• TCH501- Introduction to Eschatology is open to the public and can be taken without Sword & Spirit acceptance or enrollment. It is a free course.

Simply register for the site (free), go to FREE PUBLIC ENDTIME COURSE, and click the link to start the course.

• Additionally, CTSP504 The Visual Voice of God 6-part course series is open to the public and offered at $100 off the standard tuition rate to non-students. 15 Keys to Interpretation for Prophetic Dreamers was originally offered at PropheticDreamers.com, and carries with it a significant number of students and reviews.  A new 2-part series‒ also offered as part of The Visusal Voice of God course series (and by the same author)‒ is 88 Decoding Exercises for Prophetic Dreamers,

Sword & Spirit Seminary‒ a federal 501(c)(3)‒ has been accredited by the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions since 2020. For further detail, visit SSS Accreditation or AAATI.

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. (Two of the textbooks in this program are also required REFERENCE BOOKS for the Degree Completion Department).

Affordable. There are gifted men and women of God across the globe who feel called to deeper ministry but cannot access formal preparation because tuition costs eclipse their personal or regional economy. Sword & Spirit exists to remove that barrier. By delivering courses online, streamlining non‑essential add‑ons, and negotiating textbook licensing, we keep tuition at the lowest sustainable rate. A full MDiv from us typically costs 64 %–85 % less than comparable accredited programs, yet the instruction comes from the same caliber of scholars featured in premier seminaries. While we forego some premium “extras,” every course retains the academic rigor, biblical fidelity, and ministry relevance students need—making the program a rare combination of affordability and genuine value.

Balanced & Respectful. At Sword & Spirit, we refuse to tip the scales toward mere academics or unchecked experience; we value the Word and the Spirit in equal measure. Core doctrines—such as the authority of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, and salvation by grace—remain immovable. Yet on secondary issues we present several credible voices, inviting students to examine topics like eschatology, Cessationism vs Continuationism, the Calvinism/Arminianism question, and spiritual callings from multiple angles. Our team is racially diverse, and our 40 + curriculum authors represent evangelical, charismatic, traditional, and orthodox institutions, offering a library of viewpoints seldom gathered in one place. You are encouraged to weigh evidence prayerfully, discuss respectfully, and emerge with convictions tested rather than inherited—cultivating the kind of theological maturity today’s church desperately needs.

Intentional & Flexible. Every course in the catalog has been prayerfully selected for direct, practical impact—not simply to fill credit hours. We concentrate on areas veteran pastors and missionaries say are most lacking in new leaders: comparative religion, apologetics, evangelism strategy, exegesis, expository preaching, historical theology, deliverance counseling, and prophetic ministry. Specialty offerings—like Deliverance Counseling Foundations & Practice, Theological Roots of the U.S. Constitution, and a complimentary Introduction to Eschatology—equip you to speak into the cultural, political, and spiritual crises of our era. Together these subjects form a cohesive, purpose‑built curriculum aimed at strengthening churches, advancing missions, and preparing graduates for real‑world ministry the moment they step off the virtual stage with diploma in hand. You’ll also enjoy flexibility in your academic journey—with elective options and course selections that align with your calling, interests, and ministry goals.

Doable. Rigorous study should stretch you, not break you. To that end, each course carries one of the 5 clear difficulty designations, and chapter study-guides that preview exam content— eliminating blind‑spot surprises and lowering test anxiety. Students without a bachelor’s degree can still pursue graduate work through our four‑course Bridge track, proving mastery of foundational skills before stepping into the MDiv or DMin. As a bonus, up to 20 credit-hours is allowed for M/Div Credit for Unaccredited Verified Ministry Courses & Pastoral Experience! Busy bivocational pastors, missionaries in remote fields, and parents balancing homeschool duties have all completed programs here by pacing themselves wisely. In short, the framework is robust enough to challenge scholars yet flexible enough to let ordinary believers cross the finish line with confidence.

Excellent Content. Accreditation and quality is never sacrificed on the altar of affordability. Our core textbooks and video lectures come from acclaimed theologians, biblical scholars, and ministry practitioners drawn from more than fifty respected seminaries and universities worldwide. Authors include best‑selling apologists, pioneering church historians, veteran missionaries, seasoned pastors, and gifted professors who have shaped Christian thought for decades. Their collective expertise ensures academic depth, doctrinal soundness, and ministry relevance in every lesson. Even though we forego flashier (and pricier) tech add‑ons, we channel resources directly into acquiring top‑tier scholarship—so your learning is anchored in excellence over expediencey.

Self‑Paced. Time is one of the rarest commodities in modern life, and rigid academic calendars can turn a calling into an impossibility. That’s why Sword & Spirit operates without semesters, schedule-based groups, paced cohorts, fixed schedules, or hard deadlines. You can enroll on Monday, start when your textbook arrives, pause for a mission trip, and resume the day you return—never losing credit or paying extra fees. Early‑morning commuters stream lectures on the subway; overseas missionaries download materials in off‑grid regions; night‑shift workers tackle assignments at 2 a.m. Because the classroom is open 24/7/365—you alone set the rhythm: accelerate through lighter seasons, slow down when responsibilities rise, and graduate on the timeline God designs for you rather than one imposed by an academic registrar.

