Application Procedures and Materials

Admission to the School is conditional on the receipt and review of all requested application materials, academic records and other credentials related to one's program of study. An Application Packet, which includes application forms, and recommendation forms, is available from the Office of Admission and online.

Admission depends not only on individual qualifications but also on the selection of the best applicants for the number of available openings in degree programs in any given year. Except for the Ph.D. and D.Min. programs, admission operates on a rolling schedule; an application is considered as soon as all materials have been received. All admission materials become the property of Claremont School of Theology and cannot be returned or transferred. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible prior to the deadlines listed below. When the completed application has been reviewed, the applicant will be notified of a decision.

Applicants will submit the following materials to the Office of Admission at Claremont School of Theology prior to the prescribed deadlines:

1. Application for Admission Form: Use either the on-line or printed application form.

2. Application Fee: $50.00 for all programs.

3. Personal Statement: The Personal Statement is a critical element in the evaluation of your application. Not only is the statement a way to introduce yourself to the Admission Committee, it also will help your faculty advisor guide your learning experience in your degree program. With this in mind, compose a 1,000 word essay addressing the following questions:

a. How would you describe your background and current interest in the academic study of religion? How will the degree program to which you are applying assist you in your academic and professional goals? Are there particular faculty members with whom you wish to study?

b. How would you describe your sense of call or commitment to your vocational direction? How do you see Claremont assisting you in achieving your vocational goals?

c. How do you plan to utilize your theological understanding to inform your response to critical social issues of today?

d. Why do you wish to study at Claremont School of Theology? What aspects of the School are particularly appealing to you?

e. For D.Min. applicants, how will you integrate your theological studies into your practical ministry? Is there a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study or topic you wish to explore?

4. Official transcripts: Original transcripts from all educational institutions beyond high school must be sent directly to Claremont from the college, university, or seminary where the work was done. (Non-degree applicants submit an official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor's degree sent directly from the college or university where the work was done.)

5. Letters of recommendation: Use forms provided by Claremont School of Theology in the Application Packet or online. All forms and letters must be signed by the recommender and sent directly to Claremont School of Theology.

a. M.Div. applicants: Three recommendations (one must be a pastoral or ecclesiastical reference).

b. M.A. applicants: Three recommendations (one must be an academic reference).

c. D.Min. applicants: Four recommendations (including a person serving in a supervisory capacity within the applicant's denomination, an academic reference, a ministerial colleague, and a member of the applicant's congregation or other constituency group).

d. Ph.D. applicants: Five recommendations (three must be academic references).

e. Non-degree applicants: One recommendation. (For Non-degree applicants seeking to take Advanced Course of Study classes this letter must be from their District Superintendent.)

6. Sample Work:

a. D.Min. applicants will submit an essay in the area in which they wish to concentrate as a demonstration of their ability to write effectively and produce a written doctoral project.

b. Ph.D. applicants will submit academic papers or other samples of their work to demonstrate their ability to write effectively, do research, and produce a dissertation.

c. It is expected that Ph.D. applicants in Pastoral Care and Counseling will have at least three years experience in ministry and one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) prior to their admission to the Ph.D. program. A copy of the CPE Supervision Evaluation should accompany the application. International applicants living outside the United States may submit a CPE Supervisor's evaluation after enrollment.

7. Scores/Tests:

a. M.Div., M.A., and Non-degree applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 230 (computer-based) or 89 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test. While not required, applicants may submit the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

b. D.Min. applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 245 (computer-based) or 95 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test. While not required, applicants may submit the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

c. Ph.D. applicants are required to submit scores from the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

d. Ph.D. applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL with a minimum score of 250 (computer-based) or 100 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test, or scores from the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The Education Testing Services may be reached at P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541, U.S.A., 609-771-7100 or 877-863-3546, www.ets.org/toefl. Claremont School of Theology's TOEFL institutional code is 4710.

8. International Applicants: Claremont School of Theology is authorized under Federal Law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States will supply the following additional documents:

a. A photocopy of the applicant's passport verifying the spelling of the applicant's name.

b. Upon admission and before the visa process can begin, international students must submit a Confirmation Fee of $500 (for a single student) or $1000 (for a student accompanied by a family). This Confirmation Fee also serves as an Emergency Fund for international students and is held by the School throughout the student's academic program, until the completion of their program.

c. International students must provide evidence of the ability to finance the complete degree program at the School by completing an International Student Statement of Financial Resources (ISSFR) along with proof of adequate funds for paying tuition and living expenses for the length of the degree program.

