Admissions

 

Special Students

Many students apply to Southern Seminary who have special circumstances. If you are applying as a non-Southern Baptist student, a visiting student, an international student, a veteran, or a student with other special circumstances, please look for information below. If you cannot find the information that you are looking for, view our current catalog online or feel free to email or call the Admissions Department at 1-800-626-5525.

Transferring Credits

For students who wish to request to transfer credits, please fill out a credit transfer request form (PDF).

Non-SBC Students

An applicant to Southern Seminary does not need to be a Southern Baptist. In fact, Southern Seminary trains Christians of many denominations for ministry. Non-Southern Baptist students, however, pay course fees that are twice the amount paid by Southern Baptist students. This fee structure was created because a major portion of student academic cost is defrayed by a direct subsidy from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) through the Cooperative Program as an investment in the future ministerial leadership of the churches affiliated with the SBC.

Visiting Students

A student who is regularly enrolled in another accredited institution may enroll at Southern Seminary for a limited period (usually one term or semester) upon the recommendation of the dean and registrar of the student's home institution. This visiting student enrollment is contingent upon the fact that any course(s) taken will be accepted for transfer to the home institution.

International Students

International students are welcome at Southern Seminary. Currently students from over forty countries are attending the seminary. However, the application process for international students can be very complicated. Follow the checklist below for exact requirements.

If you need further assistance, please consult our current catalog (link) or contact our Coordinator for International Students.

Veterans

We do participate in Veteran's and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Please see Veteran's Affairs. You can also contact the Office of Academic Records or see the current catalog for more details.

Special Circumstances

Applicants With an Incomplete Undergraduate Degree. Some applicants with a strong college cumulative grade point average and who are within nine semester hours of completing an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution may be granted Admission with Academic Deficiency with respect to masters programs of study. Such students must complete the bachelor's degree within twelve months of initial registration at the Seminary.

Applicants With a Baccalaureate Degree From a School Without Regional Accreditation. Provisional admission to masters level programs may be granted on a case-by-case basis to an applicant who graduated from an institution lacking regional accreditation. To be provisionally admitted, the applicant's cumulative grade point average must be particularly strong and a prescribed course of studies completed. Please see our current catalog for required coursework.

Applicants With Accessibility and Learning Needs. Southern Seminary is committed to making both campus facilities and degree programs accessible to students. Physical accessibility has been addressed by the addition of ramps, elevators, and designated parking. The larger issue of accessibility is under continual review by the faculty and administration of the Seminary. Students who have accessibility needs or learning-related needs are encouraged to contact the Student Services office in order to determine how the Seminary can assist in addressing those needs.

Non-Degree Program Applicants (Special Students). In the interest of continuing education, an individual may apply for enrollment as a special student through an abbreviated process, provided that person is not intending to complete a degree program. Students may attend Southern Seminary as a special student for one semester only. If the student later decides to pursue a degree program, that student must complete the regular admission process. Approval to Seminary as a special student does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

If a student who plans to take courses at an extension center is not approved prior to the first meeting of the class, that student may register as a Special Student for one semester only. The student must submit a "Special Student Admission Agreement" along with the course request form and degree fees. Permission to register as a Special Student does not ensure acceptance to a degree program.

Need More Information?

If you cannot find the information that you are looking for, view our current catalog online. If you still cannot find the answer, please feel free to email or call the Admissions Department at 1-800-626-5525.