| 78 | Credit Hours | 26 Classes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Years to Complete | |
| $310 | Per Credit Hour | Learn more |
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or Online Learn more
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| Next Start Date | December 2 | |
The Diploma program allows students over 30 years of age who do not have a bachelor's degree to immediately begin their master's program. Diploma students may transfer into the M.Div. after 24 hours of courses as long as they have maintained a 3.0 GPA.
Students who begin in the Diploma program can immediately take the same courses a M.Div. student would take and after 24 credit hours, can qualify to transfer into the M.Div. This allows you the opportunity to graduate with a master’s from Southern Seminary no matter your academic background.
Diploma students study with Southern’s world-renowned faculty who are experienced pastors, and seasoned theologians with hundreds of years of experience teaching and preparing ministers of the gospel. Among all the considerations for selecting ministry training, one stands above the rest: choose a faculty.
Our Diploma program provides maximum flexibility for students to study online or on-campus in a part-time or full-time capacity. Whether you are a seasoned pastor or just recognizing your call to ministry, be assured that Southern Seminary will equip you for more faithful service.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 22100 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| 20200 | Introduction to the Old Testament I | 3 |
| 20220 | Introduction to the Old Testament II | 3 |
| 22200 | Introduction to the New Testament I | 3 |
| 22220 | Introduction to the New Testament II | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 27060 | Systematic Theology I: Theological Prolegomena, and the Nature and Works of God | 3 |
| 27070 | Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit | 3 |
| 27080 | Systematic Theology III: Baptist Theology of Scripture and the Church, and Eschatology | 3 |
| 25100 | Introduction to Church History I | 3 |
| 25120 | Introduction to Church History II | 3 |
| 29250 | Survey of Christian Ethics | 3 |
| 28700 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| Total | 21 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 30000 | Christian Preaching1 or | 3 |
| 45400 | Christian Teaching | |
| 30020 | Preaching Practicum1 or | 3 |
| 40200 | Introduction to Biblical Worship | |
| 40080 | Christian Leadership | 3 |
| 34300 | Biblical Counseling & Personal Ministry of the Word | 3 |
| 40301 | Pastoral Ministry4 or | 3 |
| 45260 | Discipleship Ministry | |
| 32100 | Personal Evangelism & Devotion | 3 |
| 32960 | Introduction to Missiology | 3 |
| Total | 21 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Electives Across All Disciplines | 21 | |
| Total | 21 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 42490 | The Cooperative Program2 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | |
Total Diploma: 78
Have questions? Our dedicated team of admissions counselors is here to help every step of the way. Here are some answers to common questions.
Students admitted into the Diploma Program will immediately take the same masters courses as M.Div. students and will follow the same curriculum (with the exception of Greek & Hebrew courses).
After completing 24 credit hours, Diploma students may apply for transfer into the M.Div. program if they have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Diploma students who move into the M.Div. will have all their coursework transfer into the new degree and be able to ultimately graduate with a Masters of Divinity.
Students may still graduate with a Diploma. They will simply complete the requirements of the Master of Divinity (with the exception of Hebrew & Greek).
Diploma students take the same courses alongside M.A. and M.Div. students. There is no difference.
Diploma students will pay standard masters tuition rates and fees. Click here to learn more about tuition rates.
Diploma students have the same application requirements as other masters applicants, with the exception of transcripts:
Diploma applicants must submit an official copy of their high school transcripts (showing a graduation date) or GED, unless the applicant has completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credit (in which case the applicant may only submit their college transcript).
Click here to see the full list of admissions requirements.
The Supervised Ministry Experience (SME) requires students to engage in 40 hours of supervised ministry in a local church/ministry or missions context. All Master’s level students complete this requirement as a part of the 40301 Pastoral Ministry or 45260 Discipleship Ministry course. For more information consult the SME Handbook or contact Dr. Colin McCulloch at cmcculloch@sbts.edu.
Access academic advising, writing assistance, language tutoring and more as a Southern Seminary online or on-campus student.
With multiple course delivery options you’ll find classes that fit around your schedule.
We are committed to making your education affordable. Our Financial Aid office can connect you with institutional & outside sources of aid.
Students apply for the Diploma program via our online application. When prompted, select “Degree Type > Diploma.”
Start Your Application
