Online Master's in Religion Application Procedure

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 and must be completed at least one month prior to the beginning of the term for which admission is sought. Please reference the Academic Calendar for specific application deadlines. Please note that financial aid (loans, scholarships, etc.) deadlines differ from the application deadlines. Click here for more information on financial aid deadlines.

How do I apply?

Click here to begin your application online.

Applications will be reviewed for admission to the Online Master of Arts in Religion program upon submission of the following requirements:

1. Completed 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. Three written recommendations; these should be individuals whom you have known for at least one year, and who are not related to you. One reference is needed from each category:
   • Pastor or Church Official
   • Friend or Associate
   • Former Professor or Professional Colleague
3. Official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and institutions of higher education attended. The seminary requires a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
4. Application fee of $50 (U.S.). This may be paid online (with the online application), by phone or by mail.
5. TOEFL score (international students only).

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.

Need assistance?

Our Admissions team is here to support you through every step in the application process. If you have any questions or require assistance please contact us at onlineprograms@gordonconwell.edu or call (855) 211-2474.

Reserve

Reserve your admission by returning the Biographical Data Form and $75 matriculation deposit. Once we receive your Biographical Data Form and $75 matriculation deposit, you will be contacted by an Online MAR Student Care Specialist regarding setting up a Learning Preparedness Call where you will receive your Gordon-Conwell email address, systems login information, and other important getting started details.

Arrange a Learning Preparedness Call with a Student Care Specialist

After reserving, you will be contacted by a Student Care Specialist in regards to setting up a Learning Preparedness Call. The primary goal of this call is to help you get started in the program. You will be provided access information for your Gordon-Conwell email and other systems logins, including Sakai, our learning management system. You will also be added to the Online New Student Orientation course that must be completed prior to registering for classes.

Apply for a Scholarships/Financial Aid

Most students are eligible for some form of financial aid including grants, scholarships, and loans. Each offering has its own eligibility requirements and deadlines. Be sure to check out the Financial Aid page for Online MAR and Charlotte students.

Communicate with Your Advisor

All degree-seeking students are assigned an academic advisor. Your advisor is available for assistance in selecting courses and devising a degree completion plan. New Students are encouraged to contact their advisor as early as possible, and to schedule a meeting with their advisor before beginning classes. The academic advisor for the Online MAR program is Dr. Steve Klipowicz. Dr. Klipowicz can be reached at sklipowicz@gordonconwell.edu or at (704) 527-9909.

Once you have completed the Online New Student Orientation course, you should contact a Student Care Specialist letting him/her know that you are ready to register. The Student Care Specialist will work with you to get set up with classes.

Please note: All students are required to complete a Theological Research and Writing course in their first semester. Students will be automatically registered for this course.