Frequently Asked Questions (International Students)

The Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual and Pastoral Care Programs are designed to accommodate the needs of international students.

In addition to sending the required application materials for each specific program, there are some additional requirements for international students. International students should read the following frequently asked questions and answers in order to address some of the common issues that all international students face.

Is there someone in the Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care department that I can talk to with specific questions?

You may e-mail your questions to dcnewton@loyola.edu, fax them to (410) 617-7644, or call  (410) 617-7613 or (800) 221-9107 x7613.  The mailing address for the department is as follows:

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care Department
Columbia Graduate Center Suite 380
8890 McGaw Road
Columbia, MD 20745 USA

What is the deadline for international students to apply?

The deadline for international applicants for the Ph.D. program is February 1. For all the other programs, April 1 is the deadline for summer and fall semesters. November 1 is the deadline for January classes.

What is the required TOEFL score?

A minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination or proof of English proficiency is needed. A bulletin explaining TOEFL is available from the Educational Testing Service, Box 966, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.

What proof  of financial support is needed to enroll as an International Student?

An international applicant needs to supply written proof of sufficient financial resources to pay all educational, personal and medical expenses for the entire stay in the United States. (a) An applicant from a religious order must send a letter of support from their order stating that there will be complete financial support for tuition and living expenses while attending Loyola College.
(b) All other applicants need to provide a bank statement verifying funds for support and deposit one semester's tuition with the college before beginning any program.

What immunization forms are needed from international students?

The immunization form needs to be submitted with proof of required immunizations to include updated measles, mumps, and rubella. A tuberculin skin test is required within three months of residency. The immunization form needs to be sent with the admissions materials. Students may also contact the Loyola College Health Services at (410) 617-5055.

Do I need to be enrolled in classes over the Summer semester?

International students must register for at least 9 credits of study during each of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students do not have to take courses for the Summer, however for visa purposes, an international applicant needs to submit in writing any summer plans.

What medical insurance is required to enroll?

An international student must obtain medical insurance via the Loyola College health plan.

What legal status is required in order to study at Loyola College in Maryland?

An international student must apply for, and maintain, legal status in the United States. The International Student Advisor’s office will issue international applicants the I-20 or IAP-66 form. After receiving the I-20 form from Loyola College, the students needs to take the I-20 form to the American Embassy so that an F-1 student visa may be issued.

How will Loyola College translate the grades and credits from my previous course work?

The Admissions Office may require international applicants to submit their transcripts to World Education Services for translation of grades and credits. An additional fee may be required for this service.

What academic standard is required in order to remain a student at Loyola College in Maryland?

International students who are accepted must take and successfully maintain a grade of "B" or better in a minimum of nine (9) credits of graduate work during fall and spring semesters.

May I seek off campus employment while a student at Loyola College in Maryland?

International students on a student visa F-1 are not permitted to work unless it is directly connected to the educational requirements of the program i.e. stipends at Ph.D. clinical place or an assistantship or other work at the college. Loyola College is not permitted to issue any other type of visa.

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