Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley: How to Apply

The Jesuit School accepts admissions applications on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early if they intend to apply for financial aid. The application deadline for the S.T.D. is March 1st. All other applications are due the Friday ten days prior to the beginning of each semester. Each application is reviewed individually, and each applicant will be notified as soon as an admissions decision is reached.

Applicants to the New Directions Sabbatical program should see Sabbatical application instructions. Applicants to the non-degree-seeking Special Student status should see Special Student application instructions.

Applicants to the M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M., S.T.L. or S.T.D. degree programs must supply the following (please also see Additional Requirements by Program for exceptions to these requirements):

Completed application for admission along with a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 (U.S.). You may apply to the Jesuit School online by filling out our Application for Admission through CollegeNet or by downloading our application form, printing, completing and signing it and returning it to the Jesuit School with supporting documents.
A personal statement of purpose that indicates why you are applying to the Jesuit School for graduate theological studies. Describe your academic background, ministerial experience, your current work and your future career plans.
Official transcripts for all post-secondary academic work. S.T.D. applicants need only supply official transcripts for the S.T.L. or the S.S.L.
Two letters of recommendation addressing your academic qualifications for the program to which you are applying. We prefer that these letters be written by someone who recently taught you; however, applicants who have been out of school for an extended period of time may submit a recommendation from an employer, a professional colleague or a church or community leader.

For students applying to the Master of Divinity program, the second letter should address your personal and ministerial qualifications for admission to the Jesuit School.
Scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years. Exception is made for candidates who have done recent graduate level study. For more information about the GRE, visit the GRE web site. The Jesuit School institution code for the GRE is 4367.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate their ability to speak English. See the international student application instructions for more information about language requirements for international students.

Additional Requirements by Program
For a handy chart outlining additional application requirements by program, click here to download the PDF.

Master of Divinity Applicants
In lieu of a statement of purpose, M.Div. applicants should submit a 500-word essay explaining their reasons for applying to the Jesuit School in terms of background (academic training and ministerial experience), future plans, and the appropriateness of ministerial studies at this time in your life.

Master of Theology Applicants
Current Jesuit School students applying to the Th.M. program may request a letter from their academic advisor in lieu of the letters of recommendation.

Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) Applicants
S.T.B. applicants must apply for and be accepted for the M.Div. program. The applicant must also indicate on the application the intention to pursue the S.T.B. Provide documentary evidence of having fulfilled the philosophy and Latin language requirements.

Licentiate in Sacred Theology Applicants
S.T.L. applicants should provide documentary evidence of having fulfilled the philosophy and Latin language requirements. Current Jesuit School students applying to the S.T.L. program may request a letter from their academic advisor in lieu of the letters of recommendation.

Doctor of Sacred Theology
S.T.D. applicants must show evidence of proficiency in one modern language, other than their native tongue, suitable for theological research. Candidates who intend to specialize in Biblical Studies are required to demonstrate proficiency in one biblical language upon application.

S.T.D. applicants must also submit a major research paper from the S.T.L or S.S.L. program that demonstrates capacities for research and writing.