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Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
Please read this carefully before completing your application online.
Previous Names – If you have changed your name since completing your undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Primary Phone
Email Address
Addresses – If you do not currently reside at your home address (e.g. you are away at school), please provide both your home/permanent and current addresses.
Official Transcripts - All institutions at which you have studied regardless of whether a degree was granted.- Transfer students must also have a letter of good standing sent from the Dean of your current institution.
- These official transcripts must be sent to admissions@uls.edu . It is the applicant’s responsibility to request transcripts be sent to the Seminary.
- Due to the Family Education Rights Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) policy requires, it be the stated recipient; ULS will not share transcripts with any entity.
Grade Point Average –The minimum GPA expected of applicants, from previous graduate course work, is 3.0.
Reference forms will be emailed from ULS. Ensure reference email addresses are accurate. Provide their first and last names ONLY. Due to the Family Education Rights Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the ULS policy requires original references for your application.
Dean/Professor – This reference should be from an academic setting who is acquainted with your academic abilities (if it has been some time since your previous academic work, choose someone who can vouch for your ability to do advanced degree work.)
Professional – This is to be written by a church council/official board or a professional peer.
Ecclesiastical - The final reference is to be from your bishop or ecclesiastical superior.
Must be typed 600-800-words, Times New Roman, 12-point font, doubled spaced, submitted in PDF (preferred) or MS Word format. While some applicants may not intend to pursue academic study beyond the STM or DMin degree, a capstone thesis or project in ministry is an expectation for all admitted students. Therefore, the application essay should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to engage in theological writing and research that is sufficient for such an undertaking.
All applicants must address each of the below questions in their essay.
1. A description of your present context of ministry.
2. An assessment of present strengths and areas for growth in ministry or academic study.
3. A description of your professional goals in ministry or the academy.
4. An explanation of major (STM) or focus (DMin) which you might pursue in your graduate study and how it might relate to an STM thesis or a DMin project. In your explanation, please cite thinkers and frameworks that have influenced your development in this area. This could be in reference to academic books, articles, or conference presentations.
All persons submitting applications for degree programs to ULS will be required to complete the Background Check Authorization provided securely by Castle Branch. An application will not be considered by the Admissions Committee until we receive the results. These results, along with all application materials, are kept confidential and included in the applicant’s file as a part of the application process.
Application Fee $50.00 (Non-Refundable)
Fall Application Submission Deadline May 15th*
Spring Application Submission Deadline October 15t
*A Submitted Application, autobiographical essay, and application fee must be received by the Admissions Office no later than May 15th for the fall semester and October 15th for the spring semester. The Completed application including transcripts, background check, and references all must be received by the Admissions Office no later than June 1st for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester. It is wise to apply at least six months prior to your intended start date. After you begin the application process as new materials arrive you will be regularly notified of your application status by email.
Admissions decisions are made by June 15th for fall and November 15th for spring.
Financial Aid Application Deadlines are June 30th for fall and November 30th for spring for new students. Priority is given to students who submit their applications prior to these deadlines.
ULS is excited to offer scholarships up to full tuition for all eligible degree-seeking students. The Institutional Financial Aid Application must be completed after you have been admitted and are issued a ULS email account. Students interested in pursuing Federal Graduate Direct Loans for other educational expenses must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the ULS Financial Aid Department can determine eligibility. Visit the ULS Financial Aid webpage to learn more about financial aid policies opportunities.
ULS offers a variety of resident housing options on both the Gettysburg and Philadelphia campus on a first come, first served basis. A Student Housing Application may not be completed until an offer of admission has been accepted. Commuter housing is also available on either campus for 1-3 nights per week for the entire semester. Visit the Student Housing webpage for more information and find details about campus residential housing policies.
Deacon Nancy Gable and Marlita Lee
Tel: 215.248.7302
Fax: 215.248.7315
Email: admissions@uls.edu
Mailing address for all Admissions documents:
United Lutheran Seminary
Office of Admissions
7301 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19119-1794
