Admission Information

All MA or MTS degree-seeking students, or non-degree students wishing to take graduate courses for credit, must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree (in any field of study) from an accredited college or university. Applicants are expected to have maintained a college academic GPA of 2.5. To be admitted, applicants must possess the interests, aptitudes and personal objectives that correspond with the program’s goals.

Applicants may be admitted to a degree program on probation if they are pursuing, but have not yet completed, an undergraduate degree. However, no more than 15 semester hours of credit may be earned toward a degree without an accredited undergraduate degree being completed.

In exceptional cases, students may seek admission without a bachelor’s degree. They must have completed the majority of an undergraduate program and must petition the Academic Dean and Director of Lay Degree Programs to be accepted.

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in theology, or who have another graduate theological degree or coursework, may earn either degree in as few as 36 credit hours. Saint Meinrad will award eight graduate credits for the successful completion of the two-year Youth Ministry Certification Program sponsored through the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and other dioceses.

An Application Booklet including all of the necessary forms for application to Saint Meinrad School of Theology is available from the Enrollment Office. A complete application consists of the following:

1. Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. This includes undergraduate and any graduate work (including non-degree). In general, transcripts should be sent to Saint Meinrad directly from the institution. Student-issued copies, photocopies, or official copies in unsealed envelopes will not be accepted.
   
2. Completed application form with appropriate personal information.
   
3. A concise (three to five double-spaced typewritten pages) autobiography that includes the significant life events and goals for theological study and ministry.
   
4. Three reference forms from persons of the applicant’s choice who know the applicant well and can comment on his/her academic abilities, personal character and commitment to ministry. These references can be from a priest or lay minister, professional associate, faculty advisor or professor, neighbor or someone other than a family member. Forms and return envelopes are included in the Application Booklet.
   
5. An interview with the Director of Lay Degree Programs or, for those in the Indianapolis area, with the Director of Indianapolis Programs. Although all prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus prior to admission, a telephone interview may be arranged for applicants who cannot visit.
   
6. A nonrefundable $25 application fee. Checks may be made to Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

Students may apply and be admitted on a rolling basis. Students applying for the Fall Semester should have their application submitted by July 1. Students applying to begin with the January Interterm or Spring Semester classes should have their application completed by December 1. Students applying for early summer classes should complete their application by March 1. Students applying for late summer classes should complete their application by May 1. The Admissions Committee will review each completed application file promptly and the President-Rector will inform applicants of their acceptance.

Audit Students
Any class may be audited with the permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean. The fee is $225 per audit hour. Only persons registered for credit or audit may attend classes.

Transfer of Credits
Credits earned at other accredited theological seminaries or graduate schools of theology may be applied toward a Saint Meinrad School of Theology degree if:

1. The student earned a grade of "B-" or above; and
2. The course is comparable to one taught at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.

As a general rule, transfer credits may not exceed one-fourth of the 48 credits required for either degree.