What is the difference between the Master of Divinity (MDIV), Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT), and the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]) degrees?
The MDIV is a professional degree in theological education, and is offered as a basic theological degree for those who seek to serve as the pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and other leaders of the church of Jesus Christ. The MAPT is a professional degree designed for persons who are exploring specialized professional and volunteer ministry in a variety of ministry settings. The MAPT may be appropriate for those seeking diaconal, certified, rostered, or other officially recognized ministries within their tradition. Students may complete coursework for the MAPT curriculum to add an area of specialization to the Master of Divinity degree. The MA(TS) degree is academic rather than professional in orientation, and provides theological studies for persons who are exploring career options, preparing for doctoral studies, church leadership positions, or specialized forms of lay ministry. The MATS program is also for those persons who are investigating the relationships between a professions and theological issues of faith in the modern world. While the MATS program is not designed to prepare persons for the practice of ordained ministry, it may be useful for those who wish to develop formal knowledge of theology, ethics, biblical studies, or church history.
Can I attend part-time in a degree program?
Yes, Columbia does allow part-time students in all degree programs. In basic degree programs, a student is classified as part-time if one takes only 1 or 2 courses (or less than 9 credit hours) in the fall or spring semesters, or 1 course (or 3 credit hours) in a summer term. Part-time students are not eligible for housing or financial aid in the semesters or terms in which they are enrolled part-time.
What if I want to take one course?
Students may apply as occasional students for the purposes of taking one course. Any credit earned as an occasional student will be credited toward the degree if the student applies and is later accepted into a degree program.
How much is tuition?
$388 per credit hour for students in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, the Master of Arts (Theological Studies)program.
$458 per credit hour for Advanced Degree Candidates and Occasional Students.
How long will it take to complete a basic degree program?
The MDIV curriculum offers an evening/weekend scheduling option, in addition to its current daytime schedule. Full-time students may complete the MDIV degree in as few as three (3) full years, taking 12 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, 3 credit hours in January term, and 6 credit hours in the summer terms. A student attending part-time may complete the requirements for the degree in five (5) years, taking 6 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, 3 credit hours in the January and summer term, with the exception of one summer of Greek school for 6 credit hours. A student’s program may be lengthened or shortened by a variety of factors, such as participation in internships or taking a reduced load (full-time) or increased load (part-time) in any given semester. The MA(TS) program may be completed in as few as two (2) years by students studying full-time, taking 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters. The MAPT program may be completed in two (2) years and one summer by students studying full-time, taking 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters and taking 6 credit hours in one summer term.
Do you offer online/distance learning?
In the degree programs, Columbia does not offer online/distance learning. Weekend courses (for credit) will be offered soon in conjunction with the evening/weekend MDIV schedule. We do, however, offer non-credit weekend courses, and a few online courses through our Center for Lifelong Learning.
Do I have to have a certain major in college to apply for admission to a degree program?
No, as long as your bachelor degree is from an accredited higher education institution, your major can be in any subject.
What kind of accreditation is needed by the institution where I earned my bachelors degree?
Columbia accepts degrees accredited by the following regional accreditation agencies: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
If I attended an institution that is not accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies, may I still apply to a degree program?
Ordinarily, Columbia does not admit students who have undergraduate degrees from educational institutions not accredited by one of the six agencies. However, a student who would like to seek admission may apply. In addition to the standard admission application requirements, the student must furnish test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test. For more information on the GRE General Test, visit www.ets.org.
I do not have a bachelor’s degree. Can I still be considered for admission into the MDIV program?
Those without a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to enter the MDIV program.
I am already in a basic degree program (MDIV, MA[TS], MAPT, etc) at another institution, but I would like to transfer. Is that possible?
Students in good standing in other ATS accredited seminaries may apply as transfer students. In addition to the standard application requirements, transfer students must submit a letter from their academic dean indicating that they are students in good standing.
How many credits can I transfer from another institution into Columbia’s MDIV program?
Students applying to the MDIV degree program may receive no more than 45 credit hours for work completed at another Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited seminary completed within the past five years. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. A student who has completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree from an ATS accredited seminary may transfer in up to half of the MA degree toward Columbia’s MDIV degree. The determination of whether or not courses taken at other institutions may receive credit, and whether credits transfer as required or elective hours, is made by the Office of Academic Affairs.
