Admission Requirements for the Ordination and Master of Divinity Programs

Kenrick School of Theology accepts for admission into the Ordination and Master of Divinity Credential Programs only those candidates who are sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, by another Roman Catholic archdiocese or diocese, or by a Roman Catholic religious community. All candidates seeking admission to these programs must first arrange this sponsorship through the procedures of one of these agencies. Kenrick School of Theology welcomes ecclesiastically-sponsored candidates of every race, ethnic identity, region, and culture.

The programs of Kenrick School of Theology are offered at the post-graduate level. Candidates seeking admission to the Ordination and Master of Divinity Credential Programs must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Council For Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada. Alternatively, candidates may hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution recognized by the Congregation for Catholic Education, a dicastery of the Holy See. Candidates will also be considered for admission who do not hold a baccalaureate degree but who have done the educational equivalent of it, that is, eight semesters or 120 semester-hours of undergraduate work, even if in various institutions or fields of study.

Candidates for admission must give evidence of the following: good health in body and mind (PPF 516), an overall personal balance, moral character, and proper motivation (PPF 512); the commitments and qualities desired for priestly leadership in the Church (ATS A.4.1.1); and the academic ability to pursue education at the graduate level (ATS A.4.1.1).

Because an understanding of the cultural context in which the Gospel is lived and proclaimed forms part of an important goal of the Ordination and Master of Divinity Credential Programs at Kenrick, candidates for admission should normally possess some background, and preferably a major, in the liberal arts. At a minimum, they are required to have a background of at least 24 semester-hours of philosophy, as well as 12 semester-hours of undergraduate theology (PPF 515). Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be recommended to the Pre-Theology Program of Kenrick School of Theology, a program specifically designed to supply undergraduate requirements for admission.

Because health of mind and body is vital to the priestly ministry, candidates are required to undergo a physical examination and a psychological evaluation, using the forms and guidelines which the seminary has drawn up for this purpose.

Kenrick School of Theology accepts for admission students who transfer from another graduate level theologate. Such students are required to supply a favorable recommendation from the administration and faculty of the sending institution. Kenrick School of Theology accepts up to 50% of the completed program of the sending institution, to satisfy no more than 50% of the requirements of its own program. The determination of transfer credit is made by the Academic Dean, in consultation with the student and, if necessary, with the officers of the sending institution. Ordinarily Kenrick requires that transfer students be in residence at the Kenrick-Glennon campus for at least two years before the administration and faculty will recommend them to their sponsoring ordinary for ordination.

Applicants who have previously left another seminary may be admitted to Kenrick School of Theology, after Kenrick has first consulted with that seminary. Each case is considered according to the circumstances and situation of the student at the time of his application. Kenrick reserves the right to consult former members of the administration or faculty of the other seminary, former ordinaries or vocation directors who have worked with the candidate, or any other persons the situation may suggest.

An Admissions File is kept for each candidate in the admissions process, subject to the terms of the seminary’s Policy on Files. Candidates are required to supply all of the following:

  • a completed application form as well as a criminal background check;*
  • a recent photograph (approximate size: 2" x 3");
  • recent baptismal and confirmation certificates;
  • an official transcript from any post-secondary educational institutions attended;*
  • a completed seminary health form;*
  • a written report from an ophthalmologist;
  • a written report from a dentist;
  • a complete psychological assessment and report, each carried out according to the stipulations of the seminary;*
  • an autobiography, following the format prescribed in the admissions packet;*
  • an admissions essay, or any recently completed 3-5 page academic written assignment;
  • letters of recommendation from the candidate’s pastor, the rector of any previously attended seminary, and two other people: e.g., employers, co-workers, priests, teachers (non-relatives).

All candidates are required to submit to an Admissions Interview, on campus at Kenrick School of Theology. This interview and the admissions file (or at least the materials marked with an asterisk above) must be completed by August 1st of the year of admission. The President-Rector may at his discretion admit a candidate on a provisional basis if these requirements have been only partially fulfilled; the candidate, however, is required to complete the admissions process within one semester of his provisional admission.

At the discretion of the Academic Dean, students who are not enrolled in the ordination or degree programs of Kenrick School of Theology may enroll in appropriate individual courses of these programs. Students of other theological institutes in the St. Louis area may enroll in courses by cross-registration from their own schools. Admissions policies and procedures are further explained in the Kenrick School of Theology Admissions Handbook.