all MA applicants and should be a research paper (preferably on a philosophical or theological topic) exhibiting correct usage of bibliographical materials and footnotes, not to exceed 20 pages in most cases. It should be an example of the applicant's best work and is weighed heavily in the Admissions Committee's decision. A graded copy is not required, but be sure to proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors.  MTS applicants must submit, in consultation with the MTS Faculty Coordinator, a sample of professional work demonstrating a capacity for project planning.

Official Transcripts: These must be sealed copies, stamped by the Registrar, showing the award of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; applicants not yet finished with their undergraduate program must have a final copy sent after graduation. Transcripts should be sent directly to the DSPT Admissions Office from the issuing institution, but sealed and stamped copies may be accepted directly from the applicant. Unofficial or unsealed copies are not acceptable.

The DSPT ordinarily requires a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 for MA applicants and 2.3 for MDiv applicants. Those who do not meet these minimum standards are still encouraged to apply and may attach a separate sheet to their application, explaining why their GPA is below the expected standard.

Official GRE Scores: An official score report from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all MA applicants and must be ordered directly from the Educational Testing Association (ETS).  Click here for more information about GRE scores in the application process, or here for information about how to register for a test in your area.  Our GRE code number is 0585.

Letters of Recommendation: The number of letters required varies by program, as noted on the chart above. Whenever possible, letters should be written by academic faculty familiar with the applicant's academic work, except for the MTS program which requires professional recommendations. For more information on letters of recommendation and advice on how to select recommenders, click here.

Curriculum Vitae:  MTS applicants must submit a current Curriculum Vitae summarizing their professional and other experience.  This should include work experience, educational history, professional associations, awards and honors, etc.

Personal Interview:  MTS applicants must arrange a personal interview with the MTS Faculty Coordinator to discuss their background, interests, and goals, and to determine an appropriate professional sample for submission.

Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores: In place of the GRE, international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). International applicants whose primary language of instruction at the college level was English may take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) instead.  Our TOEFL code number is 4724.

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required of all applicants.