Covenant
Bible College & Theological Seminary
F.A.Q.
How do I get a copy of your most recent catalog?
Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary's current Course Catalog is an electronic document available online [click here]. The Seminary no longer publishes it in hard copy.
How do I request information about Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary for myself or a friend?
You may request information through the Administrative Office by completing the online request form or by calling: 502-365-5571.
What are the admissions deadlines?
You may apply for admission to the Seminary at any time. To allow enough time to process your application, we require that all application materials be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the session you wish to begin classes.
You should allow for more time if you:
Specific deadlines have been established to help you plan when your application materials should all be submitted.
Things that may slow or delay processing your application:
How do I check my application or admissions status?
Throughout your application for admissions, the School will stay in contact with you through emails or phone calls. You should receive an update by email every 14 days listing any materials remaining to be submitted.
When all your application materials have been submitted, we will contact you to schedule an admissions interview. It is important that you contact us if you feel your application is complete but you have not scheduled an interview.
How many credits should I plan to take my first session?
All Full-time students take 15 credits per session. Part-time students should plan to take between 6 and 9 credits. It is important to become familiar with college and graduate level work before taking on a heavy course load. Students are encouraged to coordinate with their faculty advisor.
How do I access the Seminary's Online Courses?
The Seminary's Online Virtual Classroom is available by visiting: CBCTS Virtual Classroom
What are the Admission standards (requirements)?
Visit the Admission Policies page for a list of entrance requirements for all Degree programs.
How do I apply?
Fill out the online application on the Online Application page, or contact us for procedures and instructions on how to apply through the mail.
What is the admissions interview?
After completing all the steps the application and submitting all application materials you will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview. This is the final step before your application is sent to our admissions committee for an admissions decision.
The admissions interview will be conducted over the phone with a member of our enrollment staff. The interview will be 20 to 30 minutes in length and will allow us to get to know you personally.
What degree programs do you offer and what is a Dual Degree?
Visit the Degree Programs page for information on all of the Seminary's degree programs, including Dual Degrees. Visit the Diploma Programs page for information on all of the Seminary's diploma (non-degree) programs.
How much is tuition?
Tuition is based on the academic program in which the student enrolls. Tuition and fees for all Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral programs can be found on the Tuition and Fees page. Tuition Financing is available, for details visit the Monthly Tuition Payment page. Additional student fees will be charged in addition to the per credit hour cost on an annual basis.
Do I have to buy a computer?
All students will need to have reliable access to a sufficient computer with internet access to attend the required online lectures and complete their course work. This is fully explained on the Computer Standards page in the Student Handbook.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary is a unique spirit-filled educational experience. We offer all of our academic programs in an accelerated format, meaning that students are at liberty to study and complete the requisite course of study at their own pace. Therefore, the student can complete the requirements for his/her degree program in as little time as possible.
Is the Seminary accredited?
Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary is accredited by the World-Wide Accrediting Commission of Christian Educational Institutions (WWAC) to award associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary is also fully accredited by the National Association of Private Theological Institutions (NAPTI), and the National Bible College Association (NBCA). For further information concerning our accreditation status [click here]
What separates Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary from the "diploma mills" springing up on the Internet?
There are several standards that set Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary, and any legitimate institution, apart from the diploma mills:
Curriculum Standards: A legitimate institution sets real, definable curriculum standards, based on historical good practice, for each of its programs.
Instructional Delivery: A legitimate institution requires its learners to undertake instruction, either from its own faculty, or from providers who have been accredited or approved based on a rigorous approval model.
Authorization: Legitimate authorization involves the institution placing itself under the oversight of a duly appointed, sanctioned approval body. A legitimate institution grants degrees under the authority of the government agency in the state or country in which it operates.
Faculty Standards: A legitimate institution will contract with and employ faculty members who are appropriately qualified to teach in their disciplines, diverse in their educational backgrounds, and committed to academic excellence.
Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary does not have a regional secular accreditation. If you desire to pursue a degree for secular employment, a degree with Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary may not be the right choice for you. CBCTS does not guarantee a job or ordination in any specific market or ministry. Although NAPTI and WWAC accredits our degrees, CBCTS is not listed at this time with a U.S. Department of Education-approved accreditation agency, and a CBCTS degree is NOT specifically suited for people pursuing secular jobs such as public school teachers, state university professors, and state-licensed counselors or psychologists, among other vocations requiring state licensure.
How do I transfer credits from another school?
A maximum of 25% of the total credits of a student's Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary degree may come from transfer credits earned at recognized, accredited schools and accredited seminaries. Requests for credit transfer will be considered by the University on a case-by-case basis.
To request the transfer of credits, students must submit the Transfer of Credit Hours Request Form, available upon request [click here]. The maximum allowable transfer credits for the Seminary's degrees are as follows:
Master of Arts: 15 hrs. of 60 (Joint Degree: 12 hrs. of 48)
Master of Divinity: 22 hrs. of 90 (Joint Degree: 18 hrs. of 72)
Doctor of Ministry: 8 hrs. of 30
What will my diploma say?
Items that are included on your diploma:
- Your name
- Your school
- Your degree
Items that are not included on your diploma:
- Your program
- Your concentration track
What will my diploma look like?
All diplomas are custom printed bearing the recipient's name, diploma/degree earned and graduation date, along with the signatures of the authorized officers and the gold seal of the Seminary.
What is a program?
The set of courses and planned sequence of study necessary to certify competence and receive recognition in the chosen field. This typically consists of courses in the general theological fields (biblical studies, church history, doctrine, practical ministry, theology) and complementary courses required to provide breadth and depth in an area of study.
The terminology used for the program usually parallels the primary area of study associated with the degree even if there are other courses required (example: Biblical Interpretation, Christian Doctrine and History, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology, Missiology).
What is a Diploma?
Specialized area of focused study consisting of 12 credits or more in a subject area.
The University offers three diplomas, they are:
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Education
- Church Administration
- Pastoral Ministry
Specific information about these diplomas can be found on the Diploma Programs page.
Where can I find the syllabi for my courses?
Course syllabi are found in two places. The first is in the Course Description and Outline that was emailed to you by your Instructor. Links to syllabi are also located on the syllabus depot in the Student Center.
What is Distance Education?
Distance Education is the process of learning, researching, and interacting outside of a campus environment. In the past, instructional courses taken at a distance were considered "correspondence studies," "correspondence courses," or "independent studies." With the technological advancement of computers and internet communication, distance education has been elevated to new heights, enabling the teacher and student to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Students have never before had as many options for receiving a quality education as are available today through online learning.
Can I earn my entire degree online?
The Seminary is accredited by the World-Wide Accrediting Commission of Christian Educational Institutions (WWAC) and the National Association of Private Theological Institutions (NAPTI) to award associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees through Online Education at the maximum percentage that these accrediting organizations allow. All of our courses are offered vial online video conferencing, providing the student the required lectures, classroom interaction and instruction required to earn your degree totally from the comfort of their own home or office.
I am a busy person; how do I earn this degree?
One of the major advantages of Online Learning/Distance Education is that students do not have to move to campus, uprooting family, finding new jobs and getting planted in new congregations. This allows students to stay connected to their ministry. When our Online/Distance Education students participate in graduation ceremonies, they can feel confident that they have earned the same quality degree and worked just as hard as students who are on campus.
In fact, the excellent quality and rigor of our Online/Distance programs is what allows them to be accredited. Earning an accredited Associate, Bachelor or Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree takes time, commitment, dedication and hard work. Also, most of our students are busy with many responsibilities in addition to their studies. Graduate studies are not for everyone. If you cannot allot sufficient time in your schedule to devote to study right now, then we encourage you to wait until you can. Preparation for Christian ministry is a holy endeavor that deserves your attention and best effort.
Where do I purchase my textbooks as an Online Learning student?
Students may purchase their textbooks from the Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary Bookstore. Be certain that you purchase the correct version or edition of the required text that is required by your Instructor and listed on the course syllabus. Always follow the course syllabus concerning textbooks that are required for the course, or you may end up purchasing materials you do not need. If you have questions, contact your Course Facilitator (Instructor, Teacher, Professor).
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Last Updated: December 4, 2009