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Master's Application Procedure

Step 1: Apply

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

We use a rolling admissions process here at Gordon-Conwell, which means we have no specific application 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?

Apply online! You may also download a PDF of our application here. Applications will be submitted to the Admissions Committee when the items listed below have been received.  Please note the special instructions for international students, MA in Counseling applicants, transfers, visiting students from another seminary, special partnership (CCO, IV, etc.) applicants, official auditors and current students. 

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

  1. Online application form supplied by the admissions office 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. b) A brief autobiography.
  2. Official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and other institutions of higher education attended.  The seminary requires a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
  3. Three written recommendations on forms supplied 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 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 filing fee of $50 (U.S.) for the online application and $100 for the paper application.
  6. TOEFL (international students only).

My application is complete, now what?

Your application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for review, and you should hear back from us with the results within 2 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. Please note that students admitted to the fall semester may begin studies with the summer sessions if desired.  Students admitted for the spring may begin in the January term if desired. When you send your notification of intent, please indicate when you plan to begin on campus. Forms and instructions will be included in your acceptance packet.

After being accepted, Semlink students who do not intend to begin on campus courses right away may register 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?

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.

Apply for a Scholarship

A scholarship packet is mailed to all new fall students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) every February, and are included in the acceptance packets of all students accepted after February.  Scholarship packets are also included in the acceptance packets of all new spring students. To view our scholarship opportunities, please visit Financial Aid.

International students must matriculate by November 30 to be considered for an international scholarship. Please visit the International Applicants page for more information.

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).

Complete the Biographical Form

This form will be included in your acceptance packet.

Complete Immunizations

This form will be included in your acceptance packet, and is also located here.

Student Health Insurance

Massachusetts law requires that all students taking 6 or more credit hours have suitable health insurance coverage. At new student orientation, you can enroll in or waive inclusion in the seminary's student health insurance plan. Learn more about student health insurance here.

Final Transcript

If your acceptance letter indicates that you are accepted per receipt of your final transcript, you must have a transcript showing your undergraduate degree and the date awarded sent to Gordon-Conwell.

International Students

Please correspond with Student Life Services regarding your visa application and I-20 form.  For more information on the visa application process, please visit the International Applicants page.

Step 4: Plan Your Classes & 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. On these pages, you'll find course schedules, degree program checksheets, information on competency exams and more to help you plan your classes!

Step 5: New Student Orientation

The new student orientation schedule is posted on the Student Life Services page approximately one month before orientation begins. To view the schedule and other important materials for mandatory new student orientation, go here.

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.