Enrollment Management & Vocational Outreach

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.

UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.

• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.

• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.

• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement

Introduce yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3-4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.

UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.

• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.

• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.

• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?

• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement

Introduce yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3-4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Plan of Study

Outline your academic goals and any particular courses or faculty members you wish to engage while enrolled.

Required for the MATS, ThM, DMin, and DEdMin degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.



UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.



LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.



• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.
• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.
• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?
• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement



Introduce yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3-4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Concentration Declaration Statement

Identify your intended concentration (Worship, Preaching and the Arts, Educational Ministries or Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology) and how that choice connects to your sense of vocation.

Required for the MAPT and Dual MDiv/MAPT degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.



UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.



LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.



• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.
• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.
• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?
• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Autobiographical Statement



Introduce yourself with a narrative review of your interests and experiences. Should answer the questions: Why you? Why Columbia? Why now?

Required for all MDiv, MATS, MAPT, and Dual MDiv-MAPT degree programs; 3-4 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font

Concentration Declaration Statement

Identify your intended concentration (Worship, Preaching and the Arts, Educational Ministries or Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology) and how that choice connects to your sense of vocation.

Required for the MAPT and Dual MDiv/MAPT degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.



UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.



LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.



• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.
• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.
• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?
• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Plan of Study

Outline your academic goals and any particular courses or faculty members you wish to engage while enrolled.

Required for the MATS, ThM, DMin, and DEdMin degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

Statement of Purpose

Outline the origins and trajectory of your theological interests. Also identifies the key problems, theories, historical periods, cultural or ecclesial contexts and movements you plan to engage as a part of your studies.

Required for the ThM, DMin and DEdMIN degree programs 3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.



UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.



LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.



• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.
• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.
• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?
• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Plan of Study

Outline your academic goals and any particular courses or faculty members you wish to engage while enrolled.

Required for the MATS, ThM, DMin, and DEdMin degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

Statement of Purpose

Outline the origins and trajectory of your theological interests. Also identifies the key problems, theories, historical periods, cultural or ecclesial contexts and movements you plan to engage as a part of your studies.

Required for the ThM, DMin and DEdMIN degree programs 3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

General Requirements

$50 APPLICATION FEE, nonrefundable.

RESUME/CV of professional and academic experience.



UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OR SEMINARY TRANSCRIPTS from each institution you have attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree.



LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from those who know you best.



• ACADEMIC REFERENCES, who can speak to your educational background.
• PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES, who can provide insight on your professional skillset.
• PASTORAL/VOCATIONAL REFERENCES, who can let us know about your character, calling, and motivations for pursuing theological studies.

ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE

It should be from within the past 7 years, which demonstrates your ability to think and write in a clear, nuanced manner about an academic subject of your choice.

Required for all degree programs: approximately 8 pages; double-spaced; 12-point font.

Note: Because writing samples aim to display students’ ability to write in a theological educational context, it is highly recommended that writing submissions pertain to a topic in the humanities (e.g., religious studies, history, English). Students whose primary writing experiences have been in the sciences or business fields are encouraged to display their writing ability by responding to the supplementary essay question from Dr. Spurrier’s book.

Those who do not have a recent or relevant writing sample may engage Columbia’s alternate writing sample prompt:

The essay for the alternate writing sample is the introductory chapter from Dr. Rebecca F. Spurrier’s book, The Disabled Church: Human Difference and the Art of Communal Worship (New York: Fordham University Press, 2019). Spurrier is the Associate Dean for Worship Life and Assistant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary. Please answer the following prompts:

• What are two important themes concerning Christian theology and worship from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?
• What are two implications for Christian ministry from Dr. Spurrier’s introductory chapter?   

Writing samples should adhere to the following format: Approximately 8 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins on all sides, and saved as a PDF prior to uploading.

Plan of Study

Outline your academic goals and any particular courses or faculty members you wish to engage while enrolled.

Required for the MATS, ThM, DMin, and DEdMin degree programs 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font

Statement of Purpose

Outline the origins and trajectory of your theological interests. Also identifies the key problems, theories, historical periods, cultural or ecclesial contexts and movements you plan to engage as a part of your studies.

Required for the ThM, DMin and DEdMIN degree programs 3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font