Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

2009-2010 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Welcome to the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Online Application
A message from the campus:

Thank you for applying to Trinity! Our normal initial response time to applications is about five (5) business days. Please be assured that your application will receive our timely and professional attention.


Last updated: 10/9/2006 7:15:00 AM PST



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Divinity School Application Instructions

Read through the following application instructions completely before filling out the application form.

  1. Application Fee
    Master's-level applicants must submit a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Checks should be payable in $U.S. and drawn from a bank in the United States. For your convenience, fees may also be paid using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. A $25 nonrefundable application fee is also required of all first-time doctoral applicants (DMin or PhD). The master's-level application fee is waived for graduates of Trinity International University's various undergraduate programs and those who have already paid an application fee at the master's level to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School or Trinity Graduate School (Deerfield, Davie, Santa Ana, or any of our listed extension sites).

  2. Application Deadlines
    Master's Level
    We use a rolling admissions process for all of our master's-level applicants. However, we have established the following deadlines to allow the necessary time for review prior to the start of the semester:

    U.S. Citizens International Applicants
    July 15

    August 20
    November 15
    April 1
    		 Fall semester admission
    (Still Accepting Applications)
    Fall late semester admission
    Spring semester admission
    Summer session admission
    		 April 1

    September 1
    		 Fall semester admission
    (including summer session)
    Spring semester admission

    Please note that whereas these deadlines fall shortly before the beginning of the term, we strongly encourage you to apply 6 to 12 months in advance of your expected enrollment date. Applications received after these deadlines may be subject to a $20 late application fee, and no master's program applications will be considered for a given semester after the second week of that semester. (Note: Do not send the late application fee in with application unless notified to do so.)

    Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
    We use a rolling admissions process for our Doctor of Ministry program (DMin) as well. Normally you should apply at least 3 months prior to the first seminar in which you hope to enroll.

    Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD/EDS) and
    Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies (PhD/ICS)

    September 1 (Spring Semester)
    December 15 (Fall Semester)
    (ICS only: Late application deadline of April 1 with permission of Program Director)
    Before completing the application, read the EDS or ICS prospectus carefully. They are available online or by request from the Admissions Office. All elements of the PhD/EDS and PhD/ICS application package (application, personal statements, papers, test scores, recommendations, and transcripts) must be received by the deadline date. Only complete application packages will be sent to the Admissions Committee. Incomplete packages will be held for completion up to 2 years. Applicants missing the review deadline must submit a supplemental application in order to have their file reviewed at a subsequent date. The Admissions Committee will usually notify applicants of its decision 8 weeks from the review date.

    Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies (PhD/THS)
    September 1 (Spring Semester)
    January 15 (Fall Semester)
    All elements of the PhD/THS application package (application, personal statements, papers, test scores, recommendations, and transcripts) must be received by the deadline date. Only complete application packages will be sent to the admissions committee. Incomplete packages will be held for completion up to 2 years. Applicants missing the review deadline must submit a supplemental application in order to have their file reviewed at a subsequent date. The review dates of January 15 and September 1 represent the beginning of the application review process, which normally takes 8 weeks. At the conclusion of the review process, applicants will be notified of the results as soon as possible.

  3. Official Transcripts
    An official transcript must come from each undergraduate school at which you have taken a minimum of 3 courses for credit and from each seminary or graduate school you have attended, even though the work may appear as transfer credit on another transcript. However, at schools where you have taken prerequisite course work needed for your program, you should have transcripts sent even if you took 3 courses or less. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to our Admissions Office in sealed envelopes from each school.

  4.  Recommendation Forms
    All Applicants
    Please complete the top portion of each recommendation form yourself:
    1. Print your name.
    2. Indicate the program to which you are applying.
    3. Check the box identifying the recommender.
    4. Sign to confirm your choice regarding your right to examine this form.
    All recommendations should be sent directly to the Admissions Office by the persons who complete them. It is considered courteous to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with the recommendation form for the convenience of the recommender. Please do not request recommendations from persons in your immediate family. Your recommenders should be people who know you well enough to provide specific examples to substantiate their recommendation. Application recommendations may also be used when awarding scholarships.

    Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, and Certificate in Christian Studies
    Please have recommendations submitted from the following 3 people:
    1. A pastor or church leader
    2. A teacher or professor familiar with your recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate) NOTE: If you cannot locate one of your professors to submit a recommendation, please ask a leader in your church or parachurch group to complete one instead.
    3. An employer, professional acquaintance, or lay leader in your church
    4. MA in Ministry Applicants only:
      A letter of endorsement on letterhead from the applicant's local church, parachurch, or church-related ministry which demonstrates the applicant's church-connectedness and affirms: (a) the applicant's interest and giftedness for church-related ministry; (b) the applicant's evident Christian life and character; and (c) the support and prayers of the ministry organization for the applicant's course of study. As a church-related ministry degree program, this requirement is not optional.


