All applicants must receive official endorsement from the local church where they are a member. Family members may not complete this form. There may be instances when the Admissions Office requests additional information from references.
How to provide the recommendation: This endorsement is provided through the online recommendation form located in the application. After you enter your recommender’s information, they will be automatically e-mailed a link to an electronic copy of the recommendation form.
What you’ll need: Be prepared with the name, e-mail address, and phone number of the individual(s) who will be providing your recommendation.
Questions? Contact the Admissions Office with any questions regarding your church/pastor recommendation.
Doctoral applications require 2 additional recommendations: We suggest that a professor or a business acquaintance who can speak to academic performance complete the 2 additional recommendation forms required for doctoral students.
What if I am the pastor of my church?
We still request a church/pastor recommendation, but it can come from another leader in the church. (Such as another pastor, elder, or deacon.)
What if I am related to the pastor of my church?
We would ask you then request a recommendation from a non-family member who is in some sort of leadership capacity at your church.
Transcription from the educational institution or institutions that conferred any required degrees should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Diploma applicants must submit an official copy of their high school diploma or GED, unless the applicant has completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credit. An official transcript will include grades received for each course, date of graduation and should be sent directly from the college or school attended to the Admissions Office.
How to request transcripts: Contact the registrar or academic records office of your previous institution(s). They may e-mail the transcripts (directly or via 3rd party such as Parchment) to admissions@sbts.edu or mail copies to:
Southern Seminary Office of Admissions
2825 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40280
Please allow 2 weeks for mailed transcripts to be processed by our office.
Please refer to each degree program webpage for more information:
In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants should be familiar with the entirety of the international admissions process. More information is found at the link below:
That’s why we’re here! Contact us through the information listed below.
E-mail: admissions@sbts.edu
Phone: 502-897-4200
Office hours: M-F, 8 am – 4:30 pm EST
Admissions Homepage