DOCTOR OF DIVINITY IN MINISTRY - D.D.
Doctor of Divinity (D.D) (60 credits, 2-3 years) The Doctor of Divinity program is designed to provide students with an in-depth scholarly study of the Bible and its teachings, and to discover how it relates to history and culture. This will include a thorough research of other world religions, and how those religions have historically played, and continue to play a key role in the cultures and societies in which they are common.
Degree Requirement: 60 credits
24 – 36 Months Accelerated Program. Credits requirement for a Doctor’s degree is 48 credits.
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Must Have a Masters’s Degree to Enroll
| Degree Program Parts | Credit Hours |
| Part I - Assigned Directed Essays | 16 |
| Part II - Ministerial Essays | 8 |
| Part III - Dissertation Work | 36 |
| Total Credit Hours Required | 60 |
Part 1- Assigned Directed Essays
Table Talk – Martin Luther 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines key works of Martin Luther. It also investigates the backgrounds of late medieval scholasticism and different controversies in which Luther was immersed (e.g., Eucharistic disputes, the peasants’ revolt and theological differences with the Anabaptists).
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will become acquainted with the vocabulary and logic of the Magisterial Reformation's first major thinker; place Luther's theology in the context of its immediate philosophical, theological and humanistic background; situate Luther's singular theological expression amidst those of other Reformers. Investigate Luther's convergence with and divergence from the Renaissance; appreciate the Magisterial Reformation as part of a movement that included Radical, Elizabethan, Catholic and Counter Reformations; and appreciate the significance of Luther's theology for contemporary Lutheran theology, constructive systematic theology, ecumenism, and intellectual history generally.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
William R. Russell, ed., Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings (Third Edition).
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Christianity, Mission, and Expansion
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A course designed to introduce the student to the biblical, theological, historical, and practical bases for Christian missions. Special attention is given to contemporary issues in missions as well as current ways to do missions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will learn a general introduction to the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for Christian missions. Will learn to identify and examine significant strategies and issues related to Christian missions. And will be challenged to seek practical and personal application of the Great Commission in their lives.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Moreau, A. Scott, Garry R. Corwin, and Gary B. McGee. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical,
and Practical Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Sketches of Jewish Social Life - 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the most important aspects of Judaism as a religious civilization. The modern term “Judaism” encompasses much more than just faith and belief, the features that many people think of as the essence of religion. It refers to a worldview (or worldviews), a daily way of life, a system of ethics, and a communal memory of the Jewish past that links Jews living in under very different conditions across the world. Contemporary Judaism is based in a long textual tradition that begins with the Bible and the Talmud and continues to the present day. This tradition is usually called “rabbinic” Judaism because the rabbis (scholars and teachers) of the first centuries of the common era are those who shaped it. It is also based in Jewish folk practices that may not be written down but that can be equally powerful in shaping the Jewish way of life.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will gain an understanding of the lived tradition of Judaism – both the textual and the folk traditions – as they have developed over time. It does so by focusing on several aspects of Judaism; foundation of Judaism; Modern Varieties of Jewishness; Jewish ethics: Jewish daily life. And Students will learn how to analyze the phenomena of Jewish life in various ways.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Eliezer Segal, Introducing Judaism (Routledge, 2009)
Adele Berlin and Marc Brettler, eds., Jewish Study Bible (Oxford, 2003)
Elliot Dorff and Danya Ruttenberg, eds., Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: War and National Security (Jewish Publication Society of America, 2010)
Elliot Dorff and Danya Ruttenberg, eds., Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Social Justice (Jewish Publication Society of America, 2010)
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
The Worship of God – 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An examination of worship focused on definitions, historical studies, doctrinal and theological considerations, and applications which identify and strengthen contemporary worship responses. In more detail, the course begins with general definitions by emphasizing worship concepts, words, and motifs in biblical literature, both the Old Testament and New Testament; traces the historical development of worship through the Old Testament, Judaism, the New Testament, and church history; considers specific New Testament teachings to guide understandings and practices in public worship today, and considers appropriate worship responses today, both individually and for the church when it assembles.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will be able to define worship, identifying historical, cultural, church, and biblical dynamics. The student will be able to carefully and studiously answer the question, "What is worship?”. The student will understand the cultural, sociological, psychological dimensions of worship through an overview of the pervasiveness of worship and a survey of the presence of worship in our world through various cultures and idolatry. The student will be able to answer the question, "Where in our world and experiences do we see worship?”. The student will have an appreciation of worship concepts in the OT and NT as reflected in Hebrew and Greek word studies, and in understanding the basic principles of worship. And The student will grow in appreciation of individual worship responses, and will as a result experience more meaningful worship and be better equipped as a participant in worship and as one who guides God's people in worship.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Worship for the Whole People of God: Vital Worship for the 21st Century by Ruth C Duck.
