Step One: Contact us for more information about our programs.

For prospective seminarians, please contact Fr. John Cush, Seminary Director of Admissions.

Applicants for our non-seminarian MA, Certificate, MACPS, and non-degree programs may contact the Academic Office at [email protected] or one of our Associate Deans directly: Dr. Donna Eschenauer  (914) 367-8280 Dean Christine Hammill-Cregan (631) 423-0482 ext. 

Step Two: Gather your required documentation.

Required Documents for Prospective Students:

• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendation Letters
• The Proof of Immunization Form in the Forms and Worksheets tab is required from all applicants born after January 1957, who are taking two or more classes per semester. New York State requires all schools of higher education to maintain proof of immunization in student records.
• A valid government issued photo identification. Please submit either a passport, driver’s license/permit or U.S. Military ID.
• There is a $55.00 application fee for all first-time students. Returning students applying for a new program are exempt from paying an application fee.

Because each diocese requires Letters of Intent or a Statement of Purpose and recommendation letters, candidates for the permanent diaconate are exempt from submitting those documents to St. Joseph's Seminary; however, official transcripts and proof of immunization (if born after January 1957) are required and must be submitted to the Academic Office.  Candidates for the permanent diaconate are exempt from the $55.00 application fee. Please contact your diaconate office for the waiver code.

If you have trouble accessing the forms or accessing Populi, please contact the Academic Office at: [email protected].

Pursue a Master of Arts in Theology online with Saint Joseph's Seminary (Dunwoodie)!
Prepare for an academic or ministerial career, or grow intellectually and spiritually in your Catholic faith as a means of personal enrichment.
Our classes are conveniently scheduled, faithful to Church teaching, affordable, and fully accredited.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution (120 credits in college level studies).
2. For ESL applicants, successful completion of the TOEFL iBT with a score of 80 or higher (90 or better recommended). Applicants scoring lower than 80 can be accepted on condition they take remedial English courses during their first academic year at SJS.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is an 18-credit, 6-course program designed to provide students with a graduate-level understanding of the saving mysteries of Christian revelation in the Catholic tradition. It is intended for those seeking a general theological education as a foundation for service in the Church or for personal enrichment.
Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution (120 credits in college level studies).
2. For ESL applicants, successful completion of the TOEFL iBT with a score of 80 or higher (90 or better recommended). Applicants scoring lower than 80 can be accepted on condition they take remedial English courses during their first academic year at SJS.

The Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies is an academic degree program which is designed
to provide students with a graduate level understanding of philosophy in the Catholic tradition.

The program focuses on the nature of philosophy and its significance in a Catholic setting. A wide range of topics are covered, from the classical foundations of philosophy in antiquity, through the medieval age, to both modern and post- modern challenges.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited institution; or its equivalent (120 credits in college level studies).
2. While there is no minimum requirement for prior coursework in philosophy, such study is nonetheless highly recommended.
3. For ESL applicants, successful completion of the TOEFL iBT with a score of 80 or higher (90 or better recommended). Applicants scoring lower than 80 can be accepted on condition they take remedial English courses during their first academic year at SJS.

Post-Master's Certificate Program

Saint Joseph’s Seminary offers Post-Master's Certificates to students already possessing graduate degrees in the theological sciences and who seek a program of advanced study in order to deepen their knowledge of a previous competency or to undertake systematic study of a different theological specialization. Classes are offering throughout the week and may be taken in-person at our Yonkers or Huntington campuses, or entirely online.

Post-Master's Certificates are offered in the areas of Sacred Scripture and Dogmatic Theology.

Post-Master's Certificate in Sacred Scripture

Nine three-credit courses are required and the remaining nine credits are electives in the field of Sacred Scripture.

The following courses are required for this Certificate:
1. Introduction to the Old Testament
2. Introduction to the New Testament
3. Biblical Greek I

For the remaining three courses, the student may select electives in the area of Sacred Scripture.

Candidates who have taken any of the required courses in their previous graduate studies may replace them with
other Sacred Scripture courses offered by the Seminary with the approval of the Academic Dean.

Post-Master's Certificate in Dogmatic Theology
Nine three-credit courses are required and the remaining nine credits are electives in the field of Dogmatic Theology.

The following courses are required for this Certificate:
1. Introduction to Theology
2. Christology
3. Ecclesiology

For the remaining three courses, the student may select electives in the area of Dogmatic Theology.

Candidates who have taken any of the required courses in their previous graduate studies may replace them with other Dogmatic Theology courses offered by the Seminary with the approval of the Academic Dean.

The St. Cecelia Academy for Pastoral Musicians is a program offered by the Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Liturgy in cooperation with St. Joseph’s Seminary and College (St. Joseph’s Seminary).  The program is comprised of four courses (12 graduate credits), earned through St. Joseph’s Seminary (a MSCHE, NYSED and ATS accredited graduate school).  Upon completion, students are granted certification as a pastoral musician by the Archdiocese of New York.  Credits earned through the St. Cecilia Academy may be used toward the Master of Arts in Theology program at St. Joseph’s Seminary, should a student wish to apply to the MA program for continued study.
For more information on the St. Cecelia Acadamy for Pastoral Musicians, please click here

Thank you for considering studying at Saint Joseph's Seminary and College! We offer graduate theological and philosophical degree programs to qualified seminarians, as well as candidates for the permanent diaconate, lay men and women, men and women in consecrated life, and clergy who wish to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, or who are called to serve the Church in roles of leadership.
Online Admissions Portal