Transfer between Degree Programs

Because a student’s academic and professional interests can change, even at the doctoral level, the Divinity School provides procedures for transfers between degree programs. In general, transfers will be considered within the quarter they are presented. Any petition by a student to transfer to another program after admission but before registration is subject to review by the Committee on Admissions and Aid in consultation with the appropriate persons in the respective programs.

An enrolled student who wishes to transfer from one degree program to another should submit an application for transfer to the Dean of Students’ Office. The application must be approved by both the releasing and accepting programs.

In some circumstances, a Ph.D. student who already has had the course of study petition approved by the Committee on Degrees may wish to change the academic focus of that program from one to another of the nine areas of Ph.D. study. Such a change requires the submission of a new course of study petition outlining the revised course of Ph.D. study, and requesting transfer to the new area. Students should be advised that admission to the Ph.D. program is by specific area, and that petitions to transfer from one area to another require the approval of both areas and are not automatic. Financial aid for transfers is subject to review by the Committee on Admissions and Aid, which will take into account the recommendations of the releasing and accepting programs or areas of study.