Undergraduate Admissions

College of Liberal Arts

In our mission to prepare men and women as collaborators in ministry and education, the College of Liberal Arts at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and its Institute for Ministry welcome students of all ages and economic, cultural, experiential, and religious backgrounds. SHMS seeks to admit candidates who will thrive, both in their academics and their spiritual/ministerial formation, through our numerous programs. As such, the determination of admission is an individual and selective process. Each student is assessed individually in light of several factors, including but not limited to:

Academic performance and capability
Aptitude for collegiate study
Recommendation
Educational and formational goals
ACT or SAT(for certain degree programs)

Men who are interested in becoming a Catholic priest should refer to the Seminarian Admissions page.

Diploma/Certificate Application Procedure

Prospective students who wish to be considered for admission into the Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology, Basic Diploma in Music Ministry, or the Certificate in Catholic Theology program must complete the requirements below. In addition, these requirements apply to students who wish to audit courses or take up to twelve (12) undergraduate credits without matriculating into a degree program (unclassified admission status).

Online Application at www.shms.edu and $30 admission fee

Applicants who do not have computer access will be able to complete the application form during their interview.

Interview with a member of the admissions staff

The purpose of the interview is for the Office of Admissions to learn more about the

prospective student’s background and goals and to assist with any questions or concerns. Call 313-883-696 to schedule an appointment. Day and evening times are available. Interviews can also be conducted via telephone.

Official Transcripts

Applicants must contact each high school, college, or university at which they received academic credit to forward official transcripts. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically directly from the school to SHMS. High school transcripts are required only by those applicants who have not completed any college-level coursework.

Intermediate Diploma Application Procedure

Men who have completed their Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology (or Pastoral Ministry) and have been admitted into the Permanent Diaconal Formation Program with the Archdiocese of Detroit are eligible to apply for admission into the Intermediate Diploma in Diaconal Studies program. Students must submit a Matriculation/Change of Program Form with the accompanying $30 matriculation fee.

Undergraduate Degree Application Procedure

In order to be considered for admission to a degree program within the undergraduate College of Liberal Arts, all new and transfer commuter students must complete the following requirements:

Online application at www.shms.edu and $30 admission fee

Applicants who do not have computer access will be able to complete the application

form during their interview.

Interview with a member of the admissions staff

The purpose of the interview is for the Office of Admissions to learn more about the prospective student’s background and goals and to assist with any questions or concerns. Call 313-883-8696 to schedule an appointment. Day and evening times are available.

Two recommendation forms

Applicants must have the recommendation forms or letters completed by persons (e.g., pastor, co-worker, teacher) capable of assessing whether or not they would be a suitable candidate for their desired program. Recommendations from family members or friends will not be accepted. One recommendation should be from someone in parish leadership.

Official transcripts

Applicants must contact each college or university from which they received academic credit and request official transcripts. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically directly from the school to SHMS. High school transcripts are required only for those applicants who have not completed any college-level coursework.

Essay/Statement of Intent

In approximately 500 words or one page, applicants should provide a brief biographical

sketch of personal and spiritual growth, describe the circumstances which have led him/her to apply, explain the reasons for choosing the program applied for, and list some of his/her goals upon completion of the program. This essay can be printed and submitted in person, via email, or via mail.

Program-Specific Requirements

Certificate in Catholic Theology:

High-school diploma with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system or a GED score of at least 50.
Involvement in some parish ministry.

Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology:

High-school diploma with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system or a GED score of at least 50.
Involvement in some parish ministry.

Basic Diploma in Music Ministry:

High-school diploma with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system or a GED score of at least 50.
A basic competency in the student’s major instrument, demonstrated through an audition with the director of music.
Involvement in a parish music program.

Intermediate Diploma in Diaconal Studies:

Completion of the Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology (formerly Pastoral Ministry) and acceptance into the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Associate of Arts in Ministry:

High-school diploma with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system or a GED score of at least 50.
Transfer students, in addition to above, must have a college GPA of 2.5 on a 4-point system.
Satisfactory ACT or SAT scores (ACT scores are preferred) may be required for students who do not possess previous college credit.

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy or Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology

High-school diploma with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system or a GED score of at least 50.
Transfer students, in addition to the above, must have a college GPA of 2.5 on a 4-point system.
Satisfactory ACT or SAT scores (ACT scores are preferred) may be required for students who do not possess previous college credit.

Bachelor of Philosophy

A bachelor degree or its equivalent (which includes demonstrated competency in oral communication, writing, research, and a course in psychology or sociology) with a 2.5 GPA on a 4-point system.