At Meadville Lombard Theological School we challenge our students to act into new ways of thinking while providing them with a supportive learning environment in which they can pose new questions and apply new thought to  social, religious, spiritual and political issues. 

Meadville Lombard serves scholars, activists, and lay leaders who wish to integrate their religious lives with their vocation. The majority of our students seek ordained ministry through our Master of Divinity degree program. Students who enter our Master of Arts in Religion degree program seek to study religion and theology with a hands-on approach.  Ministers who seek to further their learning enter our Doctor of Ministry degree program.

While most of our students are Unitarian Universalists, we encourage students from all faiths to study with us. Because of the theological diversity within and among Unitarian Universalists, a Unitarian Universalist education greatly serves students who are seeking to become leaders in our interreligious, multi-cultural world.

Meadville Lombard students change lives to change the world.  Contact us to learn how.

Justine Urbikas, Assistant Director for Recruitment and Communications, 312.212.0673.

Frequently Asked Questions about Admissions

What are the admissions application deadlines?
Our early, or priority deadline for the submission of a complete admissions application is March 15.  Individuals should submit a complete application no later than June 1.  Applications submitted after June 1 will be considered for the following Academic Year.

What admissions application materials are required?
Please refer to the admissions application for complete details.

• Complete admissions application
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• References 
• Transcripts
• Application Fee
• Written Materials

When and how will I be notified of an admissions decision?
All admission applications are generally assessed in chronological order according to the date they were completed. Responses are sent two to four weeks after completion of the application. 

Can I apply to begin the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program during the spring term?
No. Meadville Lombard accepts MDiv admissions applications for fall enrollment only, although a student may begin taking courses immediately after being granted admission into the degree program.

Can I apply to begin the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree program during the spring term?
Yes.  Meadville Lombard accepts MAR admissions application for fall and spring enrollment.

What is Meadville Lombard's deferment policy?
Individuals accepted into a degree program may be granted a deferment of up to one year from the intended academic year of enrollment. 

Is there a time limit to complete the admissions application process?
All individuals must complete the admissions process within two calendar years.  No admissions application materials will be held after two calendar years from the application date.

Can I transfer credits from another school?
Individuals accepted into the MDiv degree program may transfer up to nine units of credit (nine academic courses). Individuals accepted into the MAR degree program may transfer up to two units of credit (two academic courses).  Courses must be at the graduate level, relevant to the degree program, and from a school accredited by a national or regional institutional accrediting association.

Can I begin taking courses before the beginning of the academic year into which I have been accepted?
Yes.  Although our academic year begins in the fall, individuals are encouraged to take advantage of Meadville Lombard's summer course offerings. Credits earned from Meadville Lombard automatically count towards an individual's degree program.

Does Meadville Lombard require an admissions interview as part of the admissions interview process?
Meadville Lombard does not require an admissions interview as part of the Master's admissions application process although a member of the Admissions Committee or the applicant may request one.  We do, however, recommend that students visit campus before making a decision about the program. 

Who can I contact if I have any additional questions about the admissions process?
Justine Urbikas, Assistant Director for Recruitment and Communications, 312.212.0673.