Biblical Foundations: A study of Biblical passages and words. 1. Biblical passages
Resource: Everett Ferguson summary from Church of Christ.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
The Gospels – 4 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are the earliest surviving accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus. This course will provide a detailed examination of these texts, paying special attention to the distinctive portrait of Jesus that each gospel presents. Some topics of study will include (but are not limited to): various theories regarding the so-called “Synoptic Problem”; the relationship of the Synoptics to non-canonical texts; and a general introduction to critical methods in Gospel analysis such as literary, redaction, socio-historical, and tradition-critical.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will gain an in-depth comprehension of the Synoptic Gospels; Explore the historical and social background from which each Synoptic derives; Articulate the similarities and differences among the various portraits of Jesus in the Synoptics; Critically evaluate secondary scholarship (monographs, articles, essays, commentaries, etc.) by asking questions and challenging arguments based on the student’s own biblical analysis; And discover that “context matters,” and in the process, learn how to read the Synoptics with theological and ethical sensitivity.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Harold W. Attridge, ed. The Harper Collins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version.
Mark L. Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Christology
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Christology, the study of the person of Christ, has been the centerpiece of theological reflection in the Christian tradition, from the earliest times to the present day. This course will begin with the New Testament and recent attempts to understand its Christology. It will examine the principal issues (theological and philosophical) extending from Arianism in the fourth century to Kenotic Christ and the question of the uniqueness of Christ in the twentieth century. A particular attention will be given to the homiletical exercise of Christology, blending doctrine and praxis.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course, students should be able to understand the Christological controversies leading up to Council of Chalcedon and beyond; give an account of who Jesus is and why he is central to our identity and Christian life, know the range of doctrinal issues inherent in Christology, explain how and why the doctrine of Christ’s dual nature is basic to soteriology, and, describe the significance of the suffering and death of God for contemporary discussions on the doctrine of God. 6. Know how to preach Christ with confidence.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
The Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries
By Adolf Harnack
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Part II – 24 Hours Ministerial Essays
Working for God – by Andrew Murray 4 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The object of this course is first of all to remind all Christian workers of the greatness and the glory of the work in which God gives a share. It is nothing less than that work of bringing men back to their God, at which God finds His highest glory and blessedness.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will learn that those who complain, and perhaps do not even know to complain, that they are apparently laboring in vain, to find out what may be the cause of so much failure. That God's work must be done in God's way, and in God's power. That It is spiritual work, to be done by spiritual men, in the power of the Spirit. That the clearer our insight into, and the more complete our submission to, God's laws of work, the surer and the richer will be our joy and our reward in it.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
WORKING for GOD! A SEQUEL TO WAITING ON GOD! by Rev. ANDREW MURRAY
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Prayer and Revelation 4 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the history and writings of the early church as it relates to prayers and revelations. It will be divided into three parts. The first part will cover first century church history as seen in the book of Acts. The second part will look at the major books of Romans and 1 Corinthians in some detail. The third part will survey 2 Corinthians through Revelation, focusing on introduction and significant passages within those books.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will come to a faith in the saving work of God in Jesus Christ. Students will develop a biblical faith that shows itself in loving service to God and humanity. Students will be transformed into holy living in accordance with the Spirit of God. Students will be acquainted with the historical events, prayers and teachings of the early church as found primarily in the book of Acts and the letters of the New Testament.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Introduction to Acts in Guthrie or Gundry