If completing your application by hard copy, the Application for Admission and all supporting documents should be mailed to:

Office of Admission

Claremont School of Theology

1325 North College Avenue

Claremont, CA 91711

Standards for Admission

Master of Divinity Degree Program

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as defined by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

2. Academic ability to engage in graduate education, including a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

3. M.Div., M.A., and Non-degree applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 230 (computer-based) or 89 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test. While not required, applicants may submit the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

4. Evidence of the commitment and qualities desired for pastoral leadership.

Master of Arts Degree Program

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as defined by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

2. Academic records that indicate the ability to engage in graduate-level study for academic pursuits or personal development, including a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

3. M.Div., M.A., and Non-degree applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 230 (computer-based) or 89 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test. While not required, applicants may submit the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Doctor of Ministry Degree Program

1. Admission to the D.Min. program requires the completion of the M.Div. degree or its educational equivalent. Ministerial experience is not considered the equivalent of or a substitute for the M.Div. degree.

2. A minimum graduate school grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.00 scale.

3. At least three years of experience in ministry subsequent to the applicant's first graduate theological degree.

4. D.Min. applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 245 (computer-based) or 95 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test. While not required, applicants may submit the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

1. Applicants applying for the Ph.D. program will indicate whether they are pursuing the Pastoral Care and Counseling emphasis or the Religious Education emphasis on their application form.

2. Applicants must hold an advanced degree (M.Div., M.A., or equivalent) from an accredited institution.

a. Applicants who hold the M.Div. degree or its equivalent apply to the 48-unit Ph.D. program.

b. Applicants who hold the M.A. in theological studies or its equivalent apply to the 72-unit Ph.D. program.

c. Applicants who hold the M.A. in a related field other than theological studies apply to the 88-unit Ph.D. program.

3. A minimum graduate school grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.00 scale.

4. Ph.D. applicants for whom English is a second language will submit an official TOEFL with a minimum score of 250 (computer-based) or 100 iBT with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections of the test, or scores from the General Section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

5. Faculty strongly recommends that Ph.D. candidates arrange a personal interview.

Confirmation Form and Fee

Upon admission, students who choose to attend Claremont School of Theology will submit a Confirmation Form and Fee. The Confirmation Fee for domestic students is $200 (non-refundable) and is credited to the student's first semester of study. The Confirmation Fee for international students is $500 (for a single student) or $1,000 (for a student accompanied by a family). For international students, these funds are held by the School as an Emergency Fund throughout the student's academic studies at Claremont, until the completion of their program.

Matriculation

Students are expected to matriculate in the semester for which they are admitted. Any student who fails to matriculate within one year of admission will be dropped from the program.

Deferral of Admission

Students may defer admission for up to one year by submitting a Request for Deferral of Admission form along with a written statement outlining the reasons for deferral to the Office of Admission. Students who defer their admission relinquish any financial aid they have been awarded and place themselves into the pool of applicants requesting financial aid in subsequent semesters. Students seeking deferrals beyond the one year timeframe will be required to submit

Applicants Seeking Financial Aid and/or On-Campus Housing

Applicants seeking financial assistance must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid), found online at www.fafsa.ed.gov (Claremont School of Theology's institutional code is 001288) and Claremont's Supplemental Financial Aid Form found online at www.cst.edu. Students wishing to live in on-campus housing should submit a Housing Application and Fee directly to Claremont's Housing Office at the time of their acceptance. Students must return their Confirmation Form and Fee before having their names placed on the housing priority list.

Continuous Matriculation

Once enrolled in a degree program, students must be registered every Fall and Spring semester for academic credit or pay a Continuous Registration Fee. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in termination from the degree program.

Orientation and Registration

All incoming students are expected to participate in the School's orientation program which precedes the beginning of each semester. The orientation program includes essential information on degree requirements, financial aid, library resources, ID cards, faculty advising, and registration. The program also includes an introduction to theological studies and spiritual disciplines, worship, campus and community tours, information on student organizations, and fellowship with other students, faculty and staff members.

Student Health Insurance

All students are required to show valid proof of health insurance to the Business Office at the time of registration for courses. If a student fails to provide evidence of insurance, he/she will automatically be enrolled in the School's student health insurance plan and his/her student account will be billed for the cost of the plan. For more information about the School's health insurance plan, visit www.renaissance-inc.com.

Writing and Speech Assessments

Proficiency in the English language is expected of all degree candidates. New students will be tested during orientation to assess their writing skills. Students who exhibit difficulties in writing skills may be required to enroll in a writing course during the term to make up for any deficiency. All new international students are required to enroll in PR206 Oral Communication for International Students and PR207 Writing and Reading Comprehension for International Students unless the evaluation of their language skills reflects mastery in these areas. All entering M.Div. students must complete a public speaking evaluation during their first semester of enrollment and before enrollment in a course in preaching.