Advanced Degrees

What is the committee looking for in my writing sample?

We ask applicants to submit a 4,000 – 6,000 words (including footnotes), thesis driven writing sample.

• This sample should have been written at the graduate level of study.
• We prefer the paper to be in your chosen area of study.
• We are looking for papers that demonstrate a proper use of primary and secondary sources, and display research and argumentation suitable for PhD level studies.

Does my writing sample have to be previously graded?

It does not, though, if you do use a previously graded paper, be sure to incorporate your professor’s feedback into your final draft.

What if my best writing sample is greater than 6,000 words?

We encourage you to edit the paper down to try to get under 6,000 words. We don’t actually count the number of words, but if we notice that your writing sample is more pages than it should be, we’ll ask you to submit a different sample.

May I use just a chapter from my thesis then for my writing sample?

You may be able to do so, but it will take some effort on your part as we require a stand-alone paper that has a thesis, clear argumentation, and a conclusion. Typically pulling a chapter from your thesis will not meet all those requirements because you refer to earlier arguments or push others off until later which your paper judge won’t be able to see.

What transcripts are required?

Official transcripts from ALL schools that you have previously attended post high school are required.

Does that mean if I have an MBA, a M.Ed., a law degree or another degree that is not theologically related that I need to request that transcript be sent also?

Yes, it does.

Why are transcripts required?

Besides being an accreditation requirement, transcripts are required so that we may confirm that you have the coursework necessary to be successful in our program, and that you will be able to handle the rigor of doctoral level work.

What is MDiv Equivalency?

To meet MDiv Equivalency, applicants must have completed 60 credit hours of study with at least 49 credit hours completed at the graduate level. In addition, the following courses must be completed.

• NT Survey I, II (6hrs.) ​​Doctrine Survey I, II (6hrs.)
• OT Survey I, II (6hrs.) ​​Church History I, II (3-6hrs.)**
• Greek I, II (6-9hrs.)* ​​Hermeneutics (3hrs.)
• Hebrew I, II (6-9hrs.)* ​Baptist History (3hrs.)***

*Biblical language expectations depend on applicant’s given Area of Study

**Applicants must have studied the Patristic, Medieval, Reformation and Modern eras.

***Baptist History is required for applicants pursuing Historical Theology and Theological Studies: Historical Theology

These courses can be completed at the undergraduate level. We will accept a maximum of 27 credit hours from the undergraduate level.

After that explanation, I am not sure whether I have all the coursework required? How can I check?

We are happy to look over your transcripts and evaluate them to confirm that you meet our MDiv Equivalency requirements. You can email unofficial transcripts to phd@sebts.edu

If I need additional coursework, do I have to stop the application process?

Every situation is unique. However, most applicants with 1-2 required courses can proceed through the application process while completing their leveling work.

Do I have to take the courses that I am missing from SEBTS?

You are welcome to take the coursework from any accredited institution.

Will my GPA from my undergraduate degree be considered?

No, we only look at all your “Graduate” level work to determine whether your GPA is 3.5 or above.

Will my MBA or other graduate degrees that have no theological coursework be considered in my overall GPA?

Yes, ALL graduate level work is considered when calculating an applicant’s GPA. We expect an applicant to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on ALL previous master’s level work.

What are my options if my GPA is too low?

If you just missed the mark but have required leveling work to complete, you may be able to bring your GPA up that way. If you don’t have required leveling work, or your GPA is far below the 3.5 mark, we recommend pursuing the ThM program as a way of continuing into PhD work.

Can I submit my application before finishing my current degree?

Yes, you can send us an unofficial transcript for the admissions process. If you are admitted to the program, you will be granted an acceptance that is contingent on the completion of your current degree. Once your degree is conferred, please request an official transcript to be forwarded to us.

NOTE: It take several weeks after graduation for transcripts to show the degree was conferred. So, confirm that the institution has had time to confer the degree on your transcript before requesting it be sent to us.

Where do I submit my transcripts?

Please submit official transcripts directly to the Office of PhD Studies. If your institution sends transcripts electronically, please have them sent to phd@sebts.edu.

What is the address of the PhD office?

