Fully Funded Master’s in Religion and Divinity at Yale University

About Master’s Program,

The degree of Master of Divinity (M.Div.) certifies completion of a program of theological studies designed primarily, although not exclusively, to prepare the candidate for ordination to the Christian ministry. The requirements reflect the intention of YDS to provide an education that is theologically informed, professionally competent, academically rigorous, and oriented to the life of the church.

The minimum requirement for the M.Div. degree is the successful completion of seventy-two credit hours and a three-year residency (defined as enrollment in at least one three-credit course that meets on campus on a regular basis throughout the term) with the following caveats:

1. Students with heavy responsibilities outside of school are strongly advised to reduce their course load, but the total program of study for the M.Div. degree shall not be expanded beyond six years. Students will not receive financial aid for course work beyond the requirements.
2. The residency requirement of three years may be reduced when credits, up to a maximum of twenty-four hours, are transferred. In order to receive the M.Div. degree, students who transfer credits must complete at least two years of resident work at YDS, one of which must be the final year.
3. Exceptions to the final-year residency requirement may be made for students on approved exchange or joint-degree study. In all cases a minimum of forty-eight credits must be earned through course work at Yale.

Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,   

The degree of Master of Divinity (M.Div.) certifies completion of a program of theological studies designed primarily, although not exclusively, to prepare the candidate for ordination to the Christian ministry. The requirements reflect the intention of YDS to provide an education that is theologically informed, professionally competent, academically rigorous, and oriented to the life of the church.

The degree of Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) certifies either completion of a comprehensive program of study in preparation for one of the many forms of ministry or service, or completion of one of the concentrated programs of advanced study described below.

Master’s Funding Coverage,

Yale Divinity School is committed to enrolling the best possible candidates for admission, based on academic ability and potential; leadership qualities; spiritual maturity; interpersonal communication skills; seriousness of purpose; personal initiative; and creativity.  To that end, admission is need-blind and unrelated to the student’s ability to pay.

The goal of the financial aid program at the Divinity School is to enable students enrolled in its degree programs to manage and meet their institutional and living expenses without diverting undue energy or attention from their educational responsibilities.

Application Requirement,  

Completed application form. The application form can be accessed online in early Fall. A link to the online form will be provided at the top of this page when the application process is ready and available. The application form is comprised of the following:

1. A Personal Statement.Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum two pages/double- spaced) apprising the Admissions Committee of reasons for considering theological education, of formative influences in making this decision, of vocational objectives, and of ways in which the Divinity School’s resources can prepare applicants to meet their stated objectives.
2. Academic Writing Sample. An academic writing sample is required (maximum five pages, 12 point double-spaced, not including citation pages), that illustrates the applicant’s ability to analyze and argue on a particular subject.
3. Letters of Recommendation.Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendation letters must be current and address the applicant’s potential for the degree program to which application is being made. For Master of Divinity applicants, two letters should address academic potential. For Master of Arts in Religion and Master of Sacred Theology applicants, all three letters should address academic potential. Letters must be submitted by recommenders through the application online system when they have been designated. Letters from Career Service dossiers will not be accepted.
4. Transcripts from each college, university, and professional school attended and/or graduated must be submitted as part of the application process. For purposes of evaluating the application, unofficial copies of all transcripts should be uploaded to the online application portal.
5. Résumé. A current résumé or curriculum vitae must be submitted.
6. English Language Proficiency Requirement.
   1. Yale Divinity School requires the IELTS scores from all applicants for whom English is not the primary or native language, and who did not complete their baccalaureate degree at an institution where the sole/primary language of instruction is English. IELTS Band scores must be a minimum 7.0 in each area.Results must be received before January 8 for priority applications or February 1 for standard applications. IELTS scores may be submitted electronically.
   2. Scores from the TOEFL are not accepted.
7. Applications submitted by the priority deadline, January 8, will include a nonrefundable fee of $50 (U.S.), payable online by credit card. Applications submitted without payment of the application fee will not be processed. Applications submitted after the priority deadline require a nonrefundable fee of $75 (U.S.).
8. Students applying for financial aid(need-based scholarships and loans) should download the financial aid application at Applying for Financial Aid. The application deadline is March 1. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a funds-available basis.
9. The Admissions Committee encourages, but does not require, personal interviews during the application process.

Application Deadline,

Jan 15, 2025

Application Fee,

Applications submitted by the priority deadline, January 8, will include a nonrefundable fee of $50 (U.S.), payable online by credit card. Applications submitted without payment of the application fee will not be processed. Applications submitted after the priority deadline require a nonrefundable fee of $75 (U.S.).