The basic requirements for admission to the MAR Program are:

• A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada; or the documented, educational equivalent of the baccalaureate degree from courses taken at an accredited institution.
• Completion of the Application Form (a résumé may be attached if necessary).
• A personal essay of up to 6 pages. (See the application form for details.)
• Official transcripts of all your post-secondary academic work, mailed directly from the transcript offices of your schools to the Meadville Lombard Admissions Office.
• Four (4) letters of reference sent to the school from: 
  • An academic reference from a current or previous professor who can assess your ability to do graduate level work.  
  • A letter from a professional, preferably an ordained, minister, or other church leader who knows your work.
  • Two (2) persons of your choice who can assess your skills, capabilities, and character (not related to you.)

An on-campus interview is not usually required for the Master of Arts program. A non-refundable application fee of $45.00 must accompany the application.

Meadville Lombard Theological School utilizes rolling admissions model. All applications are generally reviewed in chronological order according to the date they were completed.

Individuals should submit a complete application no later than August 15.  Individuals who submit an application after August 15 may be considered for entrance in the following academic year. 

Individuals applying to the Modified Residency Program should submit a complete application no later than September 1.  Individuals who submit an application after September 1 may be considered for entrance in the following academic year. 

Individuals who plan to apply for federal and institutional financial aid are strongly encouraged to submit a complete admissions application by February 15 of the same year in which they are applying to enter.  Applying later in the year may have an impact on your financial aid.  (See also the Financial Aid section.)