You're in! Welcome to Southern Seminary.
We are so excited you have chosen Southern as your home for ministry training. This page exists to provide guidance for next steps, campus services, and common questions.
Welcome to your home for ministry training
Next Steps:
1) Set-up your Southern Profile & Review your Acceptance Letter
Upon your acceptance, you should have received an e-mail from Admissions with your Student ID and Student Username. Using that information, you will need to set-up your Southern Profile at the link below. In addition, make sure you review your acceptance letter (if you haven’t already) for important information about your admission.
If you cannot locate the email with your ID and username, or if you have yet to view your acceptance letter, you can find this information on your application portal.
2) Check your student e-mail (gmail.com)
**Please allow up to 24 hours for your e-mail account to be created from the time you are accepted. Included in your initial student login e-mail from Admissions will be your student e-mail address (jdoe###@students.sbts.edu). It will be important to check this e-mail often as it is the institution’s primary means of communicating with students. Click here for a PDF help guide on accessing your student e-mail. You will login to this email using the password you set-up in step #1.
3) Fill out the Student Information Form
Before you can register for classes, you must fill out the student information form. Below is a link to this form that is on My.sbts.edu. While you are there go ahead and familiarize yourself with MySBTS and what is available. The form asks for your anticipated graduation date – simply put your best estimate as to when you will graduate. For new students, this date may be flexible.
4) Register for Classes in March (for Fall/Winter classes) or October (for Spring/Summer classes)
Class registration is completed through your my.sbts account. Click here to access our registration help page. Note that course registration opens on March 31 (for Fall & Winter), or October 31 (for Spring & Summer). You will only be able to register for courses that match the location for which you applied (ex: Main Campus or Internet).
Wondering what classes you should take?
Our programs at SBTS do not have a set course track. Instead, you are able to take whatever courses you prefer at any time, pending pre-requisite requirements (Ex: You must take Beginning Greek before Greek Syntax). Some good classes to begin with include: Intro to New Testament, Intro to Old Testament, and Systematic Theology.
If you would like to receive guidance on course selection, contact the Center for Student Success.
5) Familiarize yourself with Canvas and My.SBTS
As a student, you will utilize your My.SBTS account. You will also have access to your “Canvas” account, which is the portal through which you will interact with your courses. You will only be able to access Canvas once you have registered for classes through my.sbts. Below is a brief description of what each portal provides:
Canvas
Only available to students once they have registered for courses.
- View course syllabi and textbook lists
- Interact with your courses (upload assignments, download files, etc.)
- Communicate with professors
My.SBTS
- Register for classes
- View and pay tuition
- View campus directory
- Complete MinistrySafe
6) Register for New Student Orientation (main campus) or complete Online Orientation (online/distance students).
Main campus students should register for New Student Orientation (see “Orientation” tab) . Online students should complete Online Orientation as soon as they have registered for courses.
Online students are also invited to one of our incoming student webinars, designed as a supplement for orientation specifically for incoming online students to Southern Seminary and hosted by staff of our Global Campus.
Scroll up to view tabs including FAQs and Orientation Information.
7) Items to complete during your first year
During your first year of studies, be sure to complete the following items.*
- MinistrySafe: This training was created specifically to assist organizations with developing practices and policies that help to protect children from sexual abuse. All new students must complete MinistrySafe training on their My.SBTS account within their first year of enrollment. View FAQs here.
- Campus Safety Training: A series of videos about campus safety and resources. You may access this training through your My.SBTS account (available in September 2024).
- Cooperative Program Course: A self-paced, no-cost class that consists primarily of lectures covering a brief history of the Southern Baptist Convention and an explanation of the Southern Baptist Convention’s work through The Cooperative Program. Click here to learn more.
*Registration holds will be placed on the accounts of students who do not complete each item within their first year of enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a newly accepted student, we know you have questions about your next steps, relocating to Louisville, and registering for courses. Check out the categories below to find answers to common questions.
Upon your admission, you should have received an e-mail from the Admissions Office with your student ID and e-mail address. You can also access your ID on your application portal. If you have not received this e-mail or can’t find it, contact Admissions at 502-897-4200 and we would be happy to help!
