Joncantarero

existential_detective is right. If you have a 3.3 gpa or above, you could receive a 55% tuition scholarship for the M.T.S (varies for other programs). Theology/Divinity programs on the whole, are usually cheaper than the standard graduate tuition at a given school. So a scholarship on top of that is pretty appealing. Don't forget, some larger denominations (if you belong to a church) may give grant scholarships to students going to theology school. (BU is methodist, HDS/YDS are espiscopalian and BC is Jesuit I believe).

I think almost everyone can agree that our undergrad years opened our eyes drastically, namely with respect to tolerance and faith. My questions is when this liberal mindedness leaps over onto a seminary setting. Do you think you can be "too liberal" as a seminarian? I'm talking specifically about places like Union, HDS, YDS etc. Seems like many faculty members seem to care more about making their theology fit with their progressive views and not if their views are inline what their religious beliefs would have been, separate from those views. I'm all for open-mindedness, but can some schools be reaching too far? I Know we can all give examples of schools being too conservative.

Boston University has a Philosophy, ethics and religion track for MTS students. You can take philosophy courses in the philosophy dept of the graduate school at BU as well, up to 20 credits I believe.

No GRE scores are required for Phd in Philosophy : MIT, Cornell and John Hopkins There a too many to name for psychology although they may not be APA accredited. I haven't seen another others than the one's you mentioned for Sociology though, sorry

Personally, I ended up changed my plans all together because of my faith. I intended to do philosophy but now will attend BU's school of theology. This is huge change to make from an arts and science program because there no secularized. While I wouldn't expect people to completly change their plans like that, there are some things that can help: 1.most school have some sort of club or group that brings students of a particular faith together. 2. church, mosque's etc usually surround universities, large and small. Some are even on campus. Try to work/study a little less and visit once in a while or manage your time differently to allow for prayer and reflection. 3. Speak with clergy (phone, skype) ask for advice from former mentors, pastors and such. They can be a big relief at times like this. 4. Lastly, while being in a building with people of the same faith is a big deal, it isn't what religion is really about. Its about a personal experience. I've been true to my faith (I hope) without attending church for periods of time, and while it made it that much harder, I've grown because of it.

Hope you read this in time so it helps. Well My gpa was 3.50 at the time of applying. I got into Union, BU and Fuller so I'm sure your stats are good enough. That's said, you NEED to put as much effort as possible into the personal statement, writing sampling or anything else that can demonstrate why they would want to take you. BU told me thats the really what stood out in my app. GRE's weren't required for those programs either so I dont know if yours are good compared to the average (I never took them) but that wouldn't matter for those 3 and yale as well. Best of luck though! p.s if all else fails, fuller is still a good school. ( I almost picked it over BU and Union) but I would skip on the non-ATS school.

Is this for the arts and sciences degree or STH for Boston? I got into BU as well and we'll be attending. I think as far as reputation is concerned this particular area, BU seems to have a slight advantage, although you can't go wrong either way. If the cost is only a few thousand, then spread over 5 years its really not that much. I'm also looking forward to the fact that BU is part of the Boston Theological Institute, great professors at HDS and Newton as well as BC. I may be biased with favoring BU but as far as weight of living quality, both will be great experiences. However, with the job market right now (assuming you'd like to teach), academics are everything. In any case, congrats and best of luck!!!

That helps a great deal. I'm extending my library and researching the languages as we speak. Thank you!

Hey everyone, Im really confused on which schools I should apply to or my chances. Any advice for masters/Ph.D programs in theology/religion or the like would be highly appreciated. I dont have the greatest stats but I was looking into Fordham, Temple, BC and Union (NYC). What do you thinkg my chances are for fall '12? I know some school have direct Ph.d degrees from UG but I assume there harder to get into and im trying to find some state schools ,because tuition is getting higher every year. UG: Major: Dual in Phil. of Religion and Psychology GPA: 3.5 Gre: not yet Extra stuff (I dont know how much of this is relavant) : 2 years at a bible institute, TA for an ethics class, beginners understanding of biblical hebrew, Student aide at a highschool, Sundayschool teacher Let me know what you think, be as blunt as need be =)