Office of PhD Studies
SEBTS: Carson Hall 204
P.O. Box 1889
244 N. Wingate Street
Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889

What is the role of the Major Professor?

Your Major Professor will serve as a guide throughout your entire doctoral experience. Alongside the Office of PhD Studies, your Major Professor will provide assistance as to which seminars to register for and aid in determining the research language(s) you will need to show proficiency in. During the year of mentorship, the professor will meet with you on a regular basis to help fill gaps in your knowledge, prepare you for comprehensive exams, and preparing a prospectus. They will continue to guide you through to the completion of your dissertation.

How do you choose a Major Professor? How do I find out who may serve in that role?

Choosing a Major Professor is your responsibility and something that should not be taken lightly. The professor you choose is somebody you will be working with during your entire time in the doctoral program. You are welcome to talk with us in the office and we will make suggestions as to who may serve in that role. Professors enjoy hearing from applicants such as yourself and typically want to set up a time where you can either have a phone conversation or talk over Zoom or Teams.

Once a Major Professor agrees to serve in that role, what are the next steps?

Once you have determined who you wish to work with and the professor has agreed, you will be able to enter the professor’s name in the application and send him/her the Major Professor Evaluation to complete. When the professor completes the form, then we know that you all have spoken, and he/she is willing to work with you if you are accepted.

References

How many personal references are required?

There are a total of 5 personal references (2 academic references, 1 pastor reference, and 2 character references).

Who can serve as my academic references?

Professors who can provide information regarding your ability to do high level academic research. It is suggested that one of the academic references be from a professor in the area of study you are pursuing. Your Major Professor MAY NOT serve as an academic reference.

I have been out of school for a long time, and I am not sure any of my previous professors would remember me. Who do I ask in this case?
We suggest that you select individuals that know how you respond in an academic type setting. Once you arrive at a few individuals, we would ask that you email or call us so that we can talk about your choices, prior to you requesting they complete the reference.

Who can serve as a pastor reference?

Any non-family member who serves as your pastor and who has known you for at least 1 year. If you currently serve as pastor of a church, we ask that if the church has other pastors on staff, that one of them complete this form on your behalf. If you are the only pastor on staff, then choose a pastor to complete the form whom you consider to be a mentor, whether formally or informally.

Who can serve as character references?

Any non-family member who has known you for at least 2 years.

Recommendations

What is the Church Recommendation and who should I ask to complete this form?

The Church Recommendation confirms that the church you entered is where your current membership is held. The form also asks whether your church cooperates and is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This form can be completed by the pastor, but oftentimes an Administrative Assistant, Church Clerk or Church Secretary completes this form.

Who completes the Major Professor Evaluation?

You will need to select a Major Professor, a professor from SEBTS who will work alongside you as you move through our program. You will need to meet with and get a tentative agreement from a potential Major Professor before you enter their information on your application.

How do I find a professor to serve in the role of Major Professor if I am not attending SEBTS?

If you are looking for someone to serve as your Major Professor and do not know where to begin, we provide a Major Professor Directory upon request. The directory lists professors who can serve in that role, what areas of study they can oversee, what their areas of expertise are and how to contact them. They enjoy hearing from applicants such as yourself and typically set up a time where you can either have a phone conversation or talk over Zoom or Teams.

Can my Major Professor also serve as an Academic Reference?

Your Major Professor may NOT serve as one of your academic references. Major Professors are required to complete a separate evaluation that serves as their recommendation.

What should my spouse include in their statement?

Your spouse should write about 250 words. It should include a testimony of your spouse’s conversion experience and sincere commitment to Jesus Christ, and a statement of his/her commitment to support you in the pursuit of your studies.

International students must complete two different application processes, one academic and one legal. Academically, acceptance is based on the admissions portfolio (i.e. application, references, TOEFL exam, etc.). Legally, acceptance is based on the result of the international paperwork (i.e. visa, I-20, etc.). An international student must be accepted academically AND legally before he/she will receive a student visa and a formal letter officially accepting him/her into the Ph.D. program as an international student. In addition, international students are required to pay a deposit before being issued an I-20. The deposit is currently $2,500 for a single student and $3,500 for a married student.

All inquiries concerning applications to the PhD program may be emailed to the office coordinator at phd@sebts.edu.