To set-up your student account (access to Canvas & My.SBTS) click here. You’ll need your campus username (ex: jdoe123) in order to complete this step.
Your transfer credit will typically be evaluated within 3 weeks of your admission to SBTS*, pending the receipt of official transcripts from your transfer institutions. (It may take longer for evaluations near the beginning of the Fall and Spring terms)
Please note: transfer credit evaluations do not begin until registration has opened for your first term (March 31 for Fall/Winter or October 31 for Spring/Summer). If you would like an evaluation earlier, please email transfercredit@sbts.edu.
Orientation is required for all new main campus students and new online students within 50 miles of Louisville, and is held at the beginning of the Fall & Spring semester. Scroll to the “Orientation” section of this page for more information. Online students living more than 50 miles from campus are not required to visit Louisville, but are encouraged to complete Online Orientation.
Click here to view the course registration webpage. The registration process will take place through my.sbts.edu. You will then view syllabi, course calendars, required textbooks, assignments, and due dates through Canvas.
Masters and Diploma students are able to sign up for any course that is part of their program, as long as there are no pre-requisites for the course.
The best way to view required courses for your program is to visit our Academics page and locate your degree (scroll to “Curriculum.”)
There is no set order that you need to take your courses, but if you have further questions please contact the Center for Student Success.
Registration opens on the following dates for the listed terms:
- Spring/Summer – October 31
- Fall/Winter – March 31
Click here to view the full course calendar and specific start dates.
Towards the beginning of your class (usually around 1 month before) your professor will post the Syllabus on your course portal through Canvas. The syllabus will include all relevant information related to textbooks. In Canvas, you can click on the Bookstore link to view online ordering options.
Your tuition, fees, and housing (if applicable) costs will appear on your my.sbts “Account Information” page in the weeks leading up to the start of classes.
Spring ’25 New Student Orientation
Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Students who are newly admitted to study on the Louisville campus, who are moving from online to on-campus studies, or any new student (including online) residing within 50 miles of the Louisville campus is expected to attend New Student Orientation.
Main campus students commuting from further than 50 miles outside of Louisville are not required to attend orientation. If this is your situation please email enrollmentmanagement@sbts.edu.
In this section: Informational Webinars | Academic Calendar | Academic Support | Campus Technology
Informational Webinars
“Making it Work” – Moving to on-campus Studies
Whether you are just beginning courses, or have been an online student with SBTS in the past, join us for this informational webinar on moving to Louisville. We will cover financial aid, housing, and job information, plus answer your questions about transitioning to campus for your studies. View upcoming dates & register below.
Incoming Online Students: Tips & Tricks for Success
New online students are invited to these optional information sessions held multiple times throughout the year and designed as a supplement for orientation and hosted by staff of our Global Campus.
Academic Calendar & Important Dates
The Center for Student Success
From orientation to graduation, The Center for Student Success is your source for academic and personal support at Southern Seminary.
Services include:
- Academic Advising
- The Writing Center
- International Student Services
- Assistance for Students with Disabilities
- Office of Career Development
- Lanuage Tutoring
Campus Technology
The Office of Campus Technology is responsible for the technology needs on campus. Including e-mail accounts, my.sbts/Canvas help, and more. Click below to learn how you can download Office 365 for free as a SBTS student.
Learn MoreHealth & Rec Center
The state-of-the-art Health & Rec Center provides a broad range of activities, classes and facilities in a full-service center – including fitness classes, intramurals, children’s & family programs, and more.
Campus Clinic
The clinic functions as an Urgent Care Clinic, but also does wellness check-ups and physicals for children, (school, sports), and physicals for adults who need them for employment, school, or adoption. Annual women’s exams (with optional labs) are also available.
Bookstore at Southern
The Bookstore at Southern is one of the largest theological bookstores in North America, plus carries all required books for SBTS classes.
inside.sbts.edu
As an accepted student, you can find additional information for all campus services and student life on inside.sbts.edu.
Launch inside.sbtsQuestions?
Contact Admissions
Phone: (502) 897-4200
Text: (502) 305-3554
Email: admissions@sbts.edu