As you prepare for your education, there will inevitably be several questions you might have regarding Advance Placement here at Southern Seminary:

1. Can I place out of any classes if I majored in Bible/Theology in college?

Advanced placement exams are offered in Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, Hebrew and Greek. These exams are offered at the beginning of each semester.

Students are free to take as many of these exams as they believe they are qualified to pass, but they can only be taken at the scheduled time(s) of a new semester’s orientation period.

Passing of an exam qualifies a student to take advanced courses in place of required entry-level courses. These exams do not reduce the total number of hours required for a degree.

Those interested in taking a placement exam should contact the office of Academic Advising at 897-4201.

Some students with exceptional academic achievement in an undergraduate Bible program may be a candidate for the Advanced M.Div. program. Please consult the Academic Catalog for specific prerequisites for this program.

2. What is in place to help me with advisement during my education?

Please consult academic advising on the website for helpful forms, appropriate contact information and instructions.  Additional questions can be emailed to Academic Advising.

3. How many course hours are recommended for each semester’s study?

Nine hours per semester is the minimum load for full-time student status. Falling below nine hours may cause difficulties with loan programs, scholarships, student visa requirements, and so on. An average load of 9-12 hours per semester is recommended for students who are employed no more than 25 hours weekly and with no academic deficiencies.

4. Are there any courses required to be taken during the first semester of study?

Students must take “Written Communication” (31980) in the first semester unless they have a B- or better in their college grammar and composition courses. However, since many seminary courses require papers and other written work that must conform to The Southern Seminary Manual of Style, even students who meet this qualification (i.e., who have a B- or better in college English) may wish to take 31980 for the benefit it can be to them in their written work throughout seminary.

Personal Spiritual Disciplines (required within the first year) and the Cooperative Program course (required within the first semester) are also required within the first year of study

5. Do any courses require pre-requisite stipulations?

Most courses do not carry a pre-requisite. Most language courses, however, do carry some pre-requisite stipulation. Please consult the current catalog for specific requirements for each course.