Academics | Associate degrees | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Associate Degrees

Associate of Divinity

Practical ministry preparation

Complete the degree online

Designed for those called to ministry later in life

60-hour program

Made for Ministry Preparation

The Associate of Divinity degree through The College at Southeastern was designed with pastors in mind. The program will equip you with the tools necessary to serve God and minister to your people through preaching, teaching, counseling and administration in the local church.

What’s more, the A.Div. is only available to those over 30. It is serious study, for those who are serious about their faith and serious about serving God through the local church.

Classes in the 60-hour A.Div. program include five semesters of intense work in biblical studies, including six hours each of Old Testament and New Testament and three hours of hermeneutics. Nine hours of theology training provides a backbone for sound thinking. What’s more, there are four semesters of foundational pastoral ministry training, including practical topics like preaching and counseling.

General studies in the A.Div. program include English, history, computer training and more.

Designed for Flexible Delivery

Many students move to Wake Forest and complete their A.Div. in two years of full time study. But there are others who wish to remain where they are and work on their degree, and our program makes that possible.

The entire 60-hour degree program can be completed online, or students can take a combination of online and on-campus course offerings to complete their degree. For more information about online class offerings – including eligibility, schedule of classes, and more – call our Student Development office at 1-800-284-6317 or e-mail distancelearning@sebts.edu.

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree is a College program designed to provide students with the Christian background and foundation that is needed for informed lay leadership in the local church. In addition, the degree is designed as a two-year college transfer program. Students should consult the institution to which they intend to transfer in order to determine admission and transfer requirements.

Associate of Arts classes include History of Ideas, Western Civilization, Old and New Testament Introductions, and Christian Theology.

Can I get into the A.Div. program if I am under 30?

No. The program is designed for those with life experience and are called to serve God through the local church, particularly the pastorate. For those under 30 who wish to pursue a two-year degree, think about our Associate of Arts program instead.

Can I transfer college credit from another school into the A.Div. program?

Possibly. The A.Div. degree is very focused on ministry preparation, but we make every effort to work with our students on transfer credit. For more information, our Student Development team can put you in contact with our Registrar’s Office.

What If I get into the A.Div. program and then decide I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree instead?

No problem. Every class in the A.Div. program would count toward The College at Southeastern’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree. All you would need to do is let the Registrar’s Office know of your desire to change programs and fill out a few forms.

How much does the program cost?

Associate of Divinity students are charged the same undergraduate tuition rate as other college students. For those taking classes online, an online class fee also applied. For current tuition rates and fees, click here.

Can I pursue a master’s degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary after I complete the A.Div.?

No. All of the master’s programs at Southeastern require a bachelor’s degree for admission. But as noted above, the A.Div. credits can easily be transferred to our bachelor’s program for those who wish to pursue a master’s degree after college.