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Admission to the Master of Arts &
Apostolic Catechetical Diploma Programs



Admission to the Christendom Graduate School is open to all properly qualified persons who desire to develop their knowledge of authentic Catholic teaching in explicit communion with the Holy See and with the principles of renewal in ecclesiastical studies given to the Church by the Second Vatican Council.

The Christendom Graduate School does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, handicap, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and other school-administered programs. A baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S) is required for the Master of Arts Program and the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Program, but not for the Basic Apostolic Catechetical Diploma or the certificate program.

Applicants to the Master of Arts and/or Apostolic Catechetical Diploma programs should send the following materials to the Admissions Office, Christendom Graduate School, 4407 Sano Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

  1. Completed Application Form (PDF) or Apply Online
  2. A statement of purpose (150 words or more) explaining the reasons for enrolling in the program.
  3. At least two (2) letters of recommendation, preferably one from a pastor or priest who knows the applicant, and another from a former professor or from a supervisor with whom the applicant has worked.
  4. Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic work performed at other institutions.
  5. $30.00 application fee (made payable to Christendom College).

Casual (non-degree-seeking) and certificate students have a simplified admission process consisting of an information form only. They may use the printed or online application form but do not need to submit letters of recommendation nor the application fee. They must submit evidence of a bachelor's degree (in the form of an official transcript), however, if they wish to receive graduate credit for their courses for transfer to another institution. Audit students are welcome at Christendom on a space-available basis; they need not apply for admission, but may simply register for courses.

A student may be admitted on probation if the Admissions Committee is not satisfied of his ability to do graduate work in theology. The probationary period is two semesters, and the student must earn a GPA of 3.0 to be fully admitted to the MA or Diploma Program. Admission to study does not imply admission to candidacy for a degree, which is granted only after completion of required courses in a satisfactory manner.