International Applicants

Degree Program: Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

Prospective international students who have already completed a theological degree, a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent before seeking admission to McCormick will be considered for the Master of Theological Studies degree program if it is clear that the education offered at McCormick will provide a significant addition to the work already completed.

International students residing outside of the United States will ordinarily not be admitted to the Master of Divinity program if they are coming from a country where the usual preparation for ordained ministry is the Master of Divinity.

International students from countries where the Master of Divinity is not available may be considered for admission to this degree program.

International students residing in the United States who indicate a clear intention to enter and remain in ministry in the United States may be considered for admission to the Master of Divinity degree program. 

Application for Admission

An application for admission to a Masters degree program at McCormick Theological Seminary is ready for consideration when the Recruitment and Admissions Office receives:

1. A completed application form along with the non-refundable application fee of $70 USD.
2. Sealed confidential letters of recommendation, submitted on the official forms provided in the application, from persons other than relatives who can write thoughtfully and specifically about the applicant’s personal, academic, spiritual, and vocational qualifications.
3. Official transcripts of all academic work beyond the high school level, whether or not a degree was awarded.
4. An autobiographical statement.
5. An interview with a member of the McCormick Faculty.

Admission Process and Deadlines

McCormick will consider international applications in December. Prior to their December meeting committee members will interview all international applicants via phone and/or web-camera when possible.

Upon completion of the application process and favorable action by the Faculty Committee on Admissions, applicants are accepted for matriculation. Please note that students are permitted to matriculate only in the fall semester

English Proficiency Requirement

Beginning with students who will matriculate in the Fall of 2012, the English language proficiency requirement can be met in one of four ways:

1. A TOEFL exam with an internet total score of 79 (213 computer, 550 paper), with a 20 minimum in four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing.
2. An undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in which English was the instructional language.
3. Four semesters of ESL from an accredited institution. 
4. A documentable exemption from the above requirements. For example, this exemption could include extensive ministerial experience in an English speaking context, a bilingual family of origin where English was one of the domestic languages, or extensive education instruction apart from college or university in English. 

Applications from South Korea due November 1. All other international applications due December 1.

Applications and recommendation forms are available for download at http://www.mccormick.edu/applications [1] or by contacting the Office of Recruitment and Admissions

Summer Language Institute

Admitted international students from countries whose native language is not English and/or who have not graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in which English was the language of instruction must attend the Summer Language Institute of the Language Resource and Writing Center in July and August.