School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I am a new student, what do I need to do to register?

Student Services will send you a Welcome Packet that contains registration information, passwords, and instructions. You cannot register until you have this information even if registration has opened. You may view the schedule of classes as well as other introductory information that may be helpful. You should also review the BGS Advising letter to new students. Once you have reviewed this information feel free to email Anna Gibson with any specific questions you may have.

Q2: When can I register for classes?

Registration opens gradually depending upon how many hours the student has remaining for degree completion. The most current registration dates and deadlines may be found online.

Q3: How do I know what courses are required for my degree? or Someone told me I can change degree requirements-- is that true?

Students are automatically bound to the catalog requirements of the semester in which they first entered their degree program in the Billy Graham School. This means that even if the school changes the degree requirements, you are still bound to the requirements as they were when you entered the school. However, students may choose to enter into newer catalog year requirements. Students may not choose to opt into older catalog requirements.

Students should consult the Degree Programs listed on the site, or the specific catalog of the term in which they entered the school to determine the degree requirements. Students who wish to opt into a newer catalog year should email Anna Gibson with that request.

Q4: Is it possible to substitute a required course with a different course?

Substitutions are technically possible, but should be understood to be extremely rare. All requests for substitutions must be made in writing. Mrs. Gibson will communicate the request to the Associate Deans and Dean who will make the final decision.

Q5: Do any courses have prerequisites? Do courses need to be taken in any particular order?

The only courses with prerequisites are Preaching Practicum (Ministry of Proclamation as a prerequisite), Greek Syntax & Exegesis (Elementary Greek as a prerequisite), and Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis (Elementary Hebrew as a prerequisite). Due to the various schedules our students often maintain, we recognize that it would be difficult- if not impossible- to complete a program with rigid prerequisite or sequential requirements. As such, with the exception of the aforementioned courses, the program may be completed in any order. Courses denoted with Roman numerals (e.g. Old Testament I & Old Testament II) do not need to be taken in order. These courses are just too broad to be taught in one semester; the Roman numerals only indicate division, they do not indicate order.

Q6: I am a female student and I’d rather not take the preaching classes- what are my other options?

Ministry of Proclamation and Preaching Practicum are restricted to male students. Female students may choose from course numbers 36105, 45450, 46515, or 48100 to fulfill the requirements for either of these courses if required for their degree program. Female students should contact Mrs. Gibson if they would like to determine the possibility of using another course for the preaching requirement(s).

Q7: What do I need to do if I am planning to graduate this year?

Students should request a preliminary graduation check from Mrs. Gibson prior to the final semester of study to ensure that everything is in order. The Office of Academic Records will complete an official graduation clearance/audit prior to the close of registration in the student’s final semester. Students must then complete a graduation application in the Office of Academic Records by September 15th (for fall graduates) or February 15th (for spring graduates)