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General Admission Requirements
The basic requirement for admission into this master’s degree program is a four-year Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, with a minimum overall average of B (75%), and a minimum of two years work experience. Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered for admission on an exceptional basis, provided they demonstrate equivalent qualifications.

At St. Jerome’s University the academic year is divided into three terms known as Fall (September-December), Winter (January-April) and Spring (May-August).

The Master of Catholic Thought program admits students two times per year. Students need to apply for admission by May 31 for the Fall term and by September 30 for the Winter term. Late applications will be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

You can request admission in one of the following categories:
Degree students are students possessing a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited University or University College or equivalent who are proceeding to completion of the Master of Catholic Thought program.

Non-Degree students are students possessing a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited University or University College or equivalent who are taking one or more graduate courses for credit but are not proceeding to completion of the Master of Catholic Thought program.

Auditor
Persons who wish to continue their education, but do not wish to earn academic credit, may be eligible to audit courses. Courses taken as an audit will not count towards a degree. Students must have the permission of the instructor, and registration will normally be limited to 1/3 of the total enrolment for each particular course. Attendance and participation in class is expected.

English Proficiency Requirement
All applicants whose primary or first language is not English must provide a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) certificate or other satisfactory evidence of English proficiency. A minimum score of 550 is required for the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); a minimum score of 213 is required on the computer-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 90 is required on the 1b-TOEFL.

Admission Procedures
The following are the procedures for applying to the Master of Catholic Thought program at St. Jerome’s University. If you do not find the information that you are looking for, or have any questions regarding application procedures, please contact the Director of the MCT program.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will normally consider the application only after receiving all the required documents. Application material submitted in support of the application will not be returned.

All applicants, in all categories, must complete the online application form through the Ontario University Application Centre. There is a $75.00 application fee and applications will not be processed until payment is made.

The application package should include the following: application form, a personal statement, official transcripts, and two references, as per the notes following.

All application packages must include a personal statement. Comment on your reasons for applying to the Master of Catholic Thought program, your academic record, your employment record, any special interests in the area of theological education, your personal interests, activities and goals. Use a separate sheet and attach to the application.

Degree and Non-Degree students must include in their application package an official transcript (i.e., bearing the seal of the institution) from each institution through which you have completed coursework and two supporting references. Of these references, at least one reference should be from an academic who can assess your academic potential. The second referee may be selected from employers, supervisors, other professionals and academics.

Those students wishing to audit courses should apply online as a non-degree student and should include the personal statement with their package as well as a note indicating their desire to audit the courses only. Transcripts and references are not necessary, however, under the Referee section of the online application, please indicate Elyse Redden (St. Jerome’s staff) as your referee. The Reference form does not need to be completed

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.

A minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

For those without a bachelor’s degree in communications, rhetoric, journalism, English, linguistics, computer science, or a related field, at least 15 credits in appropriately related courses.

Recent letters of recommendation* from two individuals, preferably from a professional supervisor and a faculty member.

A portfolio* documenting preparation for graduate study, including,

An essay describing what you can bring to this program and why you wish to pursue this degree.

Additional selected materials supporting your preparation for graduate study, such as papers, presentations, and design work.
* A non-matriculated student who takes an IDT course and receives a B+ or higher does not need to submit a portfolio or letters of recommendation to apply to enter the program.