Securing an Audience in Heaven by Kelvin Thurman.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Church & Ministry in the Early Centuries 4 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This purpose of this course is to give a broad overview of the diversity of the global Christian tradition from its beginnings in the gospel accounts of Jesus of Nazareth to the present day. Spanning 2000 years and every continent, impacting not just religion but also culture, the arts, philosophy, and global politics, the history of the Christian church is an essential thing to grasp for those seeking to understand the origins of the social forces that shape our world today.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students to the major historical moments, figures, events, conflicts, and thought patterns that have comprised the history of Christianity throughout the centuries in both the East and the West.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Introduction to the History of Christianity, 2nded., ed. Tim Dowley
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Intense Analysis Assignment Total: 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The historical origins, central teachings, and devotional practices of the major religious traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are considered in relation to common themes of human experience: the holy or sacred, evil and suffering, love and compassion, wisdom and justice, death and deliverance. Interpretive skills appropriate to religious studies will be explored through opportunities to write and revise descriptive and critical essays.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be imparted with the understanding of the essential doctrines and institutions of the world's religions, stressing their founding and normative principles; to identify similarities and differences of thought and practice among the traditions; and to clarify and articulate one's own religious attitudes and orientations in the context of comparative study.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions (10th edition, 2016) “LR”
Fisher and Bailey, Anthology of Living Religions (3rd ed., 2011) “AR”
Smith-Christopher, Subverting Hatred: Nonviolence in Religious Traditions (2007) “SH”
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Part III – Dissertation
Dissertation Proposal
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Dr. Philip Jegede
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course will examine the foundation and impact of divinity from the early century to the present day. Primary sources will be utilized in our investigation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course the student will be able to complete their research and write their dissertation regarding the foundation and impact of Christian divinity.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Thesis Proposal
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Research Proposals: A Guide to Success 3rd Edition by Thomas E. Ogden
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Dissertation
Dissertation Review Committee:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Philip Jegede
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Course Duration: Six months to one year
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students are to begin their research on their thesis. Student work independently, and may use North Central Theological Seminary online library, or other public libraries and resources. Students may also accomplish their research through surveys or interviews.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completing their writing student must submit a minimum 80 page them to the Thesis committer for review.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read required course material relevant to their Thesis proposal, do their research and submit their thesis.
Minimum 80-page ThesisREQUIRED TEXTS:
Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach Third Edition by Gordon B. Davis
Grading Method:
Dissertation Acceptance or Rejection
Exams and Tests: Southern National Theological Seminary administers both supervised and unsupervised testing and examination methods for completion of an assigned course.
Unsupervised Method: After reading the PDF texts issued for a course, Certificate and Bachelor’s degree students are required to write a five-page essay summarizing what they have learned. Master’s and Doctorate degree students are required to submit a twelve-page essay. For Certificate and Bachelor’s degree students, the five page essay must have one page of introduction, three pages of critical thinking regarding the subject matter, and one page of summary conclusion. For Master’s and doctorate degree students, the twelve page essay must have one page of introduction, nine pages of critical thinking regarding the subject matter, and two pages of summary conclusion. After the completion of the essay portion of the test, the student is required to create a set of twenty-five multiple choices questions and provide answers to those questions in a Question & Answer format. Completed tests must be submitted online for grading.
Supervised Method: After the student gets passing grades for their essay and multiple choice test assignments, the student will be notified that the required online final test for the course is ready to take. The student will login and return to their student wall, where the “Online Test” button will be flashing. After clicking, the student follows the instructions for the test. The final online test is usually a combination of short essay questions and multiple choice questions. The online test is timed, and the student will need to watch the timer carefully so that they can complete the test properly. There will be a penalty of $35 if a student does not complete the test, and do so on time.
