Apply - Graduate Theology

Master of Theological Studies

Application Deadlines

• Fall entry: August 1*
• Spring entry: December 1*

*At the discretion of the department, applications will continue to be reviewed after the application deadline on a space-available basis.

International Applicant Deadline (Fall only)

• Fall entry: April 1*

*All materials must be received by April 1 for consideration.

Required Application Materials

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that a completed application and all supplemental materials are received by the application deadline. Supplemental materials, once received, become the property of Loyola University Maryland and cannot be returned.

• Online application
• Nonrefundable $60 application fee
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.  The admission committee reserves the right to request official transcript from universities where an applicant attended but did not complete a degree.  Please note that not submitting all transcripts where courses have been completed could impact course waivers. 
• All foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved international academic record evaluation service. Visit the International Academic Records page for a list of approved services.
• Essay- 1. Describe your intellectual development and preparation for the program; 2. Explain why Loyola's Master of Theological Studies is suitable for your intellectual and vocational interests and goals, including any special interests and possible future plans for employment or further graduate work; and 3. Briefly discuss any strengths that you might bring to the classroom and the program as a whole. (500 - 1000 words)
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional).
• A writing sample that emphasizes a student's theological interests and research (optional)
• Official English language examination scores are required for applicants who have not earned (or will not be earning) a bachelor's or higher degree from a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction. For additional details and a list of accepted English language exams, visit the English Language Examination Requirements page.
• International Student Supplemental Form (required only if a student visa is needed)

We strongly recommend that all applicants have their schools send us official e-transcripts if possible. If your school uses an automated transcript request service, select “Loyola University Maryland” as the receiving institution, and be sure to select “Graduate” or “Graduate Admission” as the receiving office. If your school does not use an automated transcript request service but will still send an official transcript on your behalf via email, have your school send your transcript to graduate@loyola.edu.

If your school is unable to provide electronic transcripts of any kind, your transcripts must be sent to us by mail in envelopes sealed by the school. Our mailing address can be found on the Graduate Admission webpage.

If you have questions or need help with the admission process, please contact the office of graduate admission at 410-617-5020 or email at graduate@loyola.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Theology and Ministry

Application Deadlines

• Fall entry: August 1*
• Spring entry: December 1*

*At the discretion of the department, applications will continue to be reviewed after the application deadline on a space-available basis.

*This program is not available for international students who require a F-1 visa to study in the U.S.

Required Application Materials

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that a completed application and all supplemental materials are received by the application deadline. Supplemental materials, once received, become the property of Loyola University Maryland and cannot be returned.

• Online application form
• Nonrefundable $60 application fee
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.
• All foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved international academic record evaluation service. Visit the International Academic Records page for a list of approved services.
• Essay
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume
• Official English language examination scores are required for applicants who have not earned (or will not be earning) a bachelor's or higher degree from a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction. For additional details and a list of accepted English language exams, visit the English Language Examination Requirements page.

We strongly recommend that all applicants have their schools send us official e-transcripts if possible. If your school uses an automated transcript request service, select “Loyola University Maryland” as the receiving institution, and be sure to select “Graduate” or “Graduate Admission” as the receiving office. If your school does not use an automated transcript request service but will still send an official transcript on your behalf via email, have your school send your transcript to graduate@loyola.edu.

If your school is unable to provide electronic transcripts of any kind, your transcripts must be sent to us by mail in envelopes sealed by the school. Our mailing address can be found on the Graduate Admission webpage.

If you have any questions or need any help with the admission process, please contact the office of graduate admission at 410-617-5020 or email at graduate@loyola.edu.

Master's Plus, Theological Studies or Theology Non-degree Applicants

Application Deadlines

• Fall entry: August 1*
• Spring entry: December 1*

*At the discretion of the department, applications will continue to be reviewed after the application deadline on a space-available basis.

*These programs are not available for international students who require a F-1 visa to study in the U.S.

