I'm Called to Ministry.
What Next?
God has called me to serve Him in the area of vocational ministry. Why should seminary be a part of that call and why would Southwestern be the place to go?
The Journey Starts Here
Start Here
I'm Called to Ministry.
I'm
ready to start the admission process.
What is the
right program for me?
I'd
like to learn
more about Southwestern Seminary.
God has called me to ...
- I'm Not Sure?
- Pastor a Church
- Missions
- Lead Students & Families
- Church Planting
- Lead Worship & Music
- Women's Ministry
- Biblical Counseling
I'm not sure
You sense the Lord calling you to ministry, but you're not quite sure what that looks like. No problem. Southwestern has several degree options that cover a broad range of ministry callings. The Master of Divinity (M.Div.), our most popular degree program, provides comprehensive training for future ministry in the local church, the mission field or para-church ministry.
Degree Options
Let's Get Started
If you plan to become a student of Southwestern Seminary within the next 12 months, complete the Application for Admission. You may also contact the Admissions Office to request that we mail you an Application for Admission. Former students of Southwestern can be re-admitted. Those who have not attended within the past three years will have to apply as a new student. Within a three-year time period from previous enrollment at Southwestern, former students may be re-admitted through the Office of the Registrar.
Helpful Links
Application for Admission
If you already have an account, click on Continue Application or Check Status and then enter your e-mail address and password to login.
If you do not have an account, click on Start Application and enter e-mail address and desired password to create an account.
Financial Information
Student Fees and Payment Overview
The standard fee rates apply to all students unless they are members of a Southern Baptist church. The Southern Baptist Cooperative Program generously provides a scholarship that in most programs pays half the tuition for *Southern Baptist students. Student fee payments vary from student to student depending on the program of study. All student fees are subject to change without notice.
2012-2013 Tuition
| SBC | Non-SBC | |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Fort Worth only) | $235/hour | $470/hour |
| Master's (Fort Worth) | $200/hour | $400/hour |
| Master's (non-Fort Worth) | $235/hour | $470/hour |
| School of Church Music Tuition | $215/hour | $430/hour |
| Online ($270 Internet registration fee per class) | $200/hour | $400/hour |
*Denominational affiliation is determined initially by the church endorsement form submitted with the student’s application to Southwestern Seminary. After admission, denominational affiliation is confirmed by the yearly certification of church membership. Questions about denominational affiliation can be directed to the Admissions Office for prospective students or the Registrar's Office for students renewing their yearly certification.
Financial Aid
Nearly 75 percent of the students enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary receive some type of financial assistance in the form of non-federal loans, grants and scholarships. The Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention and some general endowed funds defray the majority of academic costs for Southern Baptist students to attend Southwestern Seminary.
The Financial Aid Program assists students who demonstrate financial need through:
- Southern Baptist Convention Cooperative Program Funds
- Institutional Endowment
- Scholarships
- Non-Federal Private Loans (limited to tuition, fees, and books)
Information and applications for scholarships, financial aid grants, and loans are available from the Student Financial Aid Office. Note: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary does not participate in any Federal or State, Loan or Grant programs.
Current Available Scholarships
There are currently more than 30 external scholarships which have deadlines between September and October. You can explore these scholarship opportunities by clicking the link below.
Food Ministry Opportunity
By following this link www.angelfoodministries.org you will access a national food ministry that offers high quality food for minimal cost. Each month this organization develops a new menu and allows individuals to sign up through local sponsor churches/organizations. They will make deliveries to those locations at specified times and you will pick up the food at that location. Those that have used this ministry have greatly appreciated it. Browse the host sites and find a location near you.
General Scholarship Thank You Letters
All scholarship recipients are required to submit two copies of a Thank You Letter to the Office of Financial Aid office. Students who are negligent in submitting Thank You Letters by their deadline, for any reason, will have their scholarship removed, and will not be eligible for appeal. You may download the Thank You Letter Instructions by clicking here.
Office of Financial Aid
SWBTS
PO Box 22510
Fort Worth, TX 76122
817.923.1921 x3080
College Students
In the College at Southwestern, you will be trained and equipped to love and intelligently study God's Word, to engage the culture, and to take the truth of the Gospel to your neighbors and the nations.
Visit the College SiteUndergraduate
Application Checklist
- Immunization Form- required for applicants 19 years old and younger.
- College applicants must provide official test scores from either the ACT or SAT. There is no minimum score required. For information regarding obtaining your SAT/ACT score or scheduling a test please visit www.collegeboard.com
- Scores posted on High School Transcripts qualify as official test scores.