• The curriculum authors we have selected represent a wide range of academic institutions and hold a diversity of perspectives from within Christendom.

The classically and historically accepted core doctrines of the Christian faith are non-negotiable. Beyond that, we’re committed to encouraging scholarly quests for truth in secondary and controversial areas of the faith in order to encourage critical thinking‒ at times, presenting opposing, alternative, or counter viewpoints for students to examine. This can be the case, in topics such as eschatology, Cessationism vs Continuationism, Dispensationalism, the Calvinism/Arminianism question, and spiritual callings.

We consider ourselves exceptional in that we believe in our students… and in their ability to think critically. Exposure to differing secondary theological interpretations allows students the freedom to form their own perspectives on non-essential doctrines.

Our primary 40+ authors represent over 50 diverse educational institutions… institutions regarded as evangelical, traditional, charismatic, and orthodox.

While a good deal of curriculum authors come from Evangelical-leaning scholars, the contributions of the Full-Gospel scholars also abound and are just as vital. The Biblical Interpretation and Preaching Department, for instance, includes a Presbyterian, two Full-Gospel scholars, a Woman, an African-American church pastor, and a number of Evangelicals.

• Again,  on topics such as Dispensationalism, the Voice of God Today, End-time Prophecy, Rapture Timing, Calvinism vs Arminianism, Egalitarian vs Complementarianism… and then thoughtfully come to their own theological conclusions.

• Sword & Spirit’s leadership team itself is diverse, comprised of not only of a variety of spiritual and denominational perspectives, but also meaningful ethnic/racial diversity.

• Again, the curriculum authors we have selected represent a wide range of academic institutions and hold a diversity of perspectives from within Christendom.

Successful completion of our Master’s and Doctorate degrees is within reach for students from all walks of life. 

Rigorous study should stretch you, not break you. To that end, each course carries one of the 5 clear difficulty designations, and chapter study-guides that preview exam content— eliminating blind‑spot surprises and lowering test anxiety.

Students without a bachelor’s degree can still pursue graduate work through our four‑course Bridge track, proving mastery of foundational skills before stepping into the MDiv or DMin.

As a bonus, up to 20 credit-hours is allowed for M/Div Credit for Unaccredited Verified Ministry Courses & Pastoral Experience! Busy bivocational pastors, missionaries in remote fields, and parents balancing homeschool duties have all completed programs here by pacing themselves wisely.

In short, the framework is robust enough to challenge scholars yet flexible enough to let ordinary believers cross the finish line with confidence.

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, verification & 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.

• 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, verification and approval). Administrative transfer fees apply.

• We are also willing to consider providing credit for applicable courses 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 apply.

Self‑Paced. Time is one of the rarest commodities in modern life, and rigid academic calendars can turn a calling into an impossibility. That’s why Sword & Spirit operates without semesters, schedule-based groups, paced cohorts, fixed schedules, or hard deadlines.

You can enroll on Monday, start when your textbook arrives, pause for a mission trip, and resume the day you return—never losing credit or paying extra fees. Early‑morning commuters stream lectures on the subway; overseas missionaries download materials in off‑grid regions; night‑shift workers tackle assignments at 2 a.m.

Because the classroom is open 24/7/365—you alone set the rhythm: accelerate through lighter seasons, slow down when responsibilities rise, and graduate on the timeline God designs for you rather than one imposed by an academic registrar.

Most courses require textbooks which students are asked to purchase on-line through the Amazon links on our site. Some books may be available for check out from a nearby public or seminary library (non-student library cards are sometimes available at local seminaries).

We continue to work on supplying study-aids and guidelines to help students understand what to look for when reading. Beyond that, some courses utilize video-lessons, PowerPoints, standard text materials, completion of a workbook at home, or writing chapter summaries.

QUIZZES and FINALS are auto-corrected. In order to keep costs down, assignments requiring instructor response are limited to curriculum for which mentoring is particularly helpful, such as within the Biblical Interpretation and Preaching and Counseling and Transformation department. Forums are more often utilized, for example, than assignments.

Each course has it’s own evaluation component grid. Grading scale is generous. Less than 60% gernerally requires a course retake to obtain credit (not documented on transcript). Administrative fees apply.

The COURSE DIFFICULTY RATING SYSTEM was put in place not only to help students decide which courses to take, be also, when to take them. Sometimes it’s wise to successfully complete easier courses before more difficult ones. The ratings are based on several factors such as: subject difficulty, textbook author writing style, expected incoming familiarity of material, amount of material, detail expected to be retained, whether prerequisites are required, length of book chapters, whether study guides are provided, whether midterms and finals are included; and whether video, DVD or Power-Point lessons are included.

