— Future Students —

New Student Categories

• • • • •
  • New - These are students who have completed the entire admissions process by submitting all required information and who have been approved into a degree program.
  • Readmit - All students who DO NOT formally withdraw (through the Academic Records Office) are required by school policy to reapply. The amount of material that must be submitted is dependent upon how many semesters one is out of school. Students who DO formally withdraw can contact the Admissions Office to see if additional materials are required before re-enrolling for classes.
  • Non-Degree status - Non-Degree status is intended for students wishing to transfer credits to another institution or those who only wish to complete a minimal number of courses from SBTS.  This status may also be used by students who are in the process of applying but will be unable to complete all requirements before the deadline. Non-Degree students must submit the application, application fee, church affirmation, housing application and spiritual autobiography in order to be admitted. Admittance as a non-degree student in no way guarantees admission into a degree program. This student status normally does not extend beyond one semester. Non-Degree students may not take doctoral courses except for the Graduate Research Seminar, modern languages, and Latin. Please note that Non-Degree students are not eligible for Financial Aid.
  • Student Spouse - If a Student Spouse wishes to complete a minimal number of credit hours, they may apply for Non-Degree status - see description above. Individuals desiring to pursue a degree should submit all application requirements.
  • Non-Southern Baptist Applicants - Many seminary applicants are not from a Southern Baptist background. While all students attending Southern Seminary receive the same educational experience that is subsidized by the tithe dollars of the Southern Baptist Convention, only Southern Baptist students qualify for the financial subsidy. Students transferring membership from a non-SBC church to an SBC church, seeking to obtain the SBC tuition rate, must complete the Southern Baptist Membership Verification form (SBCMV) with the requisite signature from their pastor. Learn more about the SBCMV.
  • Applicants Recently Divorced - Applicants who are divorced must wait a minimum of one calendar year before they can be considered for admission. Upon receipt of the application materials, additional information may be required, including an interview with the Dean of Students.
  • Academic Probation - Students lacking a 2.4 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) may be admitted on a case-by-case basis under Academic Probation. The student must maintain a “C” average for the first two semesters in order for Academic Probation to be removed.
  • Visiting Student - A student who is regularly enrolled in another accredited institution may enroll at Southern Seminary for a limited period (one semester) upon recommendation of the dean and registrar of the student’s home institution. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that credit will transfer to the home institution. To enroll as a Visiting Student, applicants will complete the application requirements for Non-Degree Student status.
  • Delayed Admission - This status is granted on a case-by-case basis to students who for a variety of reasons are not able to be considered for immediate admission. Upon receipt of requested materials and documentation, these students will be reconsidered for the following semester.
  • Incomplete Bachelor’s Degree - Students who have a strong cumulative GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and who are within one semester of completing an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution may be granted Admission with Academic Deficiency. Specific documentation must be provided ensuring the completion of the bachelor’s degree within the first semester of registration at the seminary. Students who do not fulfill this obligation will be immediately removed from classes. No more than two semesters can be completed within this acceptance status.
  • Provisional - Provisional admission to master’s level programs may be granted, on an individual basis to applicants who have graduated from an institution lacking regional accreditation in the U.S. or Canada. In order to qualify, applicant’s cumulative GPA must be strong (over 3.0). The applicant’s course of study must have included at least 60 hours in the areas listed below. No more than 30 hours can be from areas broadly considered to be courses of Instruction related to ministry preparation. The applicant must have taken classes in at least six of the following areas and no more than 12 hours from a single area can be counted towards the 60 hours total. If accepted under Provisional Admission, the student will be placed on Academic Probation and must maintain a “C” average for the first two semesters.
    • English/Speech
    • History/Geography/Cultural Studies
    • Philosophy/Ethics
    • Psychology/Social Science/Management
    • Fine Arts (music, art, drama)
    • Natural Science
    • Mathematics/Statistics
    • Modern Foreign Languages
    • Biblical Studies
    • Religious Studies (history, theology, ministry)
    • Biblical Languages
    • Professional Studies