Applicants should possess an M.A. in theology or religious studies as offered by Catholic University, or the equivalent of this degree.
Ordinarily, applicants will have obtained twelve credit hours of undergraduate or graduate philosophy.
Students who enter the Moral Theology/Ethics Ph.D. program with academic deficiencies will be encouraged to audit courses to complement their doctoral level courses.

Minimally accepted TOEFL scores, when applying for graduate programs, are 550-paper, 213-computer, and 80 Internet. Students taking the TOEFL should have at least 20 out of 30 in each of the TOEFL subcategories. The minimally accepted graduate IELTS score is 6.5. Individual IELTS test module scores are also reviewed in addition to the overall IELTS score.

Secondary School Report
International candidates are asked to have their secondary school or high school guidance counselor complete the Secondary School Report. If your school does not have a guidance counselor, another school official who knows you and your academic work well may complete the form. This form allows the guidance counselor/school official to evaluate your involvement, motivation and potential as a student. This information adds an important dimension to your credentials. Additional recommendations may be included in your application in an open letter format.

Official/Attested Copy of Transcripts
Arrange to have your secondary school, high school, or college send the required educational documents directly to The Catholic University of America. The University requires official records of educational study leading to the earned degree(s) or certificate(s). Transcripts of previous academic training should show courses taken, grades obtained, and proof of graduation. All official/attested transcripts must have an original seal or stamp from the issuing institution. All transcripts must be translated into English and evaluated before they will be reviewed. SpanTran is our recommended international transcript evaluation service

Photocopied or faxed documents that are not certified will not be accepted. If the institution you attended is unable to reissue an official transcript, you may submit a copy of the original transcript in your possession. However, the copy must be certified by a notary to be an accurate copy of the original. Catholic University requires transcripts be written in the official language of the school. If this language is not English, the documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.