Program Overview

Master of Theological Studies Admissions Information

Guidelines and Information

Candidates for the Master of Theological Studies are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Completed applications will include each of the following items:

• Academic transcripts: To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a recognized institution abroad (for some countries, this may be a three-year degree from a member institution within the Bologna Process). If you are applying during your final (senior) year of undergraduate study, you may submit your application with an unofficial transcript that includes all completed coursework to date.
  • When you apply, you are required to upload unofficial transcripts from the institution where you earned or will earn your bachelor's degree, and if applicable, master's degree, including any institutions where transfer credits counted toward either an undergraduate or graduate-level degree.
• International students: Transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions must be submitted in English or with a certified English translation. For academic transcripts from institutions outside the United States, applicants are encouraged to obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation.
• Official graduate record examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores are optional for the M.T.S. program. Applicants who wish to submit GRE scores may do so, but scores are not required.
• Resume/CV: Submitted directly via the online application.
• Statement of intent: Up to 1000 words, submitted electronically, via the online application.
• Supplemental essay (optional): You may choose to answer this optional essay question. Your answer will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community.
  • Please discuss how your life experiences, perspective, or worldview have motivated or inspired you, posed challenges, helped you build skills, or taught you valuable lessons.
• Writing sample: 10-20 pages submitted electronically, via the online application.
• Three letters of recommendation: Submitted directly via the online application.

English Proficiency Requirements

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete and submit to GSAS prior to matriculation their official scores from one of the following accepted English language competency exams:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Duolingo English Test
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English Qualifications

Official scores should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Preferred minimum score requirements:

Exemptions to the English Language Requirement

Exemptions from this requirement can be requested by the applicant in their application, or can be made in writing by the applicant. Exemptions are generally permitted for international applicants who:

1. are native English speakers from countries where English is an official language; and/or
2. have completed, within the past five years, at least two years of study at an undergraduate or graduate institution in the United States or in a country where English is the official language of instruction.

GSAS retains the right to request language evaluation from any applicant. The Fordham English Language Test (FELT), administered by Fordham's Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC), may be required for those students whose English proficiency scores do not meet GSAS program requirements. Additional coursework may also be recommended by the IALC.

Students are permitted to register for two GSAS courses during the academic term in which they are completing any IALC-recommended coursework, which generally occurs during their first semester of study.

Tuition costs associated with the learning of English as a second language are the responsibility of the student and will not be covered by a GSAS tuition scholarship. GSAS merit-based tuition scholarships are not applicable to the costs of additional coursework recommended by the IALC.