Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation Admissions

The Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation (34 graduate semester hours) at Community of Christ Seminary aims to develop personal and moral integrity for students, which is essential in the public work of peace and justice.

Program Admission for the Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation

Graceland University Community of Christ Seminary has a rolling admissions process; students may apply at any time during the year. International student must submit TOEFL scores and the WES or CGFNS audit as part of their application packet, which is typically due by May 30 of the year in which the potential student will begin the MAPST program. New MAPST cohorts begin in the fall term each year.

1. Applicant must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Students with a GPA below 3.0 will need to demonstrate the ability to do work at the graduate level. Applicants who have not earned a baccalaureate degree from a recognized and U.S. regionally accredited institution or its educational equivalent will be considered individually.
2. Applicant must complete the application form.
3. Applicant must provide official transcripts of all course work. International students are responsible to submit a professional audit of their undergraduate transcript and GPA (Grade Point Average) equivalency by CGFNS or World Education Service (WES). The student (or sponsoring organization, e.g. the church) is responsible for the cost of this audit.
4. Applicant should request references from three persons who can attest to the applicant’s promise for graduate study. References use the form at this link: Reference Form, and must be submitted to applicant in a sealed envelope. Recommenders should be persons who have known the applicant for more than 1 year and who have knowledge of the intellectual and ministerial abilities of the applicant.
5. Applicant must submit an entrance essay (no longer than 500) describing why you are applying to the Community of Christ Seminary. This essay should be reflective of the following questions: Why Seminary? Why now? What is your ministry context? You may submit this essay with other relevant information.
6. Please have all transcripts and references sent to your address in sealed envelopes to be mailed together in one packet. Send your complete packet to: Graceland University, Independence Campus Attn: Seminary Admissions, 1401 West Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050. You may also email your transcripts and references to Jamie Presler.
7. International students must have proficiency in both spoken and written English. To be considered for admission, students whose first language is not English must submit a TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the written exam or a 80 or higher on the online exam. Exceptions will be granted on a case by case basis (for example, someone whose first language is not English but whose undergraduate degree is from an English speaking institution, etc.)