The Master of Arts includes basic studies in Bible, theology, church history and practical theology. Students may emphasize Christian education or youth ministry in their course of study. The program emphasizes theory and practice for the educational ministry of the church and it also attends to the philosophical, cultural, developmental, and procedural dimensions of discipleship formation. The M.A. is designed to prepare students for administering Christian religious education or youth ministry in parish and institutional settings; to provide training for teaching the Christian religion in church or secular schools; and to afford an opportunity for specialized preparation for youth ministry. It is not a degree earned as preparation for doctoral studies.

Applicants for the M.A. degree in Christian education (with advanced standing) must hold a first university degree (similar to the Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] degree or the Bachelor of Science [B.S.] degree in the United States) and also have had a minimum of one additional year of theological study.

The duration of study is from mid-September through May (one academic year with two semesters). For those who do not qualify for advanced standing, this is a four-semester program, and such candidates are not eligible to be considered for an International Scholar award.

The program of studies for the degree of Master of Theology is designed for students who wish to improve or deepen their preparation for ministry beyond the level reached by their M.Div. course, or who desire to acquire a preparation for specialized ministries of the church. It is normally earned in one year of full time study.

Applicants for the Th.M. degree must have attended a secondary school that prepared them for a university education, hold a first university degree (similar to the Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] degree or the Bachelor of Science [B.S.] degree in the United States), and have completed the equivalent of the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. If a Th.M. applicant designates a desired major emphasis in either the Biblical Studies Department or in the area of preaching, the academic transcript submitted must show successful studies in both Hebrew and Greek.

The duration of study is from mid-September through May (one academic year with two semesters).

Th.M. students may choose to focus on one of several areas:

• Biblical Studies
  • Old Testament
  • New Testament

• History
  • Church History
  • Ecumenics, Missions & History of Religions
  • Christianity and Society

• Theology
  • Philosophy
  • Doctrinal Theology
  • Christian Ethics

• Practical Theology
  • Education & Formation
  • Congregational Ministry
  • Pastoral Care
  • Preaching & Speech Communication

• Religion & Society

A two-year program for the degree of Master of Arts (Theological Studies) includes basic studies in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology, and a specialization in one or more of the disciplines of theological scholarship. It is designed for persons who are being prepared for indigenous leadership in overseas church or academic institutions and who are recommended for such advanced work by the church or institution abroad. Applications for the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program should be addressed to the director of admission and financial aid and must be made through the candidate’s church or through the educational institution in which he or she has been assured a position. Applications will not be considered if submitted independently. For more information about this program, please contact the Office of Multicultural Relations.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Every year Princeton Theological Seminary welcomes international scholars who are preparing for positions of major responsibility in churches and theological schools of their home countries. It is assumed that Ph.D. applicants for the international scholar program will have the educational background indicated below (see EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS) and that a major portion of this study will have been done in the applicant’s home country or part of the world.

The purpose of the International Scholar Program for Ph.D. candidates is to cooperate with churches outside the United States in preparing men and women for leadership responsibilities. Thus each applicant is required to present an ecclesiastical reference concerning his/her Christian commitment and leadership qualities. If the applicant’s proposed study is in preparation for a specific institutional post, the institution is asked to supply this information in support of the applicant.

DURATION OF PROGRAM

The Ph.D. Studies Committee has set the length of the program at five years of full-time study. These five years consist of two years of full-time resident study, followed by a year in which to pass the comprehensive examinations and prepare a dissertation proposal. The fourth and fifth years are for dissertation research and writing. See the Seminary catalogue for more information on the duration of the Ph.D. program. If it is not possible for an international student to complete the dissertation by the end of the fifth year, he or she should expect to complete the dissertation phase of the program at home, as U.S. government regulations do not permit extension of student visas beyond year five of our program except for “compelling medical or academic reasons.”

EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS

International Ph.D. candidates must present a properly certified educational background. The Ph.D. admissions committee recognizes that educational systems are organized differently in different areas of the world. International applicants should usually present five to seven years of full time post-secondary study, including work in the humanities, arts, and sciences (two to four years) and in theology (three to four years). This is meant to be equivalent to the background required of U.S. applicants, who must present six to seven years of post-secondary education, including the B.A. (or B.S.) and the B.D. or M.Div. degrees or their academic equivalent. International applicants are encouraged to present an explanation of how their educational credentials meet these requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

International scholars are admitted only upon evidence that they are sufficiently proficient in the English language to deal adequately with course material in oral and written form. Proficiency must be demonstrated by presenting the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is now computer-based in most parts of the world. Ph.D. applicants are expected to obtain a minimum score of 23 on each section of the computer-based TOEFL (CBT) or the internet-based TOEFL (iBT), or a minimum score of 57 on each of the three sections of the paper-based TOEFL. Successful applicants usually present scores well above this minimum.

International applicants who have used the English language extensively may take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if they prefer. However, scores from either the TOEFL or GRE are required. TOEFL scores must be no more than two years old; GRE scores must be no more than five years old.

Ph.D. candidates are also required to have adequate reading knowledge of German and French. (For more information on modern foreign language requirements, see the Seminary catalogue, or “Language Requirements” on the Ph.D. admissions section of the seminary website.)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Princeton Seminary currently provides limited financial assistance for five years and subsidized (but not free) housing for five years for international Ph.D. students. To be considered for financial assistance international students must complete the International Ph.D. Student Financial Aid Application form. The maximum Seminary grant (currently tuition plus $12,000 per year for five years) is not enough to cover all of the student’s expenses; therefore, applicants are urged to seek and apply for scholarships from denominational and other sources. U.S. Government regulations require each international student to demonstrate in advance sufficient financial resources for him/herself and dependents, if any, for the first year of the Ph.D. program, as well as credible evidence of a funding plan for the remaining years. Seminary scholarship aid and student on-campus employment may be counted toward this demonstration of financial resources. Please note that spouses are not eligible for employment in the United States. Married students may need to come to Princeton without their dependents if they are unable to demonstrate the financial resources required by government regulation.

Admitted applicants will be expected to demonstrate the above described financial resources no later than April 15 following March admission.

HOUSING

International students who are single are housed in dormitories for five years. Some furnished apartments are available for married international Ph.D. candidates at student rates for five years, provided the student remains in good academic standing. Since most of the apartments have only one or two bedrooms, families with more than three children cannot be accommodated in Seminary housing.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION

If you are able to meet these academic, ecclesiastical and language requirements, please submit the Ph.D. application and supporting credentials no later than December 15 for the following academic year.

Princeton Theological Seminary strongly encourages all applicants to use the online application for Masters Level programs. However, if an applicant is experiencing irresolvable technical difficulties in completing the online application, the Seminary will accept the use of a printed application. Please contact the Office of Admissions if you need to complete an application on a printed form.

In addition to the admission application, international students are required to submit all official school records (transcripts) detailing the grades and conferral of degree(s). These records may be called various things in other countries such as relevé des notes, mark sheets, student books, etc., but in the United States are referred to as "transcripts." All records should show dates of attendance, subjects studied, grades (marks or final assessment) received, hours spent in lecture per week, and degrees or diplomas awarded. Certified photocopies of official records in the native language must be submitted along with certified word for word translations (where appropriate). Foreign language records will not be processed without a translation; and, an English translation will not be accepted without the copy of the original. On occasion, the Seminary may use professional agencies to evaluate academic credentials submitted with the application.

Princeton Theological Seminary cannot accept responsibility for the safeguarding of original documents. Please do not send original diplomas or any records that cannot be replaced.

Here are some additional guidelines to use in completing several portions of the application:

Autobiographical Essay - The purpose of the essay is to give the admissions committee a clear picture of your background, and your ability to write correctly in English. The essay is to be written by you, in your own words. It should detail your vocational interests, goals and how the degree will enhance your preparation. Please date and sign your statement.

Letter of Endorsement - This letter should be obtained from the pastor or ecclesial officer of the church in which you are currently a member. You may request the General Secretary, Executive Presbyter and or Bishop of your denominational affiliation to prepare the endorsement. Please have the individual submit the Endorsement Form and include an additional narrative page that will respond to the questions requested on the Letter of Endorsement form.

Letters of Reference - These should be obtained from present or former teachers (in most instances) who are familiar with your academic background. Relatives may not be used for the endorsement or as a reference. Also, the same person may not write both the endorsement and a reference letter. The form in which the letter is to be written is included on the online application.

