FAQ

No. As the Department of Theology mission statement makes clear: “Notwithstanding our identification with the Catholic tradition, we comprise a wide range of religious perspectives. While the department's central core is the Catholic tradition, the department is deliberately ecumenical; we are committed to dialogue with one another's traditions because theology can no longer be done adequately in a narrowly denominational manner.” Our students come both from many Christian traditions and from other non-Christian ones.

Faculty members in each area of concentration make initial selections of potential students for their area. The Ph.D. admissions committee, composed of one faculty member from each area of concentration and the director of graduate studies, then decides on the final list. Admitted students should receive a formal notification from the Graduate School by mid-March. Prior to that date, we will not be able to give you a definitive answer on your admissions status. Students who are waitlisted should note that all offers of admission (including financial aid) received from any North American graduate school are valid until April 15.

Your application will be considered without a writing sample. However, because most applicants submit one, it is recommended that you include one in your application. Your writing sample should show the particular strengths that you would like to highlight (for example, the ability to read historical texts in their original language or do research in foreign languages).

The optimal length of a writing sample is about 5,000 words. If you submit a longer sample, you should be aware that faculty will likely not read it in its entirety.

You may submit more than three letters of recommendation and they will be included in your file. At least two of your letters of recommendation should be from people who can speak to your academic qualifications for doctoral work.

To receive full consideration, files should be complete. It is very probable that an incomplete application file will not be successful.

Beginning in 2024, the GRE is “recommended, but not required” for applicants. Submitted GRE scores will be considered as part of applications when present, but those not providing GRE scores will be given full consideration in the admissions process.

You need only indicate that you would like to be considered for financial aid on the online application form. In general, all students who are admitted receive a tuition scholarship and a living stipend.