Requirements for Admission
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Certificate Programs
Applicants are required to provide the following:
An application for admission form which, includes demographic information and a statement of purpose.
Official transcripts documenting that the applicant earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or its international equivalent. Transcripts must be provided directly from the granting institution.
Copy of government-issued photo identification.
One letter of recommendation (spiritual reference).
If you completed prior education outside of the United States and if English is not your first language, see International Applicant requirements.
Master of Theological Studies: M.T.S.
Applicants are required to submit the following:
An application for admission form, which includes demographic information and a statement of purpose.
Official transcripts documenting that the applicant earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or its international equivalent. Transcripts must be submitted to ACTS directly from the granting institution.
Copy of government-issued photo identification.
Resume or curriculum vitae.
Two letters of recommendation (one professional reference, one spiritual reference)
No prior preparation in theology or religious studies is necessary. However, prospective students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree in the humanities are encouraged to have read broadly in the areas of Orthodox theology, religion, and philosophy.
If you completed prior education outside of the United States and if English is not your first language, see International Applicant requirements.
Master of Theology: Th.M.
Applicants are required to provide the following:
An application for admission form which, includes demographic information and a statement of purpose
Official transcripts documenting that the applicant earned a Master of Theological Studies or equivalent degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or its international equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 of higher. Transcripts must be submitted to ACTS directly from the granting institution.
Copy of government-issued photo identification.
Resume or curriculum vitae.
Two letters of recommendation (one professional reference, one spiritual reference)
A thesis proposal of 4-5 pages. In the proposal, students outline the problem to be investigated and give a sense of what they expect to find. The proposal must also include a working title and a bibliography, which is not intended to be exhaustive but must show that the student is familiar with the main works in the field, specifically those that will be of value to the project.
If you completed prior education outside of the United States and if English is not your first language, see International Applicant requirements.
NON-DEGREE ENROLLMENT
Applicants interested in taking individual courses for credit, outside of a certificate or degree program may enroll as a non-degree student. Non-degree applicants are required to submit the following:
An application for admission form which, includes demographic information and a statement of purpose.
Official transcripts demonstrating applicant earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or its international equivalent. Transcripts must be provided directly from the granting institution.
Copy of government-issued photo identification.
If you completed prior education outside of the United States and if English is not your first language, see International Applicant requirements.
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Students may seek to transfer up to 18 semester credit hours into the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program and up to 9 semester credit hours for the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program. Each request for transfer is reviewed on a case by case basis and requires the following:
1. Credit hours transferred are from completed coursework at an accredited institution, recognized by the United States Department of Education or an international equivalent
2. Credit hours were NOT used towards a completed degree (except for language courses)
3. Credit hours were taught at the same level or higher (master’s or higher)
Transfer requests are NOT accepted into graduate certificate programs.
To submit a transfer request please contact the Registrar and include official transcripts and any supporting documentation (syllabi, coursework completed, etc.) as well as the ACTS course(s) the transfer should apply towards. Transfer requests will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Procedures (CAP) within 14 days of submission, additional information or documentation may be requested during this time.
The acceptance of transfer credit by other institutions of semester credit hours earned at St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School is always determined by the receiving institution. Prospective students interested in transferring ACTS credit to another institution should contact that institution to confirm acceptance.
If you don't have a specific program in mind from the start, then explore our website to learn more about the programs ACTS offers. After some prayer and reflection, consult with your priest, friends, and family before making your decision. Consider attending one of our information sessions to learn more about what ACTS has to offer you, click the button under Step 1.
Review our Technology and Time requirements to ensure that online learning is right for you. If you have specific questions, email admissions@actslibrary.org
Once you decide on the program that is best for you, review the specific application requirements (undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, etc.).
Finally, it’s time to dive into the online application. This includes requesting transcripts, writing essays, and seeking letters of recommendations from key references. You may also spend this time inquiring whether your parish has a scholarship program that may provide financial help for your chosen program.
Step 4: Start your new life as an ACTS Student!
Wait 1-10 Business Days for a response
on the application
Check the academic calendar, login and familiarize yourself with Populi, attend orientation, ask any questions you have, register for courses, and begin your new season as a student at ACTS!
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