General Overview

1. How is The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary set up?

Southern Seminary is in many ways like a theological university. We have an outstanding undergraduate school, Boyce College, which is joined by three premier graduate level schools that make up the Seminary. These schools are: The School of Theology, The Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism, and The School of Church Ministries.

2. What are the different degrees and programs that SBTS offers?

Degrees are offered on four different educational levels. These degrees and programs include: the Diploma Program, Master’s Degrees (M.A. and M.Div.), Professional Doctoral Degrees (D.Min., D.Miss., and D.Ed.Min.) and Research Doctoral Degrees (Th.M., Ed.D. and Ph.D.). Boyce College (the undergraduate school of the seminary) offers an associate degree and baccalaureate degrees.

3. What is the Diploma Program?

Southern offers a Diploma Program for students over the age of 30 who have not completed a college degree. The attraction of the Diploma Program is that it allows you to study at Southern Seminary and complete a three-year, graduate level educational experience without the prerequisite of a four-year bachelors degree. Diploma students complete the same course of study as M.Div. students, with the exception of Greek and Hebrew. The only difference between a Diploma student and a M.Div. student is that the M.Div. student has completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree. The Diploma program is best designed for those who are only considering completing this program and will not meet the prerequisites for any doctoral work.

4. What are the various majors I may choose from?

The Masters programs at Southern have over 30 different majors and concentrations. Doctoral programs at Southern also have a similarly large range of emphases. View our list of degree programs or refer to the current Southern Seminary Academic Catalog for a complete listing of majors and concentrations.

5. How long does it take to complete a typical Seminary degree and what is a typical course load?

Diploma and Masters students typically carry a 18-27 hour load per year. Depending on individual initiative and personal circumstances, most students can complete their Diploma or M.Div in 3-3 1/2 years. Professional Doctoral Studies require approximately three years. Research Doctoral Studies allow up to six years, but most students complete the program in 3-4 years.

6. Who can I contact to speak about the different degrees?

Feel free to call our Admissions Office at 1-800-626-5525 ext. 4200, email admissions@sbts.edu, meet and contact our admissions counselors, or connect with us on Twitter. Office hours are 8:00-4:30 Monday – Friday. We look forward to hearing directly from you regarding any questions you may have.

Admissions Requirements

1. What is required to apply to Southern Seminary?

All degree programs require:

• Minimum of one year of active church membership
• An application form,
• $35 application fee,
• Church/Pastoral Recommendation form,
• 2 Personal Recommendations
• Official transcripts from all schools from which you received academic credit mailed directly from the institution to our office,
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Diploma requires HS graduation or GED
• Spiritual Autobiography.

To apply for student housing, please visit www.sbts.edu/housing for a housing application and for more information.

International students must provide appropriate visa documentation and test scores on the TOEFL exam.

Professional Doctoral applicants must also have an M.Div. from a regionally accredited institution, a Masters GPA of “B”, a minimum of three years’ post-M.Div. ministry experience, interview with Seminary faculty, and write an essay in response to a ministry situation. Specific programs may have additional requirements listed in the current Academic Catalog.

A Master of Arts degree is acceptable for doctoral degrees within the School of Church Ministries.

Research Doctoral applicants must have: an M.Div. or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum GPA of “B+”, submit GRE scores, a research paper, successful completion of the Graduate Field Essay or Qualifying Exam, and interview with the faculty in the desired area of study. Additional program specific requirements are listed in the current Academic Catalog.

2. What is the Spiritual Autobiography?

The Spiritual Autobiography is a short essay (500 words or less) documenting your conversion, spiritual pilgrimage and growth, call to ministry, and life and ministry experiences.

3. What is the Church/Pastoral Recommedation?

Given our ecclesiology, we require all applicants to receive official endorsement from the local church where they are a member. The church provides an external confirmation to an applicant’s inner and subjective call to ministry.

4. Who should fill out my recommendation forms?

We suggest that a professor and a personal acquaintance each complete your recommendation forms. This allows us to get a “snapshot” of how people look at you from a variety of vantage points. If for some reason your recommendations do not reflect this kind of diversity, the Admissions Office may request additional recommendations. This, in conjunction with the Church/Pastoral Recommendation, allows us to evaluate the spiritual, academic, personal, and professional dimensions of the ministerial applicants life. Family members are not allowed to complete a personal recommendation form. Those who complete your recommendation form must have known you for a minimum of one year.

5. Must I have an undergraduate degree in Bible or Ministry Studies to apply?

Not for our undergraduate and master’s level programs. Most students do not have a Bible or ministry background in their academic history. Doctoral studies will assume a high level of exposure to biblical and theological studies as well as the completion of a seminary degree as a prerequisite.