Southern National Theological Seminary advisers and instructors encourage students to work hard. Students who do not achieve passing grades may try to improve their grades by retaking the courses they need to improve their grades.
| 100 – 90 | 4.00 | A |
| 89 – 80 | 3.00 | B |
| 79 – 70 | 2.00 | C |
| 69 – 60 | 1.00 | D |
| 59 – 0 | 0.00 | F |
4.0 Summa cum laude: Students graduating with a 4-point average will receive an honor of summa cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary: an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with highest honor.” Summa cum laude is the highest distinction of the three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being magna cum laude and cum laude.
3.0 Magna cum laude: Students graduating with a 3-point average will receive the honor of magna cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary; an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with great honor.” Magna cum laude is one of three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being summa cum laude and cum laude. Magna cum laude is typically more prestigious than cum laude honors but less prestigious than summa cum laude honors.
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Business Office
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International Student Office
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America
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will be issued on a prorated basis at the Seminary’s discretion on the grounds of extreme hardship,
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circumstances resulting from divorce, death in family, sudden unemployment, or illness making it impossible
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origin.
Submit certified letter of withdrawal to:
Southern National Theological Seminary
Administration Office
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America
Southern National Theological Seminary Procedure for Awarding
Doctorate Degrees, Th.D and D.D
A candidate must submit a project or thesis or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-refereed context. The candidate must defend his/her work in an online meeting forum before a panel of expert examiners appointed by Southern National Theological Seminary, the dissertation is examined by this panel of expert examiners who must stipulate whether the dissertation is in principle passable and the issues that need to be addressed before the dissertation can be passed.
Graduate Degrees, M.Th
To Apply For Award Of An M.Th Graduate Degree, Graduate Students Must: Have an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) on file with the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies prior to filing for award of degree. Complete and submit the items listed below to the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies by mail to:
Southern National Theological Seminary:
Director of Graduate Studies – THD
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America
Application for Award of a Graduate Degree – available online.
Application form signed by you and your advisor or department chair.
Application fee of $75 payment online or by mail.
All candidates’ academic records are checked for conformance to their Advancement to Candidacy (ATC), for achievement of requirements stated for that degree program on Southern National Theological Seminary official catalog.
All course work required to make-up Incomplete (I) or Satisfactory Progress (SP) grades must be submitted to the instructor prior to the date of graduation. The official “Petition for Grade Change” and/or “Report of Make-up of Incomplete” must be on file in the Director’s Office no later than two weeks after the date of graduation and must indicate that the work was completed prior to the last day of instruction . If official transcripts showing final grades are required from other institutions, they must be sent to the attention of the “Director’s of Graduate Studies” in the Graduate Studies Office within three weeks after the last day of instruction.
Notice of award of degree will be mailed within 90 days after grades have been posted, once official verification of completion of degree requirements has been concluded. Official transcripts showing award of degree may be requested from the Director of Graduate Studies’ office any time after receipt of the official notification of award of degree. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 60 days after graduation.
As a result of filing for graduation, a student will not receive mail or online registration material as a continuing student. If a student discovers that he/she will not be able to earn a degree in the semester he/she applied for graduation, and needs to enroll in another course, the student must contact the Director of Graduate Studies by email to request permission to enroll for another course. Students who are denied their graduate degree must re-file the Application for Graduation and pay another $75 fee to be considered for enrollment in a subsequent course.
Southern National Theological Seminary degree programs are designed to be completed online through a self study format. However, live online classes may be required for courses such as “Critical Thinking” or as your instructor may deem necessary. Generous advance notice will be given to students should there be a need for the student to attend online live classes. However, it is the requirement that all students must complete six sessions of online live “Critical Thinking” class as a part of the “Critical Thinking” course requirement. Live online “Critical Thinking” session is 45 minutes and is usually scheduled at the students’ convenience.
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