Application Fee - A fee is required to be submitted along with your application. This fee will cover the costs for processing the application for admission.

English Proficiency

Princeton Theological Seminary requires that applicants for whom English is not a primary language take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Such applicants should register for the TOEFL at the earliest opportunity, as scoring and processing take considerable time and the results must be received by January 8. On some dates when the TOEFL exam is administered, the TWE (Test of Written English) is given at no additional charge. If possible, please schedule the TOEFL on a date that includes the TWE. For more TOEFL information, please visit www.toefl.org.

There are three different methods of taking the test. The Seminary’s minimum scores for each method are as follows:

1. If you take the paper-based test: A minimum TOEFL score of 580 is required along with a minimum score of 57-reading, 59-writing, and 58-listening.
2. If you take the computer-based test: A minimum score of 250 is required along with a minimum score of 23-reading, 26-writing, 23-listening and an essay rating of 5.
3. If you take the internet-based test: A minimum total score of 92 is required along with a minimum score of 23 on all four parts - reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

If you are admitted to Princeton Theological Seminary you will need to contact the Office of Multicultural Relations (OMR) to begin your enrollment process. In order for you to receive the document (Form I-20) required in support of your application for a student visa, you will need to comply with submitting various forms and the appropriate financial guarantees. Part of the requirement to qualify for a student visa is proof of ability to finance one's education. In your admissions packet, you will receive an International Student Declaration and Certificate of Finances Form. Although financial documentation may not be required at the time of your application, it will be required to qualify for a Form I-20. If you are offered an international scholarship¹ from Princeton Theological Seminary, you may be required to show funds to supplement the "remaining need" to cover full expenses. Unless your spouse and/or family are invited by the Seminary to accompany you during your program, you are expected to come alone. If your spouse and/or family are invited by the Seminary you will be required to show funds available to support your dependent(s).

Financial Planning

Please review the chart showing the estimated annual cost of attending Princeton Theological Seminary that includes: costs for a single student for tuition, fees, living expenses and books for an academic year. Please note: these figures exclude travel to and from Princeton. Additional expenses need to be anticipated for dependents, if invited by the Seminary to accompany the student. It is essential that students anticipate the full amount of their educational expenses and secure their source of funding.

Questions regarding financing should be addressed to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

¹A limited number of scholarships are awarded annually. Every international applicant is considered for a merit-based scholarship award. Priority is given to prospective students coming to Princeton Theological Seminary who have not previously studied in the United States. Consideration for scholarship takes into account academic qualifications and ecclesiastical endorsement and partnerships, as well as leadership positions to which scholars will return within their home countries. All international scholars are expected to COME ALONE for one academic year of study.

To assist you in your planning, this overview of the Student visa focuses on matters of particular concern to incoming students.

Upon your admission to Princeton Theological Seminary, your acceptance to the invitation, and appropriate provision of all documentation, you will be provided with a Form I-20, which you will need to apply for an F-1 Student visa. If you are already in the United States, you will need to apply for a Visa Certificate to use in support of an application for change of nonimmigrant status or to follow the procedure for F-1 Student transfer. The Form I-20 will be provided by our Office of Professional Studies (OPS) once they receive all necessary documentation from the OMR and supporting documentation. If invited by the Seminary, your accompanying spouse and children may apply for F-2 visas (dependents of F-1 visa holders), if funding to meet their additional expenses is documented.

F-1 Student Classification - F-1 visa status is a narrowly defined, non-immigrant, full-time, student category. The actual visa is a label placed on a page of a student=s passport by a DOS officer. The visa allows entry into the United States for Duration of Status (D/S) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. government department responsible for administering regulations related to the stay of non - U.S. citizens. Under the terms of a Student visa one is required to pursue a full-time course of study during the academic year, September through May. For immigration purposes, Princeton Theological Seminary commonly defines full-time study as registration for 12 or more credits.

Once admitted, you will be given a password to a link that will further provide detailed information as to the visa and enrollment process. For more information or further inquiry please do not hesitate to contact:

Princeton Theological Seminary
Office of Multicultural Relations
Email Link