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Admissions and Financial Aid |
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Requirements for AdmissionMDiv and MTS | ThM | ThDMaster of Divinity and Master of Theological StudiesCandidates should demonstrate that their reasons for undertaking theological study are carefully considered and that they are giving realistic thought to their vocational plans following completion of the master's degree. Candidates for the MDiv program should demonstrate intent to pursue some form of ministry. Those candidates who propose nontraditional forms of ministry are expected to discuss their understanding of ministry in the context of their chosen occupation (e.g., teaching, law, advocacy work on behalf of political or social concerns, providing counseling or rehabilitative services as forms of ministry). It is important that candidates show that they are informed about the nature of the MDiv or MTS program and have clear reasons for choosing Harvard Divinity School. Factors of particular significance in this choice should be stated, such as: the educational resources available at HDS and Harvard University, importance of interdenominational atmosphere, attraction of particular faculty members, or specific curricular considerations. For both the MDiv and MTS programs, candidates who exhibit qualities of leadership, seriousness of purpose, creativity, and ability to work well with people (particularly as reflected in academic, professional, and/or volunteer background) are desired. A strong application may be further enhanced by evidence of special talents, achievements, or personal characteristics that would contribute to the diversity of the HDS student body. Good character, integrity, and self-direction are equally important. Reasons for incomplete academic work, inconsistencies in past academic performance, or multiple shifts among educational institutions or vocational objectives should be explained in the Statement of Purpose. There are no absolute criteria for admission. In addition to the criteria given, the Admission Committee's decision is based on variable factors, such as the comparative qualifications and size of the applicant pool in a given year. In accordance with Divinity School and Harvard University policy, the Divinity School does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of gender, race, color, sexual orientation, religious commitment, age, national or ethnic origin, political belief, veteran status, or disability. Previous DegreesCandidates for the MDiv and MTS degrees are expected to have received a bachelor's degree in arts or sciences from an accredited college or university. It is possible for an applicant without such a degree to be admitted if satisfactory evidence of equivalent educational preparation can be provided. Recognizing the wide diversity of undergraduate programs, the Admissions Committee realizes that no single standard of preparation for divinity school is possible. A strong background in history, philosophy, literature, and the social sciences is preferable. Previous work in the field of religion is certainly appropriate, but not to the exclusion of other studies in the humanities. Candidates with an undergraduate concentration in the natural or applied sciences, or the performing arts, should demonstrate corresponding strength in coursework in the humanities and social sciences. Previous Language StudyIt is recommended that applicants have at least an elementary knowledge of a language that is (normally and preferably) relevant to the student's area of focus—because intermediate-level reading proficiency in a language is required prior to graduation. Deficiencies in any of these areas should not discourage individuals from applying for admission; it is often possible to correct insufficient preparation in a specific area with additional courses in order to qualify as a degree candidate. TOEFL RequirementThe TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants for the MDiv and MTS programs must receive a score of 250 or higher on the computer-based exam (600 or higher on the paper-based test and 100 or higher on the internet-based test). Applicants whose baccalaureate is from a college or university where English is the language of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of graduate-level coursework at an English-language institution, are not required to submit TOEFL scores, but must provide documentation that the language of instruction was English. Master of TheologyTo be admitted as a candidate for the degree of master of theology, the applicant should be a graduate of an approved college and theological school, and should hold a master of divinity degree or its equivalent (three years of graduate theological study). The candidate should be sufficiently competent in language study so that the language requirement may be met in the course of one academic year. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants for the ThM program must receive a score of 260 or higher on the computer- based exam (620 or higher on the paper-based test and 105 or higher on the internet-based test). Applicants whose baccalaureate is from a college or university where English is the language of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of graduate-level coursework at an English-language institution, are not required to submit TOEFL scores, but must provide documentation that the language of instruction was English. Doctor of TheologyAs a prerequisite for admission to the doctor of theology degree program, the applicant must possess a bachelor of arts degree of outstanding quality, usually in the humanities and/or social sciences, which normally includes considerable work in history, literature, philosophy, languages, and some work in the social sciences. In addition, a master's degree, normally the master of divinity, is required; this degree should include a wide range of work in theological and religious studies. Students are expected to demonstrate reading proficiency in at least two modern languages of scholarship (one upon entry into the program and the second within one year of entry). Candidates must also submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that are no more than five years old. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants for the ThD program must receive a score of 260 or higher on the computer-based exam (620 or higher on the paper-based test and 105 or higher on the internet-based test). Applicants whose baccalaureate is from a college or university where English is the language of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of graduate-level coursework at an English-language institution, are not required to submit TOEFL scores, but must provide documentation that the language of instruction was English. ThD applications should indicate their field of specialization in question 10 of the printed application or the Personal Data page of the online application. The fields are Christian Ethics, Comparative Religion, History of Christianity, New Testament and Christian Origins, Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, Religion and Society, Religion, Gender, and Culture, and Theology (Historical and Systematic). Doctor of Philosophy candidates should not use the HDS online or printed application. PhD applicants in the field of the Study of Religion or Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations must apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, and use the application form of that School. Applicants who wish to be considered for both ThD and PhD admission should file separate applications to the Divinity School and to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
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