- Official High School Transcript
International Students
International students at Southwestern Seminary are required to be in compliance with all federal immigration regulations applicable to their visa type (visa status). Southwestern Seminary does not admit students who are currently in violation of their statuses with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formerly known U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Prospective and returning International students should contact the Office of International Student Services (ISS) in order to comply with the proper admissions procedures. International students are allowed to enroll only at the Fort Worth and the J. Dalton Havard campuses. New International students can begin only during the Fall or Spring semesters.
Application Process for International Students
Statement of Financial Support
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that all F-1 visa students provide evidence of adequate financial support, as noted in #10 (Financial Support) on page 2 of students' I-20 document: "You must demonstrate that you are financially able to support yourself for the entire period of stay in the United States while pursuing a full course of study." Hence, students who have dependents must provide adequate financial support for all his or her dependents.
Written Communication Course
A Written Communication Course is now required for all graduate level students for whom English is a second language and English speakers who do not come to seminary with the requisite number of college level English courses. This is a two-hour course and students must enroll during the first semester at Southwestern Seminary. Academic credit will be given for the master's level students, but cannot be used as elective credits in the degree programs.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
All permanent residents and international applicants who are citizens of a country where English is not their first language must take the TOEFL and have the score sent to the Admissions Office. A minimum score of 213 on the computer-based exam or 79 on the internet-based exam is required for master level applicants. Southwestern's institutional code is 6668. Doctoral requirements may be higher; please consult the section of the Academic Catalog pertaining to the specific degree in question. To schedule a time to take the test, visit www.ets.org/toefl.
Transcript Evaluation
All transcripts of academic degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credentials evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES), PO. Box 5087, New York, NY 10274-5087. A baccalaureate degree equivalency is required for entry into a master level program. If the applicant has post-baccalaureate work in theological study for transfer, it must be at the master level and include subject breakdown. A copy of the evaluation results should be sent directly to Southwestern from the evaluation service. This transcript evaluation is to be requested and paid for by the applicant.
Permanent Residence Card
All Resident Alien applicants must provide a copy of their Permanent Residence Card I-551 (Green Card) with the application. The Green Card is issued to all Permanent Residents as proof that they have been granted eligibility to live and work in the United States.
R-1 Visa and Other Non-F-1 Visa Types
An applicant classified as R-1 status for religious work must furnish a copy of the R-1 visa along with the I-94 and employment verification letter from his or her current employer. All other visa types should contact the Office of International Student Services regarding specific admission policies related to their visa statuses.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: April 1
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: Not eligible to begin in summer semester
Office of International Student Services
- Karen Stetson, Director
- 817.923.1921 x3970
- iss@swbts.edu
Accepted, what's next?
Congratulations! You have been accepted to Southwestern and may be wondering what comes next. This page is designed to give you the information you need to complete the process of becoming a Southwestern student. The first thing on your list is to complete academic advising and registration.
Academic Advising and Registration
For Academic Advising, please contact the Office of Admissions at 817.923.1921 x2700, and an admissions ambassador will be happy to assist you in setting up your class schedule. Academic Advising and Registration for International Students will take place at the International Student Orientation on August 14th - 15th.
New Student Orientation
During orientation you will have the opportunity to meet Southwestern faculty and staff, get to know other students, and accomplish many of the tasks that will help you make the transition to a Southwestern student. At orientation you will receive your student ID card, parking decals, information about student insurance, payment arrangements, and campus technology.
Job Opportunities In Fort Worth
Why Student Housing?
- Location. Student housing places residents a short distance from student facilities on campus (i.e., classrooms, library, student center, business office, etc.). The majority of housing units are located within 4 blocks of the seminary. The longest drive is 1.1 miles to the campus (Garrett Manor).
- Quality and Service. Student housing is maintained by an in-house maintenance and landscaping team. All units are serviced and cleaned prior to arrival. After-hour emergency maintenance is addressed by an on-call maintenance representative.
- Community. Student housing offers tenants the opportunity to build lasting friendships that will enrich their educational experience and encourage future ministry.
- Economy. Student housing typically runs 15-25% less than comparable facilities in the area. Further, the convenience of location virtually eliminates the cost of commuting.
- Safety. In addition to attentive, caring neighbors, the student housing is patrolled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by a highly trained security team. Our campus security force works in concert with the FWPD and brings an added layer of protection for our residents unavailable at most apartment complexes.