Application Requirements

All applicants must complete and submit the General Application form, as well as complete and/or submit the following:

• A recent photograph (Passport/ID photo);
• A copy of the applicant’s Baptism/Chrismation certificate;
• A fully completed and signed background check consent form;
• Official transcripts from each graduate or undergraduate institution attended (must be sent directly from the institution/s);
• A letter of recommendation from a pastor or spiritual father;
• Two letters of recommendation from a professor, employer or colleague;
• An interview with the Academic & Recruitment Advisor; and
• An interview with the designated Program Director.

In addition to the items listed above for all applicants, applicants to the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program must submit the following:

• The blessing and recommendation from their diocesan Hierarch. The Hierarch’s Blessing form must be sent directly to the seminary by the hierarch. (Please note that the Hierarch’s Blessing form is to be submitted in addition to the three letters of recommendation required of all degree applicants.); and
• An essay according to the specifications listed in the Admissions Portal.

In accordance with the standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the seminary is on occasion able to admit to the M.Div. program applicants who do not possess a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent. Typically, only one or two such offers of admission may be made each year. Applicants to the M.Div. program without a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent must satisfy the following additional application requirements:

• Exceptionally strong endorsement by an ecclesiastical authority;
• An additional essay in which the applicant explains how his/her life experience has provided the necessary preparation for theological study at the graduate level;
• An additional interview with the Academic Dean;
• A proficiency examination administered at the time of the applicant’s personal interviews; and
• Satisfactory results on the GRE test.

In addition to the items listed above for all applicants, applicants to the Master of Arts (M.A.) program must submit the following:

• An essay according to the specifications listed in the Admissions Portal.

Though not required, applicants to the M.A. program are strongly encouraged to also submit the following:

• A blessing from their hierarch. The Hierarch’s Blessing form must be sent directly to the seminary by the hierarch. (Please note that the Hierarch’s Blessing form is to be submitted in addition to the three letters of recommendation required of all degree applicants.); and
• Two recommendations from former professors who can attest to the applicant’s ability to pursue academic work in theology.

In addition to the items listed above for all applicants, applicants to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program must submit/pass the following:

• A thesis proposal according to the specifications listed online

Though not required, applicants to the Th.M. program are strongly encouraged to also submit the following:

• A blessing from their hierarch. The Hierarch’s Blessing form must be sent directly to the seminary by the hierarch. (Please note that the Hierarch’s Blessing form is to be submitted in addition to the three letters of recommendation required of all degree applicants.); and
• Two recommendations from former professors who can attest to the applicant’s ability to pursue academic work in theology.

In addition to the items listed above for all applicants, applicants to the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program must submit the following:

• A blessing from their hierarch. The Hierarch’s Blessing form must be sent directly to the seminary by the hierarch. (Please note that the Hierarch’s Blessing form is to be submitted in addition to the three letters of recommendation required of all degree applicants.);
• A letter of recommendation from their Rector/Chancellor/Dean/Supervisor;
• An essay according to the specifications listed in the Admissions Portal;
• Ministerial Experience form, available in the Admissions Portal; and
• External Review Committee form, available in the Admissions Portal.

Applicants who wish to enroll in particular courses without pursuing a degree at St Vladimir’s Seminary may apply as a non-degree student. Non-degree applicants currently enrolled in a degree program at another institution need only to complete the General Application Form (available in the Admissions Portal), and have an appropriate official from the home institution submit a letter stating that the applicant is in good standing and qualified to take the course(s) in question. All other non-degree applicants, including students who wish to audit courses at St Vladimir’s, must contact the Academic & Recruitment Advisor for application requirements.