Can I get credit for life experience or non-accredited ministry courses?
We believe that life experience can be exponentially more educational than ‘book-learnin.’ On the other hand, there are topics not only relevant, but critical to ministering biblically, effectively, and powerfully. Our graduate programs are designed to equip ministers soundly and thoroughly. And we want students to be challenged and proud of what they have achieved.
For those reasons, we allow a limited number of credits for documented courses taken within churches and other ministries, exceptional life experience, and pastoral and ministry experience.
• Our Master of Divinity Program allows up to 20 credits for any combination of documented unaccredited coursework, pastoral ministry, missionary work, and exceptional life experience (per compatibility & approval). Administrative fees apply.
• Our Doctor of Ministries Program does NOT allow credits for unaccredited coursework, pastoral ministry, missionary work, or exceptional life experience.
Contact should be made during or after the enrollment process to discuss whether any of these options may be applicable and what verifications will be expected.
Can I Transfer in Accredited Courses From Other Institutions?
• Sword & Spirit Seminary accepts transfer credits from other accredited seminaries for either graduate program‒ generally up to 30 credits in the MDiv program, and up to 20 credits in the DMin program (per compatibility & approval). Administrative transfer fees apply.
• We are also willing to consider providing credit for applicable course from other accredited Master’s Degree Programs (such as counseling or leadership), and possibly even accredited undergraduate courses.
Contact should be made during or after the enrollment process to discuss whether any of these options may be applicable. Transcripts can be sent to [email protected]. Administrative transfer fees also apply.
What if I Haven’t Earned a Bachelor’s Degree?
Sword & Spirit Seminary features a MDiv Bridge Program for students who have not yet earned a Bachelor Degree and would like to earn a Master of Divinity.
Similar programs are in place at institutions like Loyola University, Boston University, Kent State, Arizona State, Florida Tech, American University, Creighton University and Regis University titled with terms such as Integrated, Accelerated, Dual or Combined with additional course requirements and some courses earning dual credit.
The Sword & Spirit Seminary BRIDGE PROGRAM for students without Bachelor degrees consists of just four 2-credit courses enabling new students to complete the Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry Degrees. These 4 courses must be completed before entrance into the MDiv Program.