The basic requirements for admission to the M.Div. 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 no more than 8 pages (see the application form for specific details).
• Official transcripts from all your post-secondary institutions indicating all degrees earned.
• Four (4) letters of reference from:
  • a Unitarian Universalist minister or a minister from your denomination if other than UU, who knows of your work in the UU church;
  • an academic reference from a professor who knows your academic abilities;
  • a lay person who knows of your work in the church or the community;
  • another person of your choice (not related to you).
• An on-campus interview is usually required. 

A $45.00 non-refundable application fee should accompany the application.

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

Individuals applying to the Residential Program 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.