    Master of Theology Applicants Please have recommendations submitted from the following three people:
    1. A pastor or church leader
    2. A teacher or professor who has instructed you in the concentration (OT, PT, ME, etc.) to which you are applying
    3. A ministry supervisor, professional acquaintance, or lay leader in your church


    Doctor of Ministry Applicants
    Please have recommendations submitted from the following 4 people:
    1. A ministry supervisor (e.g., a superintendent, pastor under whom you are serving)
    2. A ministry colleague
    3. A lay leader
    4. The chairman of your church board, a professor, a denominational or organizational official, or a professional acquaintance


    Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies and
    Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies Applicants
    Please have recommendations submitted from the following 4 people:
    1. A pastor or church leader
    2. A professor from your most recent graduate studies
    3. A professional colleague
    4. A layperson from your church or organization


    Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies Applicants
    Please have recommendations submitted from the following 4 people:
    1. A pastor or church official
    2. Three professors


    Special Instructions for Transfer Students Only:
     Students desiring to transfer directly from another graduate school to TEDS must submit a letter, signed by the Dean of Students (or functional equivalent) of the transferring institution, certifying that the student is currently in good standing.

  5. Standardized Tests
    Master's Applicants
    Applicants to our Master of Arts program are required to submit test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). (Special conditions apply to applicants whose first language is not English; see section on TOEFL below.) Students who have already obtained a master's degree from an accredited institution may request a waiver of this requirement.

    Additionally, students applying to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Christian Studies) , or Master of Arts in Ministry whose GPA does not meet catalog standards and/or who do not have an accredited bachelor's degree may be required to submit test scores from either the GRE or MAT. We can determine this only after we evaluate the transcripts of all previous post-secondary studies.


    Trinity's campus counseling center administers the MAT. If you live nearby, you may make an appointment to take the test with the Counseling Center (847.317.4067).

    MDiv, MA (Christian Studies), MA in Ministry, Certificate in Christian Studies, Special Student and Visiting Student Applicants:
    The GRE or MAT is not required. (Special conditions apply to applicants whose first language is not English; see section 6 for international students below.)

    Doctor of Ministry Applicants
    The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be required. When we receive your official transcripts, we will notify you if you need to take the MAT.

    Academic Doctoral Program Applicants
    Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies applicants, including applicants required to take the TOEFL, must submit GRE scores. Applicants to our Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies or Intercultural Studies programs may submit scores from either the MAT or the GRE. (Special conditions apply to applicants whose first language is not English; see section 6 below.)

    Graduate Test Information
    Test scores must be less than 5 years old (except TOEFL scores, which must be less than 2 years old) and must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office from the testing service. Photocopies from the applicant are not acceptable.

    MAT information:
    Harcourt Assessment, Inc.
    19500 Bulverde Road
    San Antonio TX 78259
    800.662.3231
    888.211.8276 (Fax)
    www.milleranalogies.com

    Graduate Record Examination information:
    GRE-ETS
    PO Box 6000
    Princeton NJ 08541-6000
    609.771.7670
    609.771.7906 (Fax)
    E-mail: gre-info@ets.org Web: www.gre.org
    Our GRE institutional code is R1797.

  6. Additional Application Considerations for All International Applicants
    Trinity welcomes students from all over the world to our campus; however, the added challenges for international students cannot be underestimated. In addition to the regular application process outlined above, international applicants must also consider the following four items: Pre-Application Information Form, Language Requirements, Financial Requirements, and Visa Requirements.

    Pre-Application Information Form for International Applicants
    This is a Trinity form that must be submitted prior to the actual application for admission. The Pre-Application Information Form provides the preliminary documentation necessary to demonstrate that a prospective international student has identified his or her sources of funding for both education and living expenses while at Trinity as required by the U.S. government. Applications for program admission will not be reviewed until the Pre-Application Information Form has been received and approved by Trinity. This begins the application process.

    According to U.S. law, International applicants must demonstrate how all expenses related to education, travel, and living will be paid before a visa may be issued. International applicants may apply if they have a financial guarantor in the United States or if they have sufficient evidence from legitimate individuals or organizations that their expenses while attending Trinity can be met. Living expenses add more than $20,000 annually to the costs of education (tuition, fees, books).

    International students on an F-1 visa are limited by immigration restrictions to on-campus employment of 20 hours per week during the term when classes are in session and 40 hours per week between the terms. Such jobs provide only a small percentage of the funds needed for education and living expenses. Immigration laws prohibit student spouses on F-2 visas from working. Do not anticipate funding your education through on-campus employment. Subsequent to approval of the Pre-Application Information Form, the prospective student's Application for Admission will be received and reviewed for admission to Trinity.

