How To Apply
Thank you for your interest in the CSTM. We typically receive approximately 650 applications annually from potential students all over the world. About 150 students join our vibrant community each year. We review each application holistically, looking for academic excellence, ministerial experience, and potential for leadership.
Choose a Program
Search for a program that fits your needs and goals. Select from master's programs, doctorate programs, and more.
Prepare Your Materials
Check application requirements and deadlines for your specific program and prepare your documents.
Our 2025 application is now open! We encourage our M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., and Th.M. applicants to apply as soon as possible to be eligible for the greatest number of financial aid opportunities.
| Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., Th.M., S.T.B., S.T.L. | Spring 2025: November 1, 2024. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after this deadline as space allows. Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline: January 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted after this date on a rolling basis as space allows. |
| Ph.D. Theology and Education | Fall 2025: January 15, 2025. Applications are not accepted after this date. |
| Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) | Fall 2025: January 15, 2025. Ordinarily, the S.T.D. program can only begin in the fall. To request an exception to this, please reach out to the admissions office. |
| Summer M.A. Hybrid | Summer 2025: Rolling Admissions Students interested in completing the M.A. program through the hybrid modality should plan to start during the summer. If there is a reason why starting in the summer is not possible, please reach out to the admissions office. |
| Summer Ministerial Development Programs (Post-Master's Certificate, 19th Annotation Intensive, Courage to Preach) | Summer 2025: We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until these programs are full. |
| Nondegree and Certificates | We allow applications for certificates and non-degree status to be submitted until the beginning of each term. |
Complete Your Application
For graduate program admission, fill out the BC application.
The admissions committee takes into account all components of the application: grade point average, GRE scores (optional, but preferred), letters of recommendation, work and/or volunteer experience, personal statement (where we look at the quality of writing and for high levels of religious, social, and intellectual maturity), the interview (for master's students), and the TOEFL (for international students). Please note the requirements are different for students seeking to take a course as a non-degree student.
Studying Theology at BC: World-Class Breadth & Depth
Boston College is a world-class center of theological study, comprising both the Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) as well as a Theology Department in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Students in each have access to courses and faculty in both entities—enhancing the breadth and depth of theological study at BC. Combined, CSTM and the Theology Department represent the nation's largest theological faculty.
CSTM hosts master's and certificate programs in theology and ministry, as well as a sequence of ecclesiastical degrees (STB, STL, and STD) and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in theology and education.
The Theology Department houses the University's undergraduate and doctoral programs in theology as well as a Joint M.A. in Philosophy and Theology.
Application FAQ
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