The first step in the Application for Admission process is to decide which program is right for you.Scroll down to the degree, certificate, or continuing education program that you are choosing and review the catalog information about it (accessible through the link to its information page.) In reviewing this information, it is often helpful to talk through the specifics of what you are considering with someone from the Enrollment Office – particularly in light of determining an overall plan of study and how it may relate to your personal, ministerial, and/or professional goals, as well as potential future study to follow. Be aware too that the constitution of similarly titled degrees from different institutions is not uniform. Please contact us at 202.541.5210 or 800.334.9922 x 5210 or through admissions@wtu.edu. A complete application packet will also be sent to you by mail.
Review the Acceptance Criteria provided below for the programs in which you have interest.
Finally, begin working through the application process – including submission of documents and fees for your chosen program. Use the link after the Acceptance Criteria to expand the webpage and reveal the applications process for the program (Javascript enabled browsers only; otherwise, all material will be presented on this page at load).
International applicants must follow additional instructions to appy for admission that are very important. Read/download these additional instructions 
(47 KB) that cover other documents that may be required.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
- Have completed 90 credit hours in liberal arts studies such as literature, history, natural sciences, ancient and modern foreign languages
- Completed at least 18 Credit hours in philosophy.
[MDIV APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Typed personal statement (2 pages) outlining background, spiritual journey, call to and experience in ministry and reason for applying
- Employment and/or Volunteer experience [resume or curriculum vitae is acceptable]
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All other applicants: two completed recommendation forms (102 KB) from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and involvement or interest in ministry
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Ordinarily, applicants will also be interviewed personally, after all documents have been received. An on-site interview is encouraged which provides an opportunity to visit our excellent facilities, but a telephone interview can be arranged
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
- Have completed at least six (6) credit hours in philosophy and religious studies and
- Demonstrated interest, involvement, or experience in the work of the church.
[MAPS APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Typed personal statement (2 pages) outlining background, spiritual journey, call to and experience in ministry and reason for applying
- Employment and/or Volunteer experience [resume or curriculum vitae is acceptable]
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All other applicants: two completed recommendation forms (102 KB) from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and involvement or interest in ministry
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Ordinarily, applicants will also be interviewed personally, after all documents have been received. An on-site interview is encouraged which provides an opportunity to visit our excellent facilities, but a telephone interview can be arranged
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Master of Arts in Theology (MA)
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
- Have completed significant credit hours in liberal arts and social sciences
- Completed at least 18 credit hours in philosophy and religious studies
[MA APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Typed personal statement (2 pages) outlining background, spiritual journey, call to and experience in ministry and reason for applying
- Employment and/or Volunteer experience [resume or curriculum vitae is acceptable]
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All other applicants: two completed recommendation forms (102 KB) from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and involvement or interest in ministry
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Ordinarily, applicants will also be interviewed personally, after all documents have been received. An on-site interview is encouraged which provides an opportunity to visit our excellent facilities, but a telephone interview can be arranged
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
- Have completed at least six (6) credit hours in philosophy and religious studies
[MTS APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Typed personal statement (2 pages) outlining background, spiritual journey, call to and experience in ministry and reason for applying
- Employment and/or Volunteer experience [resume or curriculum vitae is acceptable]
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All other applicants: two completed recommendation forms (102 KB) from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and involvement or interest in ministry
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Ordinarily, applicants will also be interviewed personally, after all documents have been received. An on-site interview is encouraged which provides an opportunity to visit our excellent facilities, but a telephone interview can be arranged
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Graduate Certificates
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
[Graduate Certificate APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Typed personal statement (2 pages) outlining background, spiritual journey, call to and experience in ministry and reason for applying
- Employment and/or Volunteer experience [resume or curriculum vitae is acceptable]
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All other applicants: two completed recommendation forms (102 KB) from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and involvement or interest in ministry
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Ordinarily, applicants will also be interviewed personally, after all documents have been received. An on-site interview is encouraged which provides an opportunity to visit our excellent facilities, but a telephone interview can be arranged
- Application into the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction Studies requires additional materials as well as an interview with the program director
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Continuing Education
View the degree profile from the catalog...
Acceptance Criteria (to take courses for credit)
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale verified on the official transcript.
Acceptance Criteria (to audit a course)
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
[Continuing Education APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
- Rolling admissions time-frame for the three semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
[Early applications received are given priority consideration for financial aid.] - Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (204 KB)
- For credit: an official transcript verifying an earned bachelor’s degree
- For audit: an unofficial copy of transcript or diploma indicating an earned bachelor’s degree
- $50 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (8 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the semester of admission cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Doctor of Ministry (DMIN)
View the degree profile from the catalog...
The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality program offers a professional degree that integrates theological development and pastoral practice for effective leadership as a full-time minister. The program focuses on the study of classical spirituality, its relevance to contemporary forms of ministry, its transformative role in the life of the minister and its potential for influencing social systems. Courses stimulate in-depth inquiry into the contemporary expression of the spiritual life, while drawing upon the rich reserve and inspiration of the Franciscan, Carmelite, Redemptorist, Augustinian, Ignatian and Salesian traditions.
Acceptance Criteria
- Master of Divinity or its equivalent (three years of theological and pastoral study c. 72 credits)
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of three years of full-time ministry following the receipt of the M.Div. degree or its equivalent
- Assurance that the applicant will be engaged in some recognized ministerial position for the period of the program
- Computer literate for online coursework
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 600 for graduate study, if requested; WES (World Education Service), an independent evaluation of academic transcripts for colleges or universities attended outside the United State, if requested
[DMIN APPLICATION PROCESS... (click to reveal the information; click again to hide)]
Admissions Timeline and Process
The Doctor of Ministry program is structured in a professional learning model that is cohort-based. The calendar schedule for the two upcoming cohorts are:
Application for admission deadlines are:
- Cohort I—April 10, 2008
- Cohort II—October 1, 2008
Process:
- Submission of all application documents
- Application acknowledged and evaluated
- Offer of admission issued
- Return of applicant's signed declaration of intent to enroll
Expiration Dates
- Application Form/Fee: The form and fee, when received, are retained and valid for two (2) years from date received. When this date has passed, a new form with required documents and a fee must be submitted.
- Letter of Admission: When issued, the letter is valid for one (1) year after the cohort of enrollment cited in the letter during which period an admitted student must register for courses. If the date passes without registration, a previously-admitted student must re-initiate the admissions process completely.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed and signed application form (106 KB)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Vocational and Ministry Assessment Information (26 KB)
- $75 application fee; valid for two years. Submit a check or money order made out to Washington Theological Union, and include the applicant's name and date of birth on the face of the check
- Recommendations, as follows:
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form (22 KB) from the applicant's ecclesiastical superior
- All applicants: three completed recommendation forms (72 KB) from persons who can assess the applicant's desire to pursue a Doctor of Ministry.
- Members of Roman Catholic religious orders or diocesan clergy: a completed recommendation form
- Interview with the Doctor of Ministry admissions committee
International Applicants
Additional Documents Required (47 KB)
Orientation Information
- Cohort I—April 24-26, 2008
- Cohort II—October 24-26, 2008