E (Easy)

This designation indicates the course falls at the simplest end of the academic spectrum compared to other offerings. Most factors considered — such as workload, subject depth, and quiz demands — contribute to the course being classified as easy.

C (Comfortable)

This rating signifies the course is on the easier side of the spectrum, though not at the lowest level. The volume of material is moderate, and the number of quiz questions is neither large nor small. The curriculum may be intentionally designed with limited depth. Overall, the course should be manageable and comfortable for the majority of students.

S (Sizable)

This designation indicates that the course remains comfortable in terms of comprehension and assessment, but includes a larger volume of material than typical “comfortable” courses. The subject matter is accessible, with quiz demands aligned to the depth of the content. What sets a sizable course apart is its expanded scope—more textbook chapters, lessons, or instructional hours—requiring additional time while staying manageable for most students..

R (Rigorous)

Courses classified as rigorous invite students to explore subjects in greater depth. Because detail is important for these topics, rigorous courses typically offer more material and a richer level of content to absorb and retain. With steady engagement, these courses remain accessible and are in no way overwhelming. They are designed to foster meaningful academic and spiritual growth and to yield deeper educational benefits.

F (Formidable)

This category signals that the course demands exceptional commitment, intense concentration, and sustained study to succeed— particularly on quizzes and assessments. Such courses can be overwhelming for some students and are intended for those seeking a significant academic challenge. Sword & Spirit Seminary currently does not offer any courses classified as formidable, in keeping with our educational mission.

For your convenience, further details are provided on our COURSE DIFFICULTY DESIGNATIONS page.

You choose your pace. Completion of MDiv may take 18-24 months or more depending several factors including whether you are working as a full or part time student, and whether you are bringing previous coursework into the program.

Acceptance into the seminary is solely based on submission of contact information/geographic location and verifications of educational status and personal character. Additional information about students is asked only AFTER acceptance, during the enrollment process so we can get to know each student as an individual.

• Required documents consist of college transcripts for students who earned Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degrees or have taken college courses… as well as at least one reference letter. These can be scanned and uploaded (preferred) or mailed directly from educational institutions or letter authors (slower).

Applicants unable to submit transcripts expediently at the time of application are asked to submit a copy of their college diploma (if applicable and possible) for initial educational status verification. Transcripts are only required as solid educational status verification, with grades ignored.

Applicants for our Bridge Program WITHOUT college credits are asked to upload proof of GED or High School graduation. Exceptions are possible.

There are gifted men and women of God across the globe who feel called to deeper ministry but cannot access formal preparation because tuition costs eclipse their personal or regional economy.

Sword & Spirit exists to remove that barrier. By delivering courses online, streamlining non-essential add-ons, negotiating textbook licensing, and operating as a 501(c)(3) U.S. federal nonprofit, we keep tuition at the lowest sustainable rate… a fraction of the cost of similar degrees elsewhere.

A full MDiv from us typically costs 64 %–85 % less than comparable accredited programs, yet the instruction comes from the same caliber of scholars featured in premier seminaries. While we forego some premium “extras,” every course retains the academic rigor, biblical fidelity, and ministry relevance students need—making the program a rare combination of affordability and genuine value.

There is a $20 fee to apply. After an applicant receives email notification of acceptance into one of the programs, applicants enroll according to enrollment instructions.

• Enrollment consists of paying the $45 ENROLLMENT FEE. There are additional administrative fees for transfer students.

• Based on $70 per credit hour (TCH501 course is free), students select a tution plan in accordance with their projected graduation date. Should a student’s pace prove notably different than projected, monthly tuition will be adjusted accordingly.

Yes. The four DMin REQUIRED COURSES are also available to be taken as MDiv Electives.

• *TCH504‒ Overview of Church History (DMin required)‒ C-3
• *LEC601‒ Contemporary Social Issues & Ethics (DMin required)‒ R-3
• *CTSP601‒ Deliverance Counseling Foundations (DMin required)‒ C-4
• *CTSP602‒ CTSP602‒ Navigating The Pastoral Counseling Process (DMin required)‒ C-3

The three DMin ELECTIVE COURSES are also available to be taken as MDiv Electives.

• *BIP601‒ New Testament Greek: An Overview (DMin elective)‒ R-3
• *TCH601‒ The Women in Ministry Controversy (DMin elective)‒ R-4
• *TCH610.1‒ Introduction to Systematic Theology: Scripture (DMin elective)‒ E-2

Community and social interaction are promoted initially through the Forum Topic Discussions included in some of the courses. Additional interaction possibilities are under consideration. Specifically, we are considering a feature that will allow students to acquire “friends” to individually chat with within the seminary site.

The credit-hours that exceed the 72 required in the Master of Divinity Degree do not roll over into the Doctorate of Ministries program; however, the four DMin required courses are available to MDiv students (to be replaced by electives if they go on to earn a Doctorate).

We are delighted to see ministers with a thirst for the things of God. Therefore, those who have earned both Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministries enjoy substantial alumni discounts on the purchase of further courses, which may add supplemental certifications. Inquire for further details.