Applying for Graduate School

MA in Theology & Culture: Community Development

Master of Arts in Theology & Culture: Community Development Application Process

Start Your Application

We look forward to receiving your application for the Master of Arts in Theology & Culture: Community Development program. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions by email (admissions@theseattleschool.edu) or phone (206.876.6155) if you have any questions.

Please follow the steps below to complete your application. The full list of document submission deadlines and corresponding interview dates are listed below.

Step 1: Complete the online application

The first step in the application process is completing the online application form. This gives us more context about who you are and what you are hoping to achieve at The Seattle School. We’ll also connect you with our Office of Enrollment, who will work closely with you as you move through the process.

The application form requires 20-30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. You’ll be asked to submit names and email addresses for at least 2 references. We will reach out to them with a reference form for them to complete on your behalf. We encourage you to select individuals who can speak to your maturity, integrity, emotional and social awareness, capacity for self-reflection, theological engagement, and intellectual curiosity. A $50 application fee is required to submit your application.

Start Your Application For MATC: Community Development

Step 2: Gather supporting documents

The next application step is to submit two types of supporting documents for your application: past transcripts and a curriculum vitae (CV). These help us get a clearer picture of your background and experience.

Transcripts: Submit requests for official transcript from any post-secondary institutions where you received a degree or completed coursework. The Seattle School accepts both electronic and paper submissions. Please refer to our Graduate Admissions Policies for questions about undergraduate GPA and accredidation requirements.

For electronic submission, please request the institution to send to admissions@theseattleschool.edu.

For paper transcripts, request them to be sent to:
Attn: Admissions
The Seattle School
2501 Elliott Ave
Seattle, WA, 98121

Curriculum Vitae: A CV is similar to a résumé, but with more detail about your background and skills. If you need some help getting started, you can download a CV template here. Please save the final version in a .pdf format with the title “CV – Last Name, First Name” and submit by email to admissions@theseattleschool.edu.

Step 3: Write two essays

We require two narrative essays—a Statement of Purpose and a Cultural Artifact Engagement essay. The purpose of the essay requirement is to create an opportunity for us to see you, learn more about your calling, and experience your understanding and resonance with the mission and ethos of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.

Essay One: Statement of Purpose
In 500-750 words, respond to the following prompt: How does the intersection of who you are and the work you feel called to do compel you to train in the Master of Arts in Theology & Culture: Community Development program at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.

Essay Two: Synthesis
Interdisciplinary learning develops multiple lenses, allowing you as the practitioner to adopt varying perspectives through which to see and engage the world. Below is a selection of narratives that are told from a number of differing perspectives. Engage two of the options below and choose a person or character from each. In 700-1,000 words, answer the following prompt: how do the depicted experiences inform and/or resonate with your understanding of how difference* impacts our perception of others and our engagement with the world?

In order to explore this question, you might consider:

*Difference as defined as categories of identity and culture, including, but not limited to: race and ethnicity; gender; sexuality; national origin; religion; socioeconomic status; ability; size.

Choose two of the following*:

*We recommend browsing the full list of available content before selecting your two sources. We have chosen a variety of movies, podcasts, and lectures. Please note that some of the content above is rated MA or R and we suggest using your discretion in choosing which sources you are comfortable engaging.

Essay Formatting

Admissions essays are used for assessment and placement. Students may be admitted on academic probation and/or required to attend a The Seattle School Writing Workshop if application essays are deemed unsatisfactory.

Step 4: Participate in a group interview

Once you have submitted the materials listed above, you will be invited to participate in a group interview. Please note that in order to complete your application, you will be required to attend a two hour interview during one of the dates listed below.

We place a high value on gaining a holistic experience of our applicants and are intentional about creating an opportunity for each applicant to be seen and known. Our interviews are conducted in small groups (5-7 applicants each) and focus on dialogue and group dynamics. This is not a competitive job interview; the intent is to create a context to experience you, how you interact, and what you bring to a group and a conversation. Each interview group is facilitated by a faculty or instructional staff member. The interview process enables us to gain greater insight into who you are and what you bring. It also provides you with a taste for the relational learning culture at The Seattle School. Following the group interview, applicants gather in a large group to debrief and share their experiences with one another.

Document Submission Deadlines and Group Interview Dates
The dates listed below are the final deadlines to begin in the Fall 2024 cohort. Due to limited capacity, applications received after June 30 will only be reviewed if there are still seats available in the program you are applying for.

Group Interview Schedule

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Start Your Application For MATC: Community Development