PTS requires that the academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary schools be received directly from the school or in a signed and sealed envelope from the school you attended.
With the exception of doctoral and international applications, all applications are considered on a rolling basis, by the Admissions Committee, beginning in October. The deadlines are:
- December 15th: deadline for all Ph.D applications
- January 7th: deadline for all international masters-level applications
- February 15th: deadline for M.Div., M.A., M.Div./M.A. who are US citizens or permanent residents of the US*
- April 15th: deadline for Th.M applications who are US citizens or permanent residents of the US
*completed applications received after this deadline are considered by the admissions committee on a "space available" basis.
No. Since the catalogue is now available on our web site, we no longer send them by mail. Click to view the catalogue.
At this time all degree program classes are only offered to full-time students on our campus. There are no weekend, evening or distance learning classes offered.
Absolutely! Begin an application online by clicking Apply Online.
Yes. We require that all prerequisite degrees be from one of the following Regional Accreditors:
- Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools Middles States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Commission on Technical and Career Institutions
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools The Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Yes, a maximum of 26 credits (1 year) can be accepted in transfer credits. The registrar will make this determination with the admitted M.Div candidate.
Not really. All undergraduate majors are considered. However, we recommend that you have a liberal arts background with at least sixty semester hours of English, philosophy, literature, history, ancient and modern language, and some work in psychology and sociology.
The home pastor usually writes this letter. However, an applicant being mentored by another pastor or college chaplain regarding seminary may have this person complete the endorsement form.
Please Note: the Admissions Committee will not accept letters of reference or the letter of endorsement from family members.
The Master of Divinity is normally completed in three years of full-time study (78 credits), and includes study during at least one of the two included summers. The first year is normally spent on foundational coursework, creating a framework by which more advanced courses may be understood. One summer between the first and final year is spent in the student's field education placement, in either a church or specialized ministry setting.
During the second year, many students have completed most all prerequisite courses and are free to focus on more advanced coursework. In the third year, students complete the degree program and may choose even more elective courses of special interest. M.Div. seniors also have the option of writing a thesis or working on a special project under faculty supervision.
All applicants who are currently registered as permanent residents of the United States must provide the Admissions Committee with documentation of that status.
Additionally, if English is not your native language, the Admissions Committee may require you to complete the TOEFL test as part of your application requirements to Princeton Theological Seminary.
No. Although most of our students pursue calls to ordained pastoral ministry, we have a number who pursue other forms of ministry such as chaplaincy, social work, non-profit work, missions, or teaching.
An undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a regionally accredited institution (see our list of acceptable accrediting agencies below).
Completing our on-line application form with non-refundable application fee of $50. Included in this submission, you will be required to register the three individuals who will be submitting your references and the person you choose to complete your pastoral endorsement. This can be done using our on-line application.
Background Checks are a required part of application to Princeton Seminary – The fee for this is $36.00. The background check will not be considered to have been completed until we receive the results. For your information, this typically takes between two and three busines days.
Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended. These must be sent to us in a sealed and signed envelope to the following address:
Princeton Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
64 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
Please remember that the admissions committee requires that all application materials must be received by the stated deadline. This is your responsibility, so please plan accordingly.
An interview is also strongly recommended. Please Note: If you are applying as a Dual Degree applicant, you are required to have an admissions interview.
NOTE:
GRE Scores are not required for Masters-level applicants.
With the exception of internationa applicants, all Masters-level admissions are considered on a rolling basis beginning in October. Applications should be completed by the deadlines listed belowfor the following academic year.
We receive approximately 400 applications a year for this program and we admit approximately 55% of them.