General Requirements for Admission

Students applying for doctoral level must fulfill the general requirements for admission to the Oblate School of Theology and any special requirements for admission to a particular degree program.

1. Online Application
   Complete the online application and submit with the application fee. This fee is non-refundable. (See Tuition/Fees page for current price.)

2. Official Transcripts

   • Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, undergraduate and graduate, reflecting degree(s) conferred from accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training at an institution outside the U.S. sent directly to OST. Student copies are not acceptable.

   • Records indicating additional study such as certificates and syllabi for complementary and further study you have undertaken in ministry especially in the disciplines of scripture and theology

   • (2) different ministerial artifacts (e.g., sermon, lecture, lesson plan) that demonstrate evidence of thoughtful interpretation of scripture and theology in ministry.

3. Letters of Recommendation
   Three recommendations, submitted via online forms provided by the School, attesting to the candidate’s religious, moral, and intellectual qualifications for ministry:

   • One from a ministry supervisor; if no supervisor, then someone in authority within your denominational structures verifying your good standing

   • One from someone who is qualified to attest to your academic ability

   • One from any person of the applicant’s choosing. The applicant gives the recommendation form to the recommender, who sends it directly to the School.

4. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae
   Upload a detailed professional résumé/curriculum vitae including a list of all professional publications. In “Description of File Upload” list degree you are applying for and “Resume”

5. Case Study
   See section below for guidelines.

6. An 8-10 page essay using the following headings (indicated in bold print):

   • Briefly narrate your call to ministry, including key role models and mentors, confirmation from leaders in the Christian community, and the evolution of your prayer life.

   • Explain how you have demonstrated a readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual development for ministry

   • Describe your understanding of ministry in light of your faith tradition

   • Indicate your reasons for undertaking the DMin program and how it relates to that understanding of ministry

   • Explain your projected area of specialized competency (concentration)

   • Narrate a specific challenge to your particular ministry that you hope to address in a future pastoral project

7. Testimonial letter of good standing from your denominational or religious community authority. This letter should acknowledge the time and financial commitment involved in relation to your ongoing ministerial responsibilities.
   Ecclesiastical approbation/denominational endorsement is required when appropriate. If married, spousal approval (checked off on doctoral application)

8. Annotated bibliography of works you have read in the past three years that are germane to your concentration

9. Proof of Meningitis Vaccine (for new students under age 22)
   Effective January 1, 2014, a change to Texas State law (SB 62) mandates that all entering students under the age of 22 provide a certificate signed by a health care provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years preceding admission to OST.
   
   An entering student includes:

   • A new student, including transfer students

   • A student previously enrolled in any institution of higher education following a break of at least one fall or spring semester.

   The vaccine must be received prior to the 10th day before the first day of the semester. The vaccine is available through your local health department, your Primary Care Physician, HEB, Walgreens, CVS and many other convenient care centers. Pricing will vary and is covered by 20 REVISED 7-1-23 most private health insurance at city-wide pharmacies.

10. For students with Hispanic/Latino Ministry Concentration

    • Spanish competency with the ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write.

    • Experience in Hispanic ministry.

11. Additional Materials Upon Request of the Director

Once the portfolio is assembled by the Registrar’s Office, an interview will be set up.