Chapter 4: Admission to the Jesuit School of Theology
The Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University appreciates your interest in our programs, and we warmly invite you to apply for admission to our school. Below is a description of the admissions prerequisites and application process for the various programs we offer. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information at JSTAdmissions@scu.edu.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
To apply for the M.Div. program, you'll need:
Completion of a bachelor's degree. (Occasionally, an individual may be admitted with the academic equivalent of a bachelor's degree, subject to the discretion of the faculty.)
9 semester hours or 12 quarter hours of philosophy. Typically, this prerequisite is satisfied by courses in the areas of history of philosophy, ethics, or systematic philosophy. Students preparing for ordination are required to have completed 24 semester units or 36 quarter hours of philosophy. At the discretion of the faculty, applicants with fewer than the required number of philosophy units may still be considered for admission, particularly if they have completed other relevant courses and have significant ministerial experience. However, these applicants may be required to complete additional philosophy coursework either prior to or upon enrollment in the M.Div. program.
The personal maturity and faith commitment commensurate with preparation for full-time ministry. To this end, preference is given to applicants with significant service or ministerial experience.
M.Div. Application Checklist
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access. Please note that applicants to the Master of Divinity program are admitted to the Fall semester only. Students may not begin the program in the Spring term.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants for the M.Div. program are asked to submit a 750 word essay explaining why you are applying to this JST program into the application portal. Please address the following questions:
How does your prior ministerial experience prepare you for the M.Div. program?
Why in particular is JST the place for you to be formed for ministerial work?
What are your plans for ministry after you complete this program at JST?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
To apply for the M.T.S. program, you'll need:
Completion of a bachelor's degree. (In some circumstances, an individual may be admitted with the academic equivalent of a bachelor's degree, subject to the discretion of the faculty.)
M.T.S. Application Checklist
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants are required to upload a 750 word statement of purpose explaining why you are applying to this JST program into the application portal. Please address the following questions:
How does your prior academic and/or ministry work prepare you for this program?
What are your plans after you earn your degree and why will a degree from JST specifically help you toward achieving these aspirations?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
Master of Arts (M.A.) Admissions
The Jesuit School of Theology offers the Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in cooperation with the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). The Master of Arts (Common M.A.) is a two-year program leading to an academic degree in theology. The program provides ecumenical and interreligious learning opportunities, and students have access to courses offered throughout the consortium, as well as many courses at UC Berkeley. The GTU M.A. student is required to affiliate with a member school. Students select a specific academic field or Area of Study as the focus of their M.A. work.
The primary academic base for the M.A. student is the school of affiliation, chosen according to the applicants study interests and/or denominational ties. The Common M.A. student affiliates with JST and chooses a JST faculty advisor appropriate for their intended program of study. The Common M.A. is an exciting opportunity to explore theology and religion in response to the challenges posed by contemporary cultures. Our students seek to understand the issues and hope to make a difference with their pursuits.
Degree Objective
Students who complete the MA program will be able to demonstrate focused knowledge in the field of study represented by a chosen concentration; demonstrate general knowledge of several different approaches to theological and religious studies; engage in respectful dialogue with practitioners of another religious tradition; and produce research projects, each with a clearly formulated thesis statement that is supported by appropriate evidence from primary and secondary sources and communicated in an effective scholarly presentation.
Admissions Requirements
Unlike with other JST programs, when applicants apply to the Common M.A. program they apply to the Graduate Theological Union for admission. Please navigate to the Master of Arts (M.A.) admissions page on the GTU website for more details about applying to this program.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the Common M.A. program must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the time they intend to enroll in the program.
Degree Requirements
Course work. The Common M.A. is a two-year degree program requiring a total of fourteen 3-unit academic courses plus six units of thesis work.
Language Requirement. All M.A. students are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one modern foreign language early in the second year of residence. Non-native speakers of English may, with permission, certify English as their second language.
Capstone Requirement.The capstone must be in the student's chosen concentration. The three-unit capstone is a 30–40 page paper, and the six-unit capstone is a 75–90 page thesis. Students should consult their advisor when choosing which capstone option they want to pursue.
Master of Theology (Th.M.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
The Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent.
The Master of Divinity or its academic equivalent must have been completed, with an overall 3.0 (B) average, within the previous five years at the Jesuit School of Theology or at a comparable theological center. Requests for exceptions will be considered by the Admissions Committee and the Academic Dean.
Th.M. Application Checklist
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants are asked to submit a 750 word personal statement explaining why you are applying to this JST program. Please indicate your area of concentration for the degree and address the following questions:
How does your prior academic and/or ministry work prepare you for this program?
What are your plans after you earn your degree and why will a degree from JST specifically help you toward achieving these aspirations?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
The degree of Bachelor of Arts or its equivalent with at least 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours of philosophy.
A "suitable knowledge of the Latin language" is required. This is understood to be a working reading knowledge sufficient to use ecclesiastical documents in Latin. This requirement can be met either by course work, generally two semesters, or by an examination.
The applicant should possess the personal maturity and faith commitment commensurate with preparation for full-time ministry. To this end, preference is given to applicants who have at least one year of post-college work experience, and at least part-time, direct ministerial experience.
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access. Please note that applicants to the Bachelor of Sacred Theology program are admitted to the Fall semester only. Students may not begin the program in the Spring term.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants for the S.T.B. program are asked to submit a 750 word essay explaining why you are applying to JST for the S.T.B. degree. Please address the following questions:
How does your prior ministerial experience prepare you for the S.T.B.program?
Why in particular is JST the place for you to be formed for ministerial work?
