Requirements for Admission

All Applicants
Anyone applying to the graduate programs at the School of Ministry, including those seeking a master's degree and those seeking a graduate certificate, must meet the following requirements:
  • An aptitude for pastoral studies demonstrated by one of the following:
    • undergraduate background in the liberal arts, theology, or religious studies
    • appropriate ministerial experience
    • completion of a diocesan program of formation
  • Completed application (see below for a full checklist)

Master's Degree
Those seeking a master's degree must also meet the following requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
    • If you cannot meet this minimum requirement, you may be required to complete appropriate credits and/or a directed individual study prior to or after full acceptance. Your application will then be reviewed and assessed, taking into consideration other applicants and the number of positions available.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 15
Spring Semester: November 15
Summer Semester: April 15

To apply after these dates, please contact Geralyn Rea at 972-265-5814 or grea@udallas.edu.

Application Checklist

  • A completed application form (4 pages) with signature and date
    • Download here and mail to the School of Ministry at: University of Dallas, Box 716-SOM, attn: Geralyn Rea, 1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving, TX 75062. You may also fax your information to 972-721-4076.
  • A non-refundable application fee ($50) payable by check only
  • Official transcripts
    • These must be sent directly to School of Ministry from each college or university attended, even if no credit was earned.
    • Transcripts issued to students and then turned into the School of Ministry are not official and will not be acccepted.
  • Three Letters of recommendation, each accompanied by the recommendation form.
    • Download recommendation form here and have each recommender mail it, along with their letter of recommendation, directly to the School of Ministry.
    • One letter should be provided by each of the following: a pastor, a professor or employer, and a lay leader who has taught or worked with applicant in a ministerial context.
    • Letters from relatives or fiancés will not be accepted.
  • Autobiographical essay (250 words)
    • Details found on application form
  • Statement of goals and objectives (250 words)
    • Details found on application form

As a part of the application process, up to nine graduate credits with a grade of 'B' or better can be approved for transfer from similar programs at regionally accredited institutions.

*Please note: Per Texas House Bill SB1107, the School of Ministry requires first-time, transfer or readmitted students under the age of 30 to provide the University with evidence of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. For more information on how to complete this requirement, click here. 

Non-Degree Seeking Students
If you are not currently enrolled in the School of Ministry graduate programs but are interested in taking classes for credit, you would be considered a special student. To be considered for admission as a special student, you must fill out the application (below), pay the application fee, and submit transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary schools.

Those who do not intend to seek a degree, but plan to earn credit with School of Ministry may use this application form:
General Student Application


The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs and activities. Any person alleging to have been discriminated against in violation of Title IX may present a complaint to the Title IX coordinator. The Coordinator assists in an informal resolution of the complaint or guides the complainant to the appropriate individual or process for resolving the complaint.

Title IX Coordinator: The University has designated Janis Townsend, Director of Human Resources, as the Title IX Coordinator. Human Resources is located on the second floor of Carpenter Hall and the phone number is (972) 721-5382.

Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment: The University of Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Janis Townsend, Director of Human Resources – section 504/ADA Coordinator – Title IX Coordinator – Age Discrimination Act Coordinator – Office of Human Resources, Carpenter Hall 2nd Floor – 1845 E.. Northgate Drive, Irving, TX. 75062 – (972) 721-5382.

Printable version