Required Application Materials

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that a completed application and all supplemental materials are received by the application deadline. Supplemental materials, once received, become the property of Loyola University Maryland and cannot be returned.

• Online application form
• Nonrefundable $60 application fee
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.
• All foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved international academic record evaluation service. Visit the International Academic Records page for a list of approved services.
• Essay
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume
• Official English language examination scores are required for applicants who have not earned (or will not be earning) a bachelor's or higher degree from a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction. For additional details and a list of accepted English language exams, visit the English Language Examination Requirements page.

We strongly recommend that all applicants have their schools send us official e-transcripts if possible. If your school uses an automated transcript request service, select “Loyola University Maryland” as the receiving institution, and be sure to select “Graduate” or “Graduate Admission” as the receiving office. If your school does not use an automated transcript request service but will still send an official transcript on your behalf via email, have your school send your transcript to graduate@loyola.edu.

If your school is unable to provide electronic transcripts of any kind, your transcripts must be sent to us by mail in envelopes sealed by the school. Our mailing address can be found on the Graduate Admission webpage.

If you have any questions or need any help with the admission process, please contact the office of graduate admission at 410-617-5020 or email at graduate@loyola.edu.

Tips for Preparing Your Application

The application process requires an investment of time and resources, but careful planning can help you create an application that stands apart from the competition. The following sections provide tips to help you prepare your application.

Before you Apply

• Perform a self-assessment, particularly with the goal of identifying your major interests, and work on achieving focus without being overly narrow.
• Ask for advice from faculty members about schools that have programs compatible with your interests.
• Use the web or other materials to research program offerings, faculty, program rank, selectivity, funding practices, and demographics (size, location, etc.).
• Compile a list of programs to which you intend to apply, then contact the programs for additional information.

Tips for Acquiring the Best Possible Letters of Recommendation

• Select and contact potential recommenders early.
• Ascertain whether the person you selected would be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation (this implies that they have time and can comment favorably about your potential for graduate work).
• Prompt your letter writers with points you would like them to address.
• Provide letter writers with all necessary forms and instructions.
• Provide your C.V. and a draft of your statement of intent.
• Provide deadlines for each program.

Statement of Intent

The statement of intent should capture your intellectual development and interests. It should generally be 1–3 double-spaced pages in length. Once you have drafted your statement, ask a few faculty members review it. A trip to The Writing Center is also beneficial as you work to polish the finished product. This is your opportunity to present a strong argument about why you would be an excellent student in the program, so be sure that you are completely satisfied with the document you submit.

• Establish your desire for the degree and how you envision using your training and knowledge in the future.
• Articulate why you have selected your specific program, i.e. how your interest coincides with those of the faculty.
• Identify the strengths that you would bring to the program (e.g. credentials, experience).
• Explain any unusual situations but refrain from providing excuses.
• Be sure to include your name and prospective program on each page of the statement—even though you submit the document electronically.

Non-Discrimination

Loyola University Maryland does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected classification covered by federal or state law in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to admission or employment. The designated compliance officer to ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 , as amended (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504), is David Tiscione, Director of Title IX and Bias Compliance (105 Jenkins Hall, 410-617-5171, dmtiscione@loyola.edu). Inquiries about the application of Title IX, ADA, or Section 504 may be made to David Tiscione, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or both. Inquiries about discrimination related to any other protected class aside from sex or disability may be made to Rodney Parker, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (Humanities 224, 410-617-2201, rparker1@loyola.edu), OCR, or both.

The Loyola University Maryland nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures and information regarding how to report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute discrimination can be found in the following places:

• Sex discrimination: Loyola University Maryland Title IX and Bias Compliance Website
• Discrimination on protected classifications (non sex-based): Loyola University Maryland Title IX and Bias Compliance Website for Students and Human Resources Website for employees

Loyola University is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant, alien students.

Accessibility Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@loyola.edu or 410-617-5020.