What is the difference between a Master of Divinity (MDIV) degree and Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree?
The Master of Divinity degree is the first 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 Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree is a basic theological degree that 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 and 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 ministers who serve in traditions that do not require a degree in divinity for ordination, but who wish to develop their formal knowledge of theology.
Do you have any dual degree programs?
Yes, Columbia has a dual degree program established with The Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University. This dual degree program offers religious leaders the opportunity to earn the Master of Divinity degree and the Master of Science in Urban Policy Studies in four years. The program prepares leadership that enriches the life of congregations and promotes public participation in a culturally and religiously diverse locality. Prospective students are admitted separately to each institution, according to that institution’s admission policies.
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?
$328 per credit hour for Master of Divinity and Master of Arts Degree Candidates
$386 per credit hour for Occasional Students
How long will it take to complete a basic degree program?
The MDIV curriculum is designed so that a full-time student can complete the requirements for the degree in 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’s program may be lengthened by a variety of factors, such as participation in internships or taking a reduced load in any given semester. All students must complete their work within six (6) years from the date of matriculation. The MATS program may be completed in two (2) years by students studying full-time.
Do you offer online/distance learning or weekend courses?
In the degree programs, Columbia does not offer online/distance learning or weekend courses. 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 at the seminary except by special action of the faculty.
I am already in a basic degree program (MDIV, MATS, etc) at another institution, but I would like to transfer. Is that possible?
Students in good standing in other 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 MATS program?
Students applying to the MATS degree program may receive no more than 15 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, MATS)?
Ordinarily, international students (persons who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) are not accepted for basic degree programs.
What are the requirements to apply?
To be considered for admission for the MDIV or MATS programs, prospective students must submit a) have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited university or college, b) a completed application form, c) MDIV 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 applicants; 4 for MATS applicants), f) church endorsement form from one’s home church (MDIV applicants only), g) admissions interview, and h) application fee. Applications materials 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.
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 program, ordinarily, interview with the Director of the MATS program. 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 a second 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) or fall 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
Applications received after the preferred deadlines are considered pending space availability in the class. Applicants wishing to be start in the spring semester will be considered on a case by case basis, and should be aware that it will take at least 3 ½ years to complete the program. For spring admission, applications must be completed by December 15th.
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 dmissions@ctsnet.edu. We plan to offer online application status in the very 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 financial aid?
Yes, any full-time MDIV or MATS student, regardless of denomination, may apply for financial aid. Financial Aid applications and related materials are provided only after a student has been admitted into a degree program.
Can I visit the campus?
Absolutely! We encourage anyone who is considering study at Columbia to come visit us. The best way to get a feel for the campus and community life is to come for a visit. We are always happy to host guests. We have guest rooms available for overnight stays and we welcome spouses and children to come as well. The best time to visit is when the semester is in session so that you can visit class, talk with current students and professors, tour housing, and share meals with the community. You may want to consider joining us for one of our Conferences on Ministry for Prospective Students held each academic year in November and February. You may download a registration form for the conference on our website or just give us a call to schedule a time that is convenient for you. Our number is 404.687.4517 (local) or 1.877.548.2817 (toll free).