    Language Requirements
    In addition to the regular application materials, international applicants must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Test of Written English (TWE), and the Test of Spoken English (TSE), if English is not the applicant's primary language of instruction. TOEFL scores must be less than 2 years old and must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office from the testing service. See the following chart for required tests and minimum scores:

    Tests:Cert2MAMDivThMDMinPhD
    TOEFL92
    (237)    		92
    (237)    		92
    (237)    		92
    (237)    		92
    (237)    		100
    (250)
    TWEN/A(4.5)N/A(4.5)N/A(4.5)
    TSE3N/AN/A(50)N/AN/A(50)

    1Internet (iBT) scores for TOEFL are listed first, with Computer scores listed in parentheses. TWE and TSE scores not required when iBT scores submitted. Degree programs that do not require certain tests are listed as "N/A."
    2Includes Certificate in Christian Studies, visiting student, and special student.
    3The TSE is an entirely separate test and must be arranged/scheduled in addition to the TOEFL and TWE.

    Waivers from TOEFL, TWE, and TSE are not normally granted. If a waiver is granted, applicants are required to submit scores from the same standardized exam required for native English speakers (Graduate Record Exam [GRE] or Miller Analogies Test [MAT]). Waiver petitions must be submitted in writing to the director of admission a minimum of 90 days prior to the application deadline date in order to allow sufficient time for testing in case the petition is denied.

    Failure to submit required TOEFL, TWE, and TSE scores may result in denial of admission or postponement of the application decision to a subsequent semester. All applicants who are required to take the TOEFL must also complete the Trinity English Proficiency Exam during Orientation week upon arriving at Trinity. Those who demonstrate weak English skills on this Trinity exam are required to enroll their first semester in IG 410 Critical Reading and Writing Skills, which will further enhance a student's English language proficiency for graduate studies.

    TOEFL information:
    TOEFL Services
    Educational Testing Service
    Box 6151
    Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
    609.771.7100
    609.771.7500 (Fax)
    E-mail: toefl@ets.org
    Web: www.toefl.org
    Our TOEFL institutional code is 1797.

    Financial Requirements
    After the Pre-Application Information Form has been received, the Application for Admission will be reviewed. If an international applicant is accepted, formal evidence must then be submitted through Trinity's Certification of Finances (COF) form that adequate financial resources for both educational and living expenses have been identified by the applicant. The COF is sent to the international applicant with his or her letter of acceptance.

    The Certification of Finances (COF) must identify monies readily available for the first year of study and document additional funding for the duration of the student's program. Most international applicants, depending on anticipated living arrangements and the number of family members accompanying them to the United States, will need to identify available funds from US$25,000 to US$40,000 to satisfy this requirement.
    At this time an accepted international applicant must also submit a US$2,000 tuition deposit (fully refundable) before the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) for a student visa will be issued.

    Visa Requirements
    Trinity is authorized under U.S. law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students; however, these U.S. laws are becoming increasingly stringent. International students must enter the United States with an F-1 visa, which is granted by the U.S. government upon presentation of the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) issued by Trinity. Applicants already in the United States in a visa category other than F-1 (including F-2, B-1 and B-2) may be admitted as Visiting Students and take one or two occasional classes for credit as long as the classes will not later be applied toward a degree program and the studies are not the primary purpose for being present in the U.S. Failure to observe this limitation will place one's visa status in doubt and could jeopardize a student's ability to secure an F-1 visa in the future should their educational goals change.

    A U.S. Immigration Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) will be issued by Trinity, enabling the international applicant to apply for an F-1 student visa, after the following have been met:

    1. Applicant has demonstrated English language competence meeting or exceeding Trinity's standards
    2. Applicant has been admitted as a student
    3. Applicant has demonstrated adequate financial resources through a Certification of Finances
    4. Applicant has submitted a US$2,000 tuition deposit

    In accordance with U.S. immigration law, Trinity does not allow nonimmigrant aliens to register as full-time or degree-seeking students without an F-1 visa. Permanent residents are exempt from these limitations, as are certain other visa statuses (i.e., R-1 or H1B). Further questions regarding visa status and eligibility to study at Trinity may be directed to Trinity's Admissions Office on campus. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain legal immigration status.

  7. Special Instructions
    Students with Disabilities
    We want to be prepared to meet your needs when you come to Trinity. After you receive your letter of admission, please send us a statement describing your disability and what special attention or arrangements you may need at Trinity. For more information, contact the office of the Dean of Students (phone: 847.317.4060).

    Academic Doctoral Applicants
    You are required to submit a work that shows evidence of your writing and research ability. All PhD applicants must submit an exemplary research paper or thesis. EDS and ICS applicants may also submit a recently published paper or article. For application purposes, your paper must be in English or at least translated into English.

Concluding Remarks
If you need further information or have any questions concerning any part of the application process, please feel free to call the admissions office at 800.345.TEDS or 847.317.8000. You also may e-mail us at tedsadm@tiu.edu or visit our website at www.tiu.edu/divinityadmissions. We reserve the right to request from any applicant to the divinity school additional materials or an interview with a representative of Trinity.

If you would prefer to download a printable version of the application, CLICK HERE.


Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
2065 Half Day Road
Deerfield, IL  60015-1284
In-state telephone: (800) 822-3225
Fax: (847) 317-7081
Website: www.tiu.edu
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