What are your plans for ministry after you complete the S.T.B. at JST?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
Note: Students who are admitted will be required to provide official transcripts verifying the authenticity of all unofficial transcripts submitted in the application process. Instructions for submitting official transcripts will be provided after applicants receive an admission decision. Any discrepancy between the uploaded transcript and the official transcript, or failure to submit official transcripts, may result in any of the following: 1) an applicant's admission offer may be withdrawn; 2) a registration hold may be placed on a matriculated student's account; 3) a matriculated student may be withdrawn from their program. |
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
A prerequisite for the STB program is 24 semester hours of philosophy and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language. Applicants for the STB program should provide an unofficial transcript of all completed philosophy and Latin language requirements. An unofficial transcript should list all of the courses you took in these subject areas and the grade you received for each course.
Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
The Master of Divinity, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, or their academic equivalent must have been completed with an overall 3.0 (B) average, within the previous five years at the Jesuit School of Theology or at a comparable theological center. Requests for exceptions will be considered by the Admissions Committee and the Academic Dean.
A "suitable knowledge of the Latin language" is required. This is understood to be a working reading knowledge sufficient to use ecclesiastical documents in Latin. This requirement can be met either by coursework, generally two semesters, or by an examination.*
The completion of 24 hours of philosophy.
*To fulfill the Latin language pre-requisite for the S.T.L. program, language proficiency may be demonstrated by the following means:
Successful completion of two semester-long, 3-unit courses, in the Latin language while in studies at JST.
Four semesters of undergraduate language study with the equivalent of a B grade in the fourth semester.
A written examination by a Latin instructor who is approved by the JST Academic Dean.
Evidence of the completion of this language requirement at another school (transcript notation is acceptable).
Application Checklist
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants are required to upload a 750 word statement of purpose explaining why you are applying to this JST program into the application portal. Please address the following questions:
How does your prior academic and/or ministry work prepare you for this program?
What are your plans after you earn your degree and why will a degree from JST specifically help you toward achieving these aspirations?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
Applicants for the STL program are required to submit a representative writing sample, e.g., a research paper or thesis chapter. You may submit this research paper through the online application.
A prerequisite for the STL program is 24 semester hours of philosophy and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language. Applicants for the STL program should provide an unofficial transcript of all completed philosophy and Latin language requirements. An unofficial transcript should list all of the courses you took in these subject areas and the grade you received for each course. This can be uploaded by the applicant directly in the online application portal.
Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) Admission Requirements & Checklist
Prerequisites
A completed Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) or Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) with a minimum grade point average of 3.7.
Proficiency in one modern language suitable for theological research other than the applicant's native tongue. In addition, candidates who intend to specialize in Biblical Studies must show proficiency in one Biblical language.
A major research paper from the STL or SSL program, which demonstrates your research and writing abilities.
Application Checklist
Click here to access the online application. After you log into the application portal, please select "Jesuit School of Theology" as the application form you wish to access.
Applicants are required to upload a résumé or curriculum vitae to provide information about relevant job experience and education into the application portal. Your résumé should include educational background and relevant experiences, including jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages (if applicable), and research projects. Writing a résumé for a graduate school application follows the same principles as writing a résumé for a job. Please include dates of attendance for education, job titles, and years of employment. You may submit your résumé or curriculum vitae with your application on the online portal.
Applicants are required to upload a 750 word statement of purpose explaining why you are applying to this JST program into the application portal. Please address the following questions:
How does your prior academic and/or ministry work prepare you for this program?
What are your plans after you earn your degree and why will a degree from JST specifically help you toward achieving these aspirations?
Applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all post-secondary academic work into the application portal. Transcripts must: 1) list all of the courses you took as a student, 2) list the grade the student received for each course, 3) indicate whether an academic degree has been awarded. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation provided directly from the school or a certified transcript evaluation service.
Note: Students who are admitted will be required to provide official transcripts verifying the authenticity of all unofficial transcripts submitted in the application process. Instructions for submitting official transcripts will be provided after applicants receive an admission decision. Any discrepancy between the uploaded transcript and the official transcript, or failure to submit official transcripts, may result in any of the following: 1) an applicant's admission offer may be withdrawn; 2) a registration hold may be placed on a matriculated student's account; 3) a matriculated student may be withdrawn from their program. |
All applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation. Vowed religious will be required to submit a third letter of recommendation from their religious superior indicating congregational support. Applicants will submit the name and contact information for their recommenders who will be sent an email with instructions and a link to the recommendation form where they will be prompted to upload a letter of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should address your academic qualifications for graduate level study. Preferably these letters would be from persons who recently taught you. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague, or a church or community leader will be acceptable. The second letter should directly address your ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.
Submitting a GRE Score is not required for admission into any academic program at the Jesuit School of Theology. If an applicant believes that submitting a GRE score will help strengthen their overall application they are welcome to do so. Applicants will not be penalized if they do not submit a GRE score. Official scores can be sent to JST using SCU’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants are required to demonstrate a high degree of English language proficiency. To do so, applicants must submit results from either the Duolingo English Test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Duolingo English Test - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please select “Santa Clara University Graduate Programs.”
TOEFL - When prompted to identify which institution you would like your score sent to please use Santa Clara University’s institutional code: 4851.
International applicants may apply to have their language proficiency requirement waived if they meet one of the standards provided by Santa Clara University. Applicants will be prompted to apply for the waiver in the online application portal.
Applicants for the S.T.D. program are required to submit a major research paper from their STL or SSL program that demonstrates their capacities for research and writing. You may submit this research paper through the online application.
Applicants for the S.T.D. program must show evidence of proficiency in one modern language suitable for theological research, other than their native tongue. Candidates who intend to specialize in Biblical Studies are required to demonstrate proficiency in one biblical language upon application. Please submit unofficial transcripts documenting your language proficiency. These should be uploaded by the applicant directly to the application portal.
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