The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Now available: Seven fully online M.Div. concentrations
Christian Ministry, Great Commission Studies, Apologetics, Biblical and Theological Studies, Biblical Counseling, Islamic Studies, and Worship Leadership.
Learn MoreTrusted for Truth. Online.
Being an online student at Southern Seminary guarantees that you will be able to connect with the faculty and institution that you have learned to trust. Learn from the experts, wherever you are on mission.
Study with the Authors. Online.
Southern Seminary Online not only gives you the chance to read good books, it gives you the opportunity to study with the authors. Among all the considerations when choosing a path for ministry training, one stands above the rest: Choose a faculty.
Rigorous Education. Online.
THE MINISTRY LEADERS of the 21st century won’t need less theological training — they’ll need more. That’s why when many seminaries offer faster, easier, simpler, we embrace deeper, richer, and stronger. We have over 160 courses completely designed to take online taught by our own faculty.
Try a Sample Online Course
If you’re not sure if online learning is right for you, try a sample class. Experience the world-renowned faculty of Southern Seminary and the cutting-edge innovation of online learning.
New Testament with Dr. Jonathan Pennington (Enroll in the sample course)
Church History with Dr. John Wilsey (Enroll in the sample course)
Continue your current ministry
while training to articulate and apply God’s Word
Our Master of Divinity is 88 hours and has been engineered to equip you with the core knowledge you need for ministry. Every M.Div. student takes foundational courses in Bible, theology, counseling, history, ministry practice, and more. Students can also choose from many elective courses.
For those seeking a M.Div., Southern now offers seven fully online concentrations or view all online degree programs including Master of Arts degrees.
Why Study at Southern Seminary Online?
Online Courses
Courses are offered every 8-weeks with our world-class faculty. Each course is developed specifically for the online student with faculty and instructional designers thinking through each aspect of the course so that the content remains consistent with on-campus but optimized for online.
Student Success
As an online student you have access to all the same support resources as an on-campus student. Advisors are available to assist you throughout your degree.
Flexibility
Our online courses are designed for the busy student who is in ministry. You have the flexibility to watch lectures, read, and study when you want. There will be due dates each week of the course to keep you on track and not get behind.
Earn your M.Div. for less than $5,000 each year
| 2022-23 Estimated costs for SBC students | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $286 x 9 (hours) | = $2,574 |
| Fees | $75 | = $75 |
| Books | $100 x 3 (classes) | = $300 |
| SBTS scholarship | ($500)* | = ($500) |
| Total per semester | = $2,449 | |
| Total per year | = $4,898 | |
View the 2022-2023 fee chart for all Southern Seminary programs here.
All costs are reflective of the SBC rate of tuition and are to be understood as estimates only. Taking winter and summer courses will increase the overall yearly estimated from what is posted above. Tuition charges will vary based on the amount of courses taken per semester and book costs will vary by course.
*SBTS Scholarships are based on financial need and are subject to approval.
Current Online and Hybrid Courses
Check out what online and hybrid modular courses are being offered in the future.
Southern Seminary Online (SSO) courses can be applied to any masters program that requires that particular course. The courses available have been carefully selected to fit the requirements of the many programs here at Southern. A limited number of elective courses are also offered.
Check the Academic Records page for semester registration and start dates. For more about the two sub-terms in both fall and spring semesters, follow this 8-Week Terms link.