6. Must I have a call to full-time vocational ministry to enroll in Seminary?

No. The Seminary has provided the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) for laypersons simply desiring greater theological and biblical training.

Deadlines

Financial Aid Deadlines:

In order to to apply for financial aid, students must be approved into a degree program. Incoming students should apply by August 1 for the Fall semester and January 1 for the Spring semester. Financial aid is not awarded for intensive terms. Financial Aid is only available to full-time, on-campus students.

Admissions Deadlines:

Diploma, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity

• Summer Term: May 1*
• Fall Semester: July 15*
• January Term: December 1*
• Spring Semester: December 1*

*These are priority deadlines.  The Admissions Office will continue to process applications after the posted deadlines, but does not guarantee completion after dates listed.  Our goal is to process all applications before each term and semester

Professional Doctoral (D.Min., D.Ed.Min.)
Fall Semester: October 15
January Term: March 15

Research Doctoral (Ph.D) for School of Theology, Billy Graham School for Missions & Evangelism, and School of Church Ministries
Fall Semester: January 15*
Spring Semester: August 1

*School of Church Ministries Ph.D. only admits in fall semesters.

Housing Deadlines:

Please do not wait until you are accepted as a student by the Admissions Office to apply for housing. You can apply for housing by visiting www.sbts.edu/housing to obtain a housing application. You will not be accepted for housing, however, until the Admissions Office has granted you admittance. Housing is granted to students in the order that each students housing application and deposit are received, after approval is granted, and according to move-in date.

The deposit required for housing is $100. This deposit is refundable if housing is not available, if you are not accepted as a student, or if you cancel your reservation 30 days before your planned occupancy date. An application for housing will not be considered without a deposit.

How soon should I apply?

We encourage students to apply early. The later you apply, the less chance you have for campus housing and financial aid. Ideally, one should start the process about one year in advance of anticipated enrollment.

Tuition

Our normal fees are our non-SBC fees. Applicants with a historical association (more than one year) with an SBC church are qualified for an additional tuition discount. Incoming 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.

2012-2013 registration and tuition information

Undergraduate Degree Programs
Per Hour: $568
Internet Course Fee (additional fee per semester – nonrefundable): $250
A 50% tuition discount is given to students who qualify as members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church

Master’s and Diploma Programs
Per Hour: $438
Internet Course Fee (additional fee per course – nonrefundable): $250
A 50% tuition discount is given to students who qualify as members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church

Master of Theology
Per Hour: $570
A 50% tuition discount is given to students who qualify as members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church

Doctor of Ministry ($1,000 down, balance due equally over 36 months)
Program Cost: $13,000
Program Cost (members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church): $9,950
Continuation Fee (past eighth paid semester in program if entered program prior to Fall 2010; past sixth paid semester if after Fall 2010): $1,000

Doctor of Educational Ministry ($1,000 down, balance due equally over 48 months)
Program Cost: $13,800
Program Cost (members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church): $10,700
Continuation Fee (past eighth paid semester in program): $1,000

Doctor of Education
Continuation Fee (past eighth paid semester in program): $1,000

New Doctor of Philosophy ($1000 down, balance due equally over 48 months)
Program Cost: $44,400
Program Cost (members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church): $25,000
Continuation Fee (past eighth paid semester in program): $2,000

Returning Doctor of Philosophy
Semester Fee: $6,000
A 50% tuition discount is given to students who qualify as members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church
Continuation Fee (past eighth paid semester in program): $2,000

Doctor of Missiology ($1000 down, balance paid equally over 36 months)
Program Cost: $32,000
Program Cost (members of a cooperating Southern Baptist Church): $18,250
Continuation Fee (past sixth paid semester in program): $2,000

Distance Education Opportunities

What kind of course work can I do off campus?

Extension Centers:

Most of the M.Div. Core Courses can be taken at our Extension Centers. Students must complete 29 hours of coursework on the Louisville campus. On-campus hours can be fulfilled during our abbreviated J-Terms offered in December, January, June, and July in one, two, or three week formats.
You can apply to any School and for most degrees as an Extension Center student. Certain degrees could require that more of your courses be taken on-campus.

Term Courses

On-campus hours are normally fulfilled during our abbreviated Summer-Winter intensives, which are offered in December, January, June, and July.

Classes are offered in one, two, and three week formats.

