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Application Requirements

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Deadlines:

Spring 2025:ÌýNovember 1, 2024

Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline:ÌýJanuary 15, 2025. Applications are still accepted after this date as space allows.

Summer 2025:ÌýRolling Admissions

Application Form

Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. We are able to schedule your interview once we have received your submitted applicationÌý

On the application form, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with an CSTM alum from their program of interest to learn more about CSTM and provide support during the discernment process.

Students interested in completing the M.A. program through the hybrid modality (summers in-person, academic year online) should plan to start during the summer so they begin the program with hybrid student orientation and progress through the program as part of a cohort. If there is a reason why starting in the summer is not possible, please reach out to the admissions office.

Religious & International Applicants

Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.

International Applicants

Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted. Ìý

Payment Options

• Pay by credit or debit card via the web. You can pay the application fee at the same time you submit your application form.

Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. Email the admissions office at stmadm@bc.edu to request a waiver.

Standardized Tests

The GRE is optional, but preferred. We especially recommend applicants submit scores if 1) they feel their undergraduate transcript is not indicative of their capacity for success in graduate studies, OR 2) they do not have a strong background in the humanities. We review all applications holistically. Applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.

Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly fromÌý. Our GRE code is 2508.

English Proficiency Exam

All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.

Transcripts

We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to stmadm@bc.edu.Ìý Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).ÌýPlease note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.

Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at CSTM.

Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841

Recommendations

M.A. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.Ìý

At least two recommenders should be familiar with the applicant’s academic background and potential. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence.Ìý

Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.

Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.

Interview

The admissions office interviews all master's applicants. All interviews take place remotely.

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The resume must be uploaded as part of the application.Ìý It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, research, teaching, and leadership positions you have held.

Personal Statement

The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application.Ìý The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.

Your statement should address the following:

• The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to CSTM. Include a sketch of your educational background and interests, any experience you have in ministry and/or religious education, and any other relevant professional and volunteer experience
• Your understanding of theological education and/or ministry in the context of the Church’s mission,Ìýas well as the role and responsibilities of a minister and/or theologian today.
• How you plan to apply your theological education
• Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development

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