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Master's Application Procedure

Step 1: Apply

When should I begin my application? When is the deadline?

Applications are accepted no earlier than one year in advance of the expected date of matriculation - unless you plan to begin with distance education - and must be completed at least one month prior to the beginning of the term for which admission is sought. Please note that there are priority-processing deadlines for both financial aid and housing, and some of our scholarships are first-come, first-serve., so the sooner you get started on the application the better! To learn more, visit our Important Dates and Deadlines page.

How do I apply?

You may apply online or download a PDF of our application. Applications will be submitted to the Admissions Committee once the following items have been received.

  1. Online application including a) Personal statements addressing questions about vocational goal, church involvement, encouragement from others, reasons for applying to Gordon-Conwell and an assessment of strengths and weaknesses and b) a brief autobiography.
  2. Official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and institutions of higher education attended.  The seminary requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by a recognized accrediting agency.
  3. Three written recommendations attesting to applicant's commitment to Christ, church involvement, leadership ability, social sensitivity, emotional maturity, reasoning and decision-making ability, level of responsibility, skills in communication and facility in interpersonal relationships. Recommendations should be written by come from a pastor, a friend and a professor or professional colleague.
  4. Church endorsement form completed and signed by a church official.
  5. Application fee of $50 (U.S.) for the online application and $100 for the paper application.
  6. TOEFL score (international students only).

Semlink and Non-Degree Seeking applicants should complete the full application.

Please note the special instructions for international applicants, MA in Counseling applicants, transfers, visiting students from another seminary, special partnership (CCO, IV, etc.) applicants, official auditors and current students.

My application is complete, now what?

Your application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for review, and a decision regarding your admission will be made within two weeks.

Step 2: I'm Accepted; Now What?

Matriculate

Reserve your spot on campus by sending in the blue notification of intent form along with your $100 matriculation fee and estimated date of arrival on campus. Please note that students admitted to the fall semester may begin studies in the summer, if desired. Students admitted for the spring may begin in the January term, if desired. Forms and instructions will be included in your acceptance packet.

Once accepted, Semlink students may register immediately for their first Semlink class. Semlink students do not need to matriculate unless they know the semester and year in which they will begin on campus.

Step 3: I've Matriculated; Now What?
  1. Apply for On-Campus Housing
    • To download the housing application and/or find information about the rates for dorms or apartments, visit the Housing page.
  2. Apply for a Scholarship
    • To view our scholarship opportunities, please visit Financial Aid.
    • International students must matriculate by December 1 to be considered for an international scholarship. Please visit the International Applicants page for more information.
  3. Apply for Federal Aid
    • Visit the Financial Aid page for instructions on how to apply for federal loans (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only).
  4. Complete the Biographical Form
    • This form will be included in your acceptance packet.
  5. Complete Immunizations
    • This form will be included in your acceptance packet, or can be downloaded here.
  6. Student Health Insurance
    • Massachusetts law requires that all students taking six or more credit hours have suitable health insurance coverage. During new student orientation, you will choose to enroll or waive inclusion in the seminary's student health insurance plan. Learn more about student health insurance.
  7. Final Transcript
    • If your acceptance letter indicates that you are accepted per receipt of your final transcript, you must mail an official, final transcript to Gordon-Conwell, confirming an undergraduate degree was awarded to you.
  8. International Students

Step 4: Plan Your Classes and Register!

Information regarding registration procedures will be sent to you by the Registration Office in the months prior to orientation. Please keep the Admissions Office informed of any change of address or email, so that all information will reach you promptly.

In the meantime, plan your classes using the Registration Office's helpful "Essential Information for New Students" page and the Registration page, where you'll find course schedules, course syllabi, information on competency exams and more!

Step 5: New Student Orientation
The new student orientation schedule is posted on the Student Life Services page approximately one month before orientation begins. View the schedule and other important materials for mandatory new student orientation.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap or veteran status.  A complete statement of compliance with federal laws and regulations can be found in the Gordon-Conwell Student Handbook.