Explore the flexible options below to see how your educational investment can begin without starting in a full degree program. As always, these non-degree options can be completed via our immersive digital campus and utilize our unique integration of philosophy, theology, and apologetics.
Read below for the details of these flexible non-degree options, and download your FREE ebook to see how such training relates to real-world Gospel issues.
There are no teaching assistants in our graduate programs and with the B.A. in Religious Studies program, all of your classes will be taught by graduate professors. The same instructors guiding our Ph.D. candidates and many master’s students will be mentoring you and bringing all their advanced teaching expertise to your class experience. Our professors are world-class scholars in their particular area of study.
How do you measure the quality of a school and its degrees? Academic rigor is the core standard. At SES, you will find an exceptional commitment to academic standards. The depth of content in each course is self-evident, and expectations are clear, ensuring a higher quality experience for each student. In addition, a limited number of credit hours can also be applied to future studies in the M.A. program.
SES has spearheaded the next generation of online learning formats through real-time, live-streamed classes. They facilitate the two-way conversations and pedagogical dialog which will turn your home into a classroom. This model brings the best of the traditional campus learning experience together with the convenience of studying wherever you are in the world.
We aren’t catching up with the distance learning trend — SES has been breaking ground and pioneering an immersive digital campus experience for years. As a student, you’ll enjoy a flexible, compelling, connected, environment for your studies. All of the easy-to-use technology you’ll need to thrive in seminary is housed in one place and accessed through a single, secure log-in.
(With our membership as a supporting sponsor of the Digital Theological Library)
Non–Degree Credit status may be granted to:
1) Students who do not meet the academic requirements for regular admission into a degree program but who desire academic credit
2) Students who are qualified for a degree program, but do not desire to enter a degree program at this time (such students may audit or attend courses for credit)
Anyone requesting Non–Degree Credit (NDC) Student status must submit a Non–Degree Credit Student Application. The Non–Degree Credit Student Application does not require references or transcripts. A Non–Degree Credit student taking courses for credit must pay full tuition for each course so taken. Such a student can take no more than three (3) courses for credit, at which time enrollment in a specific degree program must be completed, including submission of a complete admission application in order to continue to take courses for credit.
Non–Degree status may also be granted to students who apply to a degree program but need to complete additional course work for acceptance into that degree program. Credits earned under Non–Degree status are valid for six years before entering a degree program. Additional work may be required after that period. Admission as a Non–Degree Credit student does not guarantee future admission into a degree program. A Non–Degree Credit student may audit any classes.
Visiting Student status may be granted to anyone who is currently a student enrolled at another accredited institution and who wishes to take courses for credit from SES for the purpose of transferring such courses to that institution. A student requesting Visiting Student status must submit a Visiting Student Application. The Visiting Student Application does not require references or transcripts. A Visiting Student may take courses for credit or audit. It is up to the student to ascertain whether courses will transfer to the desired seminary by contacting that seminary.
Continuing Education status may be granted to:
1) Students who desire to earn Continuing Education Units related to various certifications or licensing
2) Students that desire to take classes for CEU credit, non–degree credit or audit
SES grants Continuing Education Units (CEU) to qualifying students in the areas of Biblical and Educational studies for participation in certain courses and conferences (see Registrar for a list). Students desiring CEUs must apply by completing a Continuing Education Application provide their legal name and be approved by the Director of Admissions. A CEU certificate will be granted based on participation and attendance in courses or conferences based on clock hours. Students desiring CEUs for attendance at various conferences must be registered as a CEU student prior to the conference or at the conference to have CEU credit issued. Students must also verify their attendance at the conference by signing in at the SES conference registration desk. An admission to CEU status does not guarantee future admissions to a degree program and CEU credit cannot count towards completion of a degree program. CEU transcripts and/or certificates are issued by the Registrar after the completion of the course or conference only for individuals who have followed the above procedures for admissions and registration prior to course or conference attendance. Students with CEU status may also take up to three (3) courses for credit or audit any classes.
Audit status may be granted to:
1) Students who do not meet the academic requirements for regular admission into a degree program
2) Students who are qualified for a degree program, but do not desire to enter a degree program or attend courses for credit
Audit students may attend class lectures but are not permitted to participate in class discussions, ask questions, or submit assignments for grading (except under special circumstances and at the professor’s discretion). Unless the professor stipulates that Audit participation is allowed in his class, it is understood that the restriction for Audit students on class discussions, questions, or assignments will prevail.
Anyone requesting Audit Student status must submit an Audit Student Application. The Audit Student Application does not require references or transcripts. An Audit Student may attend any course for which he is registered as an auditor upon the payment of the audit fee for each course. Audit courses are a flat rate of $200 per course.
Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary. You will also not be bogged down with numerous fees.
You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well.
Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.
You almost certainly have at least some basic — and perhaps even advanced — knowledge of Christian apologetics. Many new students at SES have studied books like Tactics by Gregory Koukl, Lewis’ Mere Christianity, or I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by SES alum Frank Turek and SES co-founder Norman Geisler. These are all very helpful resources, but perhaps you have reached that point in your self-guided research where you hit a wall or find yourself out of your depth.
Apologetics, theology, and even Bible study will never reach their potential without being grounded in sound philosophy. It’s not a matter of whether you’re doing philosophy. It’s a matter of whether you’re doing it well or poorly. You can be a good philosopher without being a good apologist or theologian, but it does not work the other way around! Giving you the philosophical foundation you need for both theology and apologetics is just one of the ways that a degree or certificate from SES will serve you well.
Christians are called to be salt and light in our world, and leaders should be equipped to confidently engage the ideas shaping today’s culture. Apologetics training is essential for breaking down barriers and effectively leading others. As you pursue God’s calling on your life through ministry, a seminary education will maximize your impact.
If your personal study hasn’t yielded the growth you’re looking for, formal training can equip you to answer hard questions and present the truth in love. Being grounded in apologetics prepares you to be fruitful in all aspects of your personal ministry. Our apologetics program offers structured training you need to share the faith and defend truth in everyday life.
We’re convinced that you won’t find a higher quality option for seminary or the apologetics training we offer with a more affordable price or flexible payment options. Take the next step in answering the call to ministry or furthering your education today and begin the application process. You can get started in minutes and we are here to help you if you have questions.
Dig into the meat of classical apologetics with this foundational M.A. degree; be equipped for ministry or further studies
Stand out in the evangelical world with this deep dive into classical philosophy and its important role in the apologetics task
Dig into the meat of classical apologetics with this foundational M.A. degree; be equipped for ministry or further studies