Non-discrimination Policy

Admission is available equally to all applicants without regard to race, sex, age, religious tradition, national origin, physical disability or sexual orientation. Admission is dependent upon the strength of the applicant's academic record, personal qualifications, professional goals and a demonstrated commitment to learning in a theological community. Applicants with disabilities are requested to contact the Office of Admission as early as possible in order to alert the institution about disabilities for which they may want accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered on an individual basis.

Admission Under Special Circumstances

Admission as a Transfer Student

Claremont School of Theology welcomes applications from students wishing to transfer from another institution. During the admission process, students desiring to transfer from another ATS-accredited institution to Claremont School of Theology may request that preliminary consideration be given to how many academic credits at their current school are likely to be transferable to Claremont. Syllabi for the courses in question should be submitted with the application. Credit from other schools may not be transferred into the D.Min. or Ph.D. programs.

Admission to Non-Degree Status

Individuals seeking to take a limited number of courses at Claremont School of Theology will submit a Non-degree application, fee, personal statement describing the purpose for doing the course work, one letter of recommendation, and an official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor's degree sent directly from the college or university where the work was done. Non-degree applicants for whom English is a second language will submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 230 (computer-based). Admission is generally for one semester only; re-admission for subsequent semesters is based on an evaluation of the student's class work by the professors. Non-degree students are admitted to courses only with the approval and signature of the course instructor. A person may remain in the non-degree status for up to 12 units of work. Non-degree students are not eligible for Claremont School of Theology financial aid.

Admission to a Degree Program from Non-Degree Status

Non-degree students wishing admission into a degree program will make regular application to the selected degree program. Non-degree status does not assure admission into a degree program.

Admission for Advanced Course of Study

Applicants seeking to take Advanced Course of Study classes will submit a Non-degree application, fee, personal statement describing the purpose for doing the course work, a letter of support from their District Superintendent, and an official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor's degree sent directly from the college or university where the work was done. Non-degree applicants for whom English is a second language will submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 230 (computer-based). Advanced Course of Study students are admitted to courses only with the approval and signature of the course instructor. Non-degree students are not eligible for Claremont School of Theology financial aid.

Admission for Basic Graduate Theological Studies for Deacon's Orders in the United Methodist Church

Individuals seeking ordination as a deacon in full connection in The United Methodist Church may apply for admission as Non-degree students to complete the 27 semester hours of Basic Graduate Theological Studies required for probationary membership and commissioning. Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and a master's degree in the area of specialized ministry in which the deacon candidate will serve, or professional certification and a minimum of 8 units of graduate credit in the area of specialization. Admission is for only designated classes related to fulfilling the basic graduate theological requirements.

Admission as an Auditor

An auditor pays a reduced fee for the privilege of auditing a class. Upon the professor's approval, an auditor is expected to participate and complete all assignments, but will not be granted academic credit. Auditor status is normally granted to students holding a bachelor's degree. There is no formal admission procedure, although enrollment in a course is contingent upon payment of the audit fee and the professor's approval.

Admission to the Joint M.Div. Program of Claremont School of Theology and Episcopal Theological School at Claremont

Individuals desiring to enter the joint Master of Divinity program of Claremont School of Theology and the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont (ETSC) will submit applications to both institutions. Some documents, including the personal statement and reference letters, may be used for both applications with the written consent of the applicant. Applicants will provide each institution with the appropriate application form, fee, official transcripts, and TOEFL scores. Persons considering ministry and ordination within the Episcopal tradition should contact ETSC for more information, 909-621-2419.

Admission Without a Bachelor's Degree

In accordance with The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) standards, up to ten percent of the students in the M.Div. degree program may be admitted without possession of a bachelor' degree or its educational equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, academic skill, and ability generally associated with persons who hold a bachelor's degree. Admission of such applicants will be restricted to persons with life experience that has prepared them for theological study at the graduate level. Such students accepted into a degree program will be placed on academic probation and required to remove any deficiency either through additional course work or by examination, upon the faculty's discretion. Applicants are to be advised that some denominations may not accept the M.Div. degree for ordination unless preceded by the bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Reinstatement as an Applicant

Former Claremont School of Theology degree candidates may apply for reinstatement only if no more than eight years have elapsed since they withdrew or were terminated. If the student withdrew and notified the School of her/his intention to withdraw, she/he may reapply by submitting an application form, fee, personal statement, a minimum of two additional references, and transcripts of any additional coursework. If the student was terminated, she/he may reapply only if the termination was solely for nonpayment of Continuous Registration fees. If the student was terminated for other reasons, an application for readmission may be considered in exceptional cases if it is accompanied by evidence of a significant change relative to the former issue.

Visiting and Research Scholars

Each year the Dean may admit a limited number of qualified scholars to participate in the life of Claremont as Visiting Scholars. Such persons normally hold a doctorate degree as well as a faculty appointment in another academic institution. Visiting Scholar status may be granted for one semester or up to a full year. As a Visiting Scholar, a person may have access to the library, the courses of instruction, and the other academic resources of Claremont without the payment of fees. The Dean may invite Visiting Scholars to participate in the life of the faculty where appropriate. A person wishing to be admitted as a Visiting Scholar shall make application in writing to the Dean indicating dates of residence and plans for research/study. The application should include a copy of the person's curriculum vitae. The Dean may grant Visiting Scholar status to qualified applicants. In exceptional cases, the Dean may consult with the faculty in the field and seek the approval of the Faculty Policy Committee.

Qualified doctoral candidates from accredited schools and other qualified persons may apply to the Dean in writing to be in residence for up to one year. Research Scholars may utilize the library and other research centers of Claremont for the purpose of research. Such persons may audit classes with the approval of the Dean and the course professor. Payment of audit fees is required. The Dean may grant Research Scholar status to qualified persons although, in exceptional cases, the Dean may consult with the faculty in the field and the Committee on Academic Procedures.

Page Revised 06/28/06