Admission Requirements
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Master of Divinity
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
Master of Arts (Religious Studies)
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Doctor of Ministry
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited college or university or their formal equivalents, as determined by the Doctor of Ministry Committee, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, individuals must be involved in some recognized form of ministry for three (3) years after completion of the Master of Divinity degree.
Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration
Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the Master of Divinity and the Master of Business Administration degree for the respective schools. Due to the sequential nature of the dual degree program, applicants will only be admitted in the fall semester, and must be full-time students.
Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work
Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher from an accredited undergraduate program and meet the admissions requirements for the Master of Divinity and the Master of Social Work degree for the respective schools. Due to the sequential nature of the dual degree program, applicants will only be admitted in the fall semester, and must be full-time students.
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ADMISSIONS CATEGORIES
Regular Degree Student:
A student who fully meets the requirements for a graduate program in the School of Divinity will be accepted as a regular degree student.
Provisional Student:
A student who does not meet the requirements for regular degree student, but, who, on other grounds, the degree committee concludes, is capable of completing a graduate program, may be accepted on a provisional basis. A provisional student will take a maximum of nine credit hours of course work per semester and will be allowed a maximum of one year to qualify as a regular degree student. A student who fails to achieve regular degree status after one year will not be allowed to continue in a graduate program at Howard University.
Non-Degree Student:
A student who meets all the requirements for admission to regular status but elects to pursue course work only will be accepted as a non-degree student. A completed application package must be submitted in order to be considered as a non-degree student.
* NOTE: Non-degree/unclassified students are NOT eligible to receive financial aid.
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PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINES -NEW STUDENTS
MDIV/MSW (Fall Semester Only): April 1
Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: November 1
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ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES FOR NEW STUDENTS
Submit the completed online application via GradCAS.
Non-refundable application fee of $75 and $25 GradCAS processing fee.
(Payable by Credit Card with online application.)
The University does not waive application fees.
An official transcript of all formal studies to date – Upload transcript(s) with online application. Also, mail official transcript(s) in a sealed envelope from the institution to:
Howard University School of Divinity
Office of Admissions
2900 Van Ness Street NW
Washington, DC 20008.
Current Resume
Autobiographical Statement: Applicants should provide an Autobiographical Statement (500-750 words) that describes the uniqueness of his/her character, abilities, and other personal information that is motivating his/her desire to pursue the specific degree at the Howard University School of Divinity.
Statement of interest: Applicants should provide a Statement of Interest (500-750 words) that describes your purpose and professional goals for pursuing the specific degree at the Howard University School of Divinity.
Three (3) Recommendations: Names and email address of recommenders should be submitted in the online application. Recommenders should complete the online information and attach a letter.
- Recommendation from a religious official (e.g., pastor, imam, rabbi, etc.) who can attest to the applicant’s spiritual ethos and commitment to ministry, chaplaincy, faith-based social justice work
- Recommendation from a college professor, administrator or other qualified person who can endorse the applicant’s academic readiness to succeed in a graduate program at the School of Divinity
- Recommendation from a third individual – i.e., from a religious, educational and/or professional setting – who can underscore the applicant's professional commitment
Applicants are encouraged to follow-up with recommenders to ensure timely submission of recommendations.
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Doctor of Ministry Applicants
In addition to the above requirements, Doctor of Ministry applicants must submit a Theory of Ministry Paper as part of the admissions process in addition to the requirements. The Theory of Ministry Paper should be a 5-6 page documented narrative of your theological journey. It should begin with the circumstances surrounding your "Call" to Christian Ministry. How did it come and which Scripture did the event(s) bring to mind? Then, relate how you nurtured that "Call." Who were the significant influences, male and female ministers, teachers, etc.? Describe your plans for formal training and indicate which textbooks and academic readings/assignments were helpful in your theological studies. Provide a bibliography.
At the discretion of the appropriate committee, an interview with the applicant may be required.
Requirements for Master of Divinity students who wish to enroll in the MBA portion of the MDiv/MBA Program:
• Must declare that intention by submitting a full application to the MBA Program at the time of initial MDiv application and no later than the end of the fall semester of the second year of enrollment in the MDiv Program.
• • Submit current scores for the Graduate Management Administration Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and if already admitted at HUSD, a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Show successful completion of calculus or applied calculus.
Requirements for Master of Business Administration student who wish to enroll in the MDiv portion of the MDiv/MBA Program:
• Must declare that intention by submitting a full application to the MDiv Program at the time of initial MDiv application and no later than the end of the first fall semester in the MBA Program.
• Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 as a current MBA student.
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, and if already admitted at HUSB, a minimum GPA of 3.0. -
Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work Applicants
- Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher from an accredited undergraduate program.
- An online application must be submitted for both degree programs. Only one application fee of $75.00 (payable by credit card with online application) is required.
- Master of Divinity students who wish to pursue the Master of Social Work will apply to the MSW program and must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the MDiv program.
- Master of Social Work students who wish to pursue the Master of Divinity will apply to the MDiv program and must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the MSW program.
- Upon entry to the MDiv/MSW degree program, an expository writing examination is required.
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PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINES – FORMER STUDENTS RETURNING (FSR)
Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: November 1
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READMISSIONS PROCEDURES FOR FORMER STUDENTS RETURNING (FSR)
Students who are not enrolled during the current semester (summer session not included), but who have previously attended Howard University are classified as Former Students Returning (FSR).
Once a student has graduated, he/she is not a FSR, and must apply as a New Student to a new degree program or as a Non-Degree (Unclassified) Student.To apply for readmission as a Former Student Returning:
- Log into Bison Web with your Username (Howard ID#) and PIN (6 digit Date of Birth).
- Select the Student Services tab.
- Select the Admissions & Orientation link.
- Select the Complete or Access Applications link.
- Application Type: Graduate Returning Student
- Proceed with the Bison Web application instructions.
The application fee and enrollment fee are not required for a FSR seeking readmission.
Please submit the following additional requirements.
- Official transcript from Howard University
- Official transcript from all formal studies completed since matriculation at Howard
- A statement, not to exceed 150 words, stating your plan for completing your degree. The statement should include information relevant to past challenges (academic, financial, etc.) that impacted your previous matriculation and your plan to address these challenges to ensure completion of the degree program.
The HUSD Admissions Office and the Degree Program Committee will evaluate the student's former records and the aforementioned requirements to determine readmission.
Former Students Returning who have been absent from the University for two or more years must receive a medical clearance from the University Student Health Center before they can complete the registration process.
Students readmitted to the University must be cleared by the Registrar's Office, Student Accounts, Student Loans, and Special Student Services.
Those with outstanding accounts must make satisfactory financial arrangements with the University before registration is permitted.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In addition to the requirements listed above, all international applicants MUST include in their application packet the following:
Graduate program applicants must have the equivalent of the U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts, final certificates, and/or mark sheets must be sent directly from the college or university to the
Howard University School of Divinity, Office of Admissions, Holy Cross Hall Room 419, 2900 Van Ness Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (photocopies or transcripts in the applicant's possession are not acceptable).
If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by official translations.
ALL international transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES). Please visit www.wes.org and initiate the International Credential Advantage Package which includes the transcript evaluation report with Course-by-Course grades and Grade Point Average (GPA), and provides verified copies of your transcripts. The WES report can be expedited atwww.wes.org/why/fast.asp. The WES report should be sent to the Howard University School of Divinity, Office of Admissions, Holy Cross Hall Room 419, 2900 Van Ness Street NW, Washington, DC 20008. If the WES is not available in your country, the International Evaluation Services of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) may be accepted.
All documents must bear the same name that appears on the admissions application unless an official document is submitted indicating a change of name.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required from all applicants from countries in which English is not the official language. The TOEFL test is not required if you received a degree in the U.S.
The Statement of Financial Resources Form (click here) must be submitted. A completed form verifies proof of financial support (sufficient funds to cover expenses for one full year in US dollars only) and supporting financial documentation indicating sources of funds while attending Howard University (such as a certified bank statement dated within three month of registration).
International applicants are encouraged to submit applications by February 1 (Fall) or October 1 (Spring) to allow sufficient time to obtain proper documents of eligibility and visas..
The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20) will be issued after the student is admitted to the University, paid the required enrollment fee, and submitted the above required documents.
Regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service require that all people on F-1 (student) visas pursue a full course of study at all times. This means that graduate students must be enrolled in no less than 9 credit hours at all times. For additional information contact the Office of International Student Services at (202) 806-4124.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Information
Mailing Address:
Howard University School of Divinity
Attn: Recruitment & Admissions
Holy Cross Hall Room 419
2900 Van Ness Street NW Washington, DC 20008
Telephone/Fax:
Phone 202-806-0500
Fax 202-806-0711
Email:
Serena K. Parks, Admissions & Retention Coordinator: skparks@howard.edu
Claretta McDaniel, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs: c_mcdaniel@howard.edu
updated: May 6, 2019
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