How many credits can I transfer from another institution into Columbia’s MAPT program?
Students applying to the MATS degree programs may receive no more than 18 credit hours in the five fields of the program from institutions for work completed prior to admission to the program. No transfer credit may be obtained for work done more than 36 months before admission. Transfer credit will only be given for courses passed with a grade of B or higher. The determination of whether or not courses taken at other institutions may receive credit, and whether credits transfer as required or elective hours, is made by the Office of Academic Affairs.
I am an international student. May I apply to a basic degree program (MDIV, MA[TS], MAPT)?
Yes, international students (persons who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) may apply for the basic degree programs. Please contact the International Programs Office at 404.687.4618 before submitting an application.
What are the requirements to apply?
To be considered for admission for the MDIV, MAPT, or MATS programs, prospective students must a) have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited university or college, b) submit a completed application form, c) MDIV, MAPT or MATS supplemental form with autobiographical essay, d) official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, e) reference forms produced by Columbia (3 for MDIV and MAPT applicants; 4 for MATS applicants), f) (MDIV and MAPT applicants only) church endorsement form from one’s home church or letter of endorsement from a sponsoring Christian organization, g) complete an admissions interview, and h) application fee. Applications materials for each program may be downloaded from the website.
What is the church endorsement form?
The church endorsement is a form to be completed by the governing body of your home congregation that confirms their knowledge of your desire to attend seminary and affirms their support of that decision. This form is not to serve as a recommendation from a pastor or minister. For PCUSA applicants, the session of your church will complete this form. For applicants from other denominations, the governing board of the church should complete this form. The letter of endorsement is a letter submitted on behalf of an MAPT applicant who intends to serve in a specialized area of ministry that does not required ordination. The letter should be submitted by a sponsoring Christian organization for which the applicant serves or intends to serve or has some formal relationship with.
Do you require an interview?
Yes, an interview is one of the requirements to be considered for admission into a degree program. Admissions interviews are conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee. Applicants for the MATS and MAPT programs, ordinarily, interview with the director of the program to which they wish to apply. This interview is best done on campus.
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test?
Test scores from the GRE are not ordinarily required, but may be requested in some circumstances.
Do I need to take the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
All applicants for whom English is not their first language must pass the TOEFL before admission and enrollment for credit can be attained. Those seeking admission must score at least 220 (computer format), 550 (written format), or 76 (internet format) with minimum scores in the following areas: Reading 22; Listening 16; Speaking 16; and Writing 22.
When are your admissions deadlines?
Columbia has a rolling admissions policy. This means that files are considered as they are completed. Applicants who want to be considered for summer (Greek School), fall or spring admission, should have their applications completed by the following deadlines:
Greek School: Preferred deadline March 1st; Final deadline June 1st
Fall Semester: Preferred deadline March 1st; Final deadline August 1st
Spring Semester: Preferred deadline December 1st; Final deadline December 15th
Applications received after the preferred deadlines are considered pending space availability in the class.
How much is the application fee?
$65.00
Can I apply online?
At this time, students may download and print application materials from our website. Application materials must then be handwritten or typed and submitted to the Admissions Office. We plan to offer online application submission in the very near future.
Can I check the status of my application online?
Not at this time. You may check the status of your application by calling the Admissions Office at 404.687.4517 or emailing us at admissions@ctsnet.edu. We hope to offer online application status in near future.
How long before I know the decision of the Admissions Committee?
Columbia has rolling admissions, which means we consider files as they are completed. Any files that are complete prior to an admissions meeting will be considered at the meeting, and immediately notified thereafter. During the academic year, the committee meets monthly.
Does Columbia offer academic scholarships?
Yes, Columbia, Honor, and Deans Scholarships are awarded each year by the Admissions Committee to a limited number of entering Master of Divinity students. Students interested in being considered for these scholarships must submit all admission application materials and scholarship application by March 15th.
Does Columbia offer need-based financial aid?
Yes, any full-time MDIV, MATS, or MAPT student, regardless of denomination, may apply for need-based financial aid. Financial Aid applications and related materials are provided only after a student has been admitted into a degree program.
When can I apply for need-based financial aid?
New students may apply after they are accepted. Password protected financial aid materials are available online, you will receive information on how to access them after you are accepted. Students must be enrolled full-time in the MDIV, MAPT or MATS program to apply.