How to Apply

The deadlines for fall 2013 have now passed. Applicants for 2013 may continue to log in to the online application for updates. Applicants interested in fall 2014 can request information about our programs and events.

HDS uses an online admissions application process. You must submit all of your required documents online except for your academic transcripts.

The information provided here is a summary of the required application materials. For detailed instructions, please create an account and review the instructions published with the application.

Application Materials

A completed application consists of the following:

  • Online application form
  • Application fee of $75 or approved waiver (please note that in order to access the fee waiver request form, you must initiate an online application)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Complete academic history with official transcripts for all coursework taken for credit
  • Three letters of recommendation (submitted electronically through our online application system)
  • Statement of purpose—1,000 words 
  • Essay—500 words (MDiv and MTS applicants only)
  • Unexpired GRE General Test or revised General Test scores or approved waiver; see below (MDiv, MTS, ThM, and ThD applicants)
  • TOEFL scores (required of some international applicants only)
  • Abstract of courses (ThD applicants only)
  • Writing sample (ThD applicants only)

GRE and GRE Waivers

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination General Test or revised General Test) is required for admission to all degree programs. There are no GRE waivers offered to the ThD program. However, applicants to the  MDiv, MTS, and ThM programs who have completed an advanced degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEd, MBA, JD) by the application deadline may waive the GRE scores requirement. This can be done through the Standardized Tests section of the online application, which allows applicants to certify possession of an advanced degree, and to indicate whether or not they are choosing to waive the GRE requirement.

Applicants who will be in the process of completing an advanced degree on the application deadline and wish to be considered for a GRE waiver should submit the GRE waiver request form for an individual review of their previous graduate work. (Please note that in order to access the GRE waiver request form, you must initiate an online application.) Requests for GRE waivers must be submitted as early as possible, leaving time for a response from the HDS Office of Admissions and for the applicant to complete the GRE before the application deadline if the GRE waiver is not granted.

Note that the Admissions Committee reviews all GRE scores received. This includes official GRE scores received for applicants who have been granted GRE waivers.

The HDS Admissions Committee encourages all applicants who qualify for a GRE waiver to think carefully about whether or not it would benefit their application to take the exam. While admissions decisions are based primarily on grades, essays, and recommendations, the Admissions Committee often finds GRE scores helpful for applicants whose grades do not reflect their true abilities, who are making a midcareer change from another field, are returning to academic life after a long absence, or have limited coursework in the humanities when compared to the rest of the applicant pool.

Preparing for Your Application

Careful planning will allow you to put forth a thoughtful, cohesive application. As you begin to prepare your materials, you may want to consider taking these initial steps: update your résumé or curriculum vitae, register and study for the GRE, write an initial draft of your statement of purpose, discuss your application plans with your recommendation providers, research outside scholarships and funding sources, and plan your finances early by learning more about the cost of attendance and financial aid available through HDS.