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Master of Divinity degree or its equivalency
The completion of at least three years of full-time ministry
A minsterial context where a project can be completed during the duration of the 3-year program
A memo of understanding to minsterial coworkers
A letter of recommendation from one's ecclesiastical superior

Qualified candidates are required to complete a four-part application that includes all graduate transcripts, biographical information, synopsis of ministerial involvement, supporting materials for the memo of understanding and letter of recommendation.

In addition to these materials, a personal interview is scheduled with the admissions committee.

Deadline for fall application is March 1st.

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Prerequisites for Admission to the MA Program

The following are prerequisites for entry into the Master of Arts program:

A Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Suitable test scores from the Graduate Record Aptitude Examination
An undergraduate background supported by undergraduate achievement, which would indicate the ability to engage successfully in graduate theological studies. It is most desirable that this background include courses in philosophy and some introductory undergraduate courses in Scripture and Catholic doctrine.
For those pursuing a double degree program (both the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees), completion of at least one year in the Master of Divinity program while maintaining at least an accumulative “B” average.

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Prerequisites for Admission to the M. Div Program

Applicants will be admitted to the seminary that have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association.

College courses prior to theological studies should provide the cultural and intellectual foundations essential to an effective theological education. They should furnish the student with the tools of learning proper to an educated person and result in increased understanding of the world. Specific requirements which specify some of the areas of the above are the following:

Theology--at least 12 semester hours in courses distributed normally over the areas of Old and New Testament history and literature, World Religions, Catholic Theology and courses in Sacramental Theology.
Philosophy--at least 24 semester hours normally including courses in contemporary philosophy, ethics, logic or epistemology, metaphysics or natural theology and philosophical anthropology.
Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination.

Furthermore, the seminary reserves the right to give entrance or qualifying examinations in any of the

categories above. A student, however, with a bachelor’s degree who lacks less than 36 semester hours

needed to acquire the competencies above, may be admitted with the understanding that it is necessary to

fulfill them at neighboring colleges and thus lengthen the seminary program.

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Candidates for the Roman Catholic Priesthood

Applicants should understand that the diocesan priesthood vocation is a call to service of the Church that comes from the local Church and, therefore, on-going formation is subject to the scrutiny of that local community of which the seminary is an integral part.

Applicants should be open to developments in Church life and practices to prepare them for a lifelong commitment to the priesthood. A Bishop or a Religious Superior must sponsor prospective students who intend to prepare themselves for ordination. To the extent permitted by its primary mission the seminary will make efforts to accommodate candidates for the priesthood from religious communities and other rites.

These applicants must provide, in addition to the documents required of all full-time, degree seeking students, Baptismal and Confirmation certificates; Marriage certificates of parents from Church records; character testimonial from the pastor; and letters of recommendation. These applicants are required to provide an autobiography or personal history, which includes a vocational discernment statement. Students from a college seminary are required to have a positive evaluation and recommendation from the seminary faculty.

Each applicant whether from the Diocese of Cleveland, other dioceses or religious communities, must be considered by the Admissions Committee. Prior to acceptance by the Admissions Committee, the applicant will be expected to undergo a physical and psychological examination by qualified personnel approved by the seminary.

Application deadline for entry into the seminary program is May 1.

Applicants are notified that candidates for the Roman Catholic priesthood are expected to provide their own transportation.

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