Internet Courses:

Students may take up to 59 hours of coursework online towards an M.Div. degree. There are limitations to how many hours can be completed online for M.A. degrees. Completion of a degree will require on-campus study. Internet classes require an additional fee. Students must complete the Admissions application and be approved in order to register for these classes.
Internet courses incur an additional $250 technology fee per course.

Friday-Saturday Classes:

The M.Div. in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth is offered in a weekend format on the Louisville campus. Courses are offered on a rotating basis over a four-year cycle. Classes meet all day Friday and half of the day on Saturday.
In addition to our Friday-Saturday degree program, we offer evening classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Where can I live while attending school?

The Seminary maintains a variety of dorm and apartment housing units. Rent is charged on a semester basis for dormitories and monthly for apartments. Dorm rent ranges from $2300-$2600 (including room and board) per semester. Apartment rent ranges from $625-$875 (Rates for 2012-13 academic year).

Most campus housing is typically for single students and married students without children or pets. However, the Grinstead South apartment complex provides additional options. These apartments are an option for any student: single, roommates, married, married with children, and even allows some pets.

An application for housing is included in the application packet you can download from our website.

Please note that Student Housing follows a separate approval process from the Admissions Office. Student Housing seeks to have you assigned a campus housing unit at least 30 days from your anticipated move-in date. Some units, however, are in higher demand and the notification time is much shorter. If you are applying after the admissions deadline, you will need to communicate with Student Housing to verify housing availability.

For more information on campus housing and for an application please call 1.800.626.5525 ext. 4203, e-mail housing@sbts.edu, or visit Housing.

Student Body

1. What is the Male/Female ratio at Southern?

Male: 78%
Female: 22%

2. What is the Married/Single ratio at Southern?

Married: 75%
Single: 25%

3. Do I have to be a Southern Baptist to attend Southern Seminary?

No. Over 14% of our student body are not Southern Baptist.

4. What is the age of your student body?

20 & younger: 3%
21-25: 20%
26-30: 29%
31-35: 17%
36-40: 10%
41-45: 6%
46-50: 5%
51 & older: 8%

Non-reported: 2%

Transfer Credit

1. What courses will transfer toward a degree program?

Transfer credit may be issued if the course under consideration is of equal academic level and content to the Seminary’s courses and the courses were taken at a regionally accredited institution. Transfer courses must carry a grade of “C” or higher. Please see the online catalog for the full policy.

2. How many hours will transfer?

The maximum amount of transfer credit varies. As a general rule, one half of an earned degree can be transferred. M.Div students must take one-third of their credit hours on campus. Students in the Seminary’s other Masters programs will be required to take at least half of the required credit hours on campus.

3. How do I request a transfer credit evaluation?

For students who wish to request to transfer credits, please fill out a credit transfer request.

Advanced Placement

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, 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.

Other introductory level course exams can be taken by appointment.

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 review the Academic Advising webpage for more information.

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

Eight hours per semester is the minimum load for full-time student status. Falling below eight hours may cause difficulties with loan programs, scholarships, student visa requirements, and so on. An average load of 8-12 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.

Job Opportunities

1. Where can I find a job?

A wide variety of job opportunities exist in the Louisville area. Southern Seminary maintains two offices to assist students vocationally. Human Resources assists students in finding secular and on-campus employment. Ministry Resources assists students in finding ministerial employment in Louisville and the surrounding area. Both of these offices will work with students once they have been approved for admission.

• Human Resources: 1-800-626-5525 ext. 4721 (humanresources@sbts.edu)
• Ministry Resources: 1-800-626-5525 ext. 4208 (ministryresources@sbts.edu)

Family Opportunities

1. What about my family?

Southern Seminary is a great place for families. With a wide range of recreational options, community events, and a thriving fine arts center, there are many activities in the Louisville area.

On campus are several exciting opportunities as well. For women, there is the Seminary Wives Institute (SWI). Designed to prepare wives for ministry alongside their husbands, SWI is “seminary in a nutshell.” Besides taking a full complement of academically oriented classes (OT, NT, Theology, etc), there is also a wide arrangement of practical courses essential for ministers’ wives (conflict resolution, mentoring women, hospitality, etc). Classes meet on Thursday night for two hours and the quarter system roughly parallels the Seminary’s semester system.

In addition to SWI, Koinonia is a fellowship ministry open to all women on campus: married, single, student, or spouse. Many endearing friendship start in these meetings.

Southern Seminary has a state-of-the-art, world class Health and Recreation Center. Designed for our students and their families, the Center includes a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, three racquetball courts, a weight room, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and rubberized running track. The Center also has a well-developed intramural sports program and maintains a variety of family events.