Master’s Program Application Process
Admission Requirements
Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, and Non-Degree-Seeking Students
Candidates for the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) and non-degree programs must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate Christian character and commitment to ministry.
Master of Theology
Candidates for the Master of Theology (ThM) must possess a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited school whose standards are similar to those of Beeson Divinity School and demonstrate Christian character and commitment to ministry. Additionally, ThM candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework and demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew or Greek, as appropriate to research interest.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
There are two application cycles.
Fall Entry Term
- Priority Deadline: February 1*
- Final Deadline: June 1
Spring Entry Term
- Priority Deadline: September 1*
- Final Deadline: December 1
*Persons who complete an application by the priority deadline for the respective entry term will be considered first for admission and scholarship. Admission and scholarship decision letters are sent within one month of each priority deadline to those who complete an application by the deadline.
Those who apply after the priority deadline but before the final deadline will receive admission and scholarship decision letters on a rolling basis, typically within one month of completing the application.
Application Requirements
All items on this checklist must be received by the application deadline. Further instruction is given on the online application.
- Online Application Form
- Essay(s)*
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- Personal Faith and Vocation Essay (required for all degree programs)
- Apostles' Creed Essay (MDiv applicants applying for tier one scholarships only)
- Academic Writing Sample (ThM applicants only)
*See the online application for full essay prompts. -
- Recommendations
- Academic Recommendation (to be completed by a college- or graduate-level instructor)
- Character Recommendation (to be completed by a pastor, church member, campus minister, mentor or employer who can speak to your Christian character and calling to ministry; cannot be a family member or friend)
- Church Endorsement (to be completed by your senior pastor or a full-time church elder or minister; cannot be a family member).
- Admission Interview
- MDiv and MATS applicants are responsible for scheduling an interview with the admission staff prior to the application deadline. In-person interviews on Samford's campus are preferred, but Zoom interviews are acceptable. Schedule your interview through the application portal.
- MACC and ThM candidates will not schedule an interview during the application process. Final candidates will be invited to interview later.
- Official Transcript(s): Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended since high school graduation are required. Please see the application portal for instructions about how to send the transcripts.
- $35 Nonrefundable Application Fee: This fee is to be paid by credit card when submitting an online application. The fee is waived for graduates of Samford University and students who attend a Preview Day or an official campus visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there prerequisites to enter this program?
No, students are not required to have a background in biblical or theological studies. Candidates for admission must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate Christian character and commitment to ministry.
Are internships or field experiences required or encouraged?
No, this program is primarily academic and does not include field experiences. Students interested in ministry formation courses and field experiences should consider the Master of Divinity program.
Do you offer any online classes?
No, this program is offered exclusively in-person in Birmingham, Alabama. In an increasingly digitized world, Beeson remains committed to the formation of ministers through classical discipleship together in community. Since ministry is incarnational, involving shepherding people face-to-face, we believe ministry formation happens best when students live life together, forming lasting friendships and partnerships in ministry.
Do you have on-campus housing?
All of Samford University's on-campus housing is reserved for undergraduate students. Most seminary students live in nearby apartment complexes or rental homes. The admission team can help direct students to housing opportunities after they are admitted.
Are there scholarships available, and how do I apply for them?
Yes! All applicants who are admitted to the program as full-time students will automatically receive the Ralph Waldo Beeson scholarship, which covers roughly 25-30% of tuition.
How long is this program?
Full-time students usually complete the degree in 2-2.5 years. The shortest amount of time in which a student can complete the degree program is 2 years (2 fall and 2 spring semesters). The degree completion time ranges for part-time students.
Can I visit a class without enrolling in a degree program?
Yes, prospective students are welcome to arrange a campus visit in which they visit a class session or two. Prospective students who are unsure whether they wish to complete a degree, but who wish to attend a course for an entire semester, should apply as a "non-degree-seeking" student. Students may receive up to 12 credit hours of credit under a non-degree-seeking status.
If I have a background in biblical or theological studies, can I receive transfer credits?
Yes, Beeson can accept a select number of transfer credits from other accredited graduate theological institutions. Transfer credit requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How does Beeson help me find a ministry position after graduation?
Beeson’s Office of Vocational Services assists both students and alumni in their search for positions of service in Christian ministry. Beeson provides vocational counseling, ministry resume development and interview preparation. We also host campus visits for church and ministry organizations and regularly receive ministry opportunities from interested churches across many Protestant denominations.
