Divinity Program Admissions

Application Requirements

For degrees in Yale Divinity School, the Institute admits M.A.R. and S.T.M. students who seek a theological education with emphasis on liturgical studies or religion and the arts, as well as M.Div. candidates interested in pursuing a range of studies in sacred music, worship, and the arts. Applicants not admitted to the ISM will still be considered for admission to Yale Divinity School by the YDS Admissions Committee. 

Students must file separate applications for the ISM and YDS. The ISM does not charge an application fee. | link to YDS application page

The following materials must be received by February 1:

1.  Completed online application.  
2.  Electronic transcripts of all academic records uploaded into the application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but must include your name, the name of the institution, the degree program, course-work, and your GPA. (Upon an offer of admission, official paper transcripts must be mailed to Yale Divinity School). All transcripts must be in English. 
3.  A personal statement not to exceed 700 words explaining reasons for your interest in pursuing an interdisciplinary education at the Institute and the Divinity School. Include your preparation for or interest in the academic programs in liturgical studies, in religion and the arts, or in preaching, and discuss your interest in and preparation for ministry alongside the broader artistic community. Discuss any interest or experience in collaborative work with practicing musicians.
4. A Curriculum vitae (a resume of academic, employment, and other relevant information).
5. A writing sample of 5–6 pages representing the best of your academic writing and thinking. A portion of a senior thesis or term paper is acceptable.
6.  Three letters of recommendation.
7.  Scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if English is not your first language (see below for details). TOEFL scores will not be accepted.
8. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (optional; students are welcome to submit GRE scores to support their application, but will not be penalized for not doing so). The computer-based General Test is given regularly at testing centers around the world. Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for more information. Please use institution code #7072. Failure to use this code may result in lost scores.

Interview

Divinity School applicants are not required to appear for an interview, though admissions committee members may request supplementary interviews with applicants on a case-by-case basis during the review process. Decisions made by the admissions committees of the Institute and the Divinity School are based on the application and supporting materials. Applicants are welcome to visit the Institute and the Divinity School campus at any time. Special open house events for prospective students are held during the academic year. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of these events, which offer the opportunity to attend classes, tour the campus, and talk with faculty, staff, and current students.

 

Language Proficiency Tests

Students for whom English is a second language must demonstrate a level of language proficiency appropriate for study.

Applicants to the Institute and Yale Divinity School programs must show evidence of proficiency in the English language either by attaining a satisfactory score on the International English Language Testing System (a minimum 7.0 band score in all areas) or by having received a degree from an accredited university or college where English is the language of instruction (TOEFL scores will not be accepted for Divinity programs). For information, contact IELTS International, 825 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 112, Los Angeles CA 90041; telephone, 323.255.2771; fax, 323.255.1261; e-mail, ielts@ieltsintl.org; Web site, www.ielts.org.

International Students

International students are a vital part of our community at the ISM. We welcome international applicants, and seek to offer them support throughout the application process and during their time on campus. In order to gain admission to the Institute and to obtain a visa, international students must show that they have sufficient funds to provide for their expenses while in residence as a student in the United States. Bank affidavits and certificates of finance will be required.