M.Div. at Notre Dame

[andrewbadour]

Hey there,

Recently, I discovered that I have an oppurtunity to go to Notre Dame and study for an MDiv for free because I'm Catholic. I'm interested to hear from anyone who has applied to the program, what your background in undergrad was, what the admissions process is like, etc, anything you think would be helpful.

Just some background information about me: I'll have a dual BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies Spring 2013. I want to study for the MDiv 1) because it can help me get into a profession where I can help others, and 2) I want to understand my own religious tradition before I study any other (thinking of the possibility of going into the academia)

My only concern is that I have not been very active in the Catholic faith for awhile. I've strayed far from it over the past few years when I became interested in Mystery traditions and Asian Religions. Only now am I starting to explore Early Christianity, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Christian Mysticism. I would love to go to Notre Dame and benifit from all that they have to offer scholastically and spiritually, but I don't know if I can call my self a Catholic and enter into the program if I were accepted. I plan to explore my faith further over the next year and see if I want to get a Catholic MDiv. Basically I don't want to feel like I'm cheating the school or pulling the wool over their eyes to get a free education.

Any information and guidance would be helpful

Thank you!

[Balatro]

Getting into ND and having the full scholarship isn't that easy, unfortunately.

You'll be required to submit a pre-application which the PGD uses to weed out people who aren't prepared or well suited for the program. If you survive the first round (which I think a good deal do), you'll move on to the next round which requires a recommendation from someone who can atest to your ministerial capabilities since afterall, ND really encourages MDiv's to go into ministry positions and not so much academic. Sure, several of their MDivs do move into the academic field and go on to a PhD or even stay on at ND to do a MTS but it's not the focus of the program nor is it incredibly common.

They generally accept anywhere from 10-20 students a year and their applicants are generally very strong 1200'ish and 5.0 GRE with a 3.5-3.7 GPA.

I didn't attend ND but from the (I think) 4 people I know who attended, they're very good at weeding out people who just simply don't belong in the program.

Unfortunately from what you've written, I think you'll be one of those that don't make it. I mean that with the utmost respect but ND really pushes for students who have shown an active involvement and engagement with the Catholic Church and from what it sounds like, you'd probably have a hard time getting a strong ministerial recommendation letter.

[AmoDman]

their applicants are generally very strong 1200'ish and 5.0 GRE

Mind you, the new GRE scale has been altered. So the old numbers are not exactly spot on, anymore.

[Balatro]

Mind you, the new GRE scale has been altered. So the old numbers are not exactly spot on, anymore.

Fair enough.

[andrewbadour]

Thank you very much for your replies and your kindess!

I guess it was a long shot-thinking about getting into Notre Dame with my background. Just not sure where I'm headed after Undergrad.

What do you do with a dual degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy anyway?

Who knows maybe someday.

Hey, thanks again and best of luck to you

[andrewbadour]

My apologies,

i read what i'd just written-AND- I haven't given up!

Your advice was awesome

I now know to look into getting more involved with my Parish and Campus ministry before I graduate and see if ministry's the right fit for me

thanks again

[kyledpotter]

Speaking as a pastoral theologian - ahem - we are always returning. Don't forget what you learned and experienced exploring other traditions, and carry that with you as you press more into Christian spirituality. The Catholic faith is deep and wide, and there's no reason to despise what you've come from as you move forward. Best to you!

[sacklunch]

Thank you very much for your replies and your kindess!

I guess it was a long shot-thinking about getting into Notre Dame with my background. Just not sure where I'm headed after Undergrad.

What do you do with a dual degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy anyway?

Who knows maybe someday.

Hey, thanks again and best of luck to you

My BA is the same. I don't think you can really do anything with it besides enter academia, or perhaps teach HS?

good luck, mate <3

[AmoDman]

My BA is the same. I don't think you can really do anything with it besides enter academia, or perhaps teach HS?

good luck, mate <3

It all depends on how you sell yourself. Short of extremely technical positions (which generally require practical experience as much as education)--any degree wherein you actually applied yourself can get you any job.

I tell employers that my philosophy degree is all about reasoning. Understanding viewpoints, theories, data, etc. and understanding how to apply it quickly and well.

And I say that my rel studies minor gave me the opportunity to understand people. That academically studying religion is essentially studying the overlap of philosophy, morality, and culture. I say that I'm both open and interested in the perspectives of others and how we can integrate our viewpoints effectively.

The rest is my Bus Admin minor and banking/financial experience (currently in Loan Ops). Granted, I do want to move out of these fields myself.

[sacklunch]

It all depends on how you sell yourself. Short of extremely technical positions (which generally require practical experience as much as education)--any degree wherein you actually applied yourself can get you any job.

I tell employers that my philosophy degree is all about reasoning. Understanding viewpoints, theories, data, etc. and understanding how to apply it quickly and well.

And I say that my rel studies minor gave me the opportunity to understand people. That academically studying religion is essentially studying the overlap of philosophy, morality, and culture. I say that I'm both open and interested in the perspectives of others and how we can integrate our viewpoints effectively.

The rest is my Bus Admin minor and banking/financial experience (currently in Loan Ops). Granted, I do want to move out of these fields myself.

I don't doubt this would sell in an interview. The problem, as I understand it, is getting an interview to begin with. I have half a dozen friends with MBA's (and UG's in related fields) who can't seem to find a job. I can't imagine they would hire me over someone like this, no?

Either way, ill teach HS if this all doesn't work out.

[AmoDman]

I don't doubt this would sell in an interview. The problem, as I understand it, is getting an interview to begin with. I have half a dozen friends with MBA's (and UG's in related fields) who can't seem to find a job. I can't imagine they would hire me over someone like this, no?

Either way, ill teach HS if this all doesn't work out.

I certainly don't mean to lecture--but based upon my limited experience and job training seminars I've been involved with, it's still all about selling yourself and developing relationships.

For instance, if you want a job in a particular area or a particular company, you've got to be willing to invest yourself into the long haul at different locations. That is, send in a 'cover letter' expressing interesting in working for the company to their HR department. If possible, tell them you'll drop off your resume on such and such a date yourself--or include your resume and tell them you'll call in to introduce yourself personally on such and such a date.

Once that date rolls around, do so. Make an impression and show them that your interest in their company is serious and you'll have something to talk to the HR director about--the letter you already sent in. Be personable. Get to know them. Sell yourself. And don't give up. Simply inquire about current or upcoming potential positions and express your interest in following up in the future.

Then touch back regularly. Stay interested and every couple months (or something reasonable) call in. Stop by. Whatever. If you develop a relationship with that business as strong and reliable candidate who wants a job--you'll be top of the list to interview once something rolls around.