Since STS is a graduate school, if you are planning on pursuing one of our master’s degrees, you will typically need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (see below). You do not need to have attended a Christian college or university, either; in fact, most of our students come from large state universities or community colleges. We will ask you for your undergraduate transcripts (if applicable), three recommendations (the forms are attached in our online application), and a background check administered during the application process. Above all, we will want to get to know you a bit; the STS admissions process is very personal and engaging, since we desire to connect with every single applicant. It is a part of the “family feel” here at STS.

If you are interested in studying at STS, but you do not have an undergraduate degree, we will admit you into our diploma program, provided you meet our other admissions requirements. Upon completion of 12 credits, if you maintain a 2.5 GPA or greater, you will be moved from the diploma program into a master’s program. If not, you will continue taking courses towards one of our diplomas. See the STS Catalog for full admissions policies and procedures.

Yes. Shepherds Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) [10 Summit Park Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15275, Telephone: 412–788–6505, Fax: 421–788–6510, Website: www.ats.edu].

Yes, STS does accept international students. Becoming an international student is a very complex process and requires significant work and resources due to US governmental regulations. We encourage all potential international applicants to read our section on International Applications. Additionally, STS does not offer scholarships to new international students, and the government will require you to prove you have significant funding for both tuition costs and living costs before they grant you a visa.

Because STS is a local-church-based seminary, we do not have on-campus housing. However, we do have a dedicated staff member who assists students with obtaining off-campus housing in the surrounding communities. Please fill out our student housing form to begin this process. While there are no guarantees of what housing is available, we are happy to help out as the Lord allows us!

On average, 7-9 credit hours per semester is considered “full time” for graduate school. Most students will take 2-3 courses each semester, which averages between 7-9 credit hours. You do not have to go full time, and we understand that many of our students are working adults who choose to study part time. Rest assured, STS will make sure you are taking a course load that you can both manage and succeed at!

Yes! STS has a diverse student population with students ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-70s. Because the Body of Christ is diverse, STS actively seeks to train all ages for ministry. For many adults, going to seminary and preparing for ministry is the perfect capstone on an existing ministry career. For other adults, they find that God has called them into ministry later in life and now is the time to prepare. Still other adults simply want to learn more about the Bible and their faith. There are many reasons to come study at STS.

Female students are welcome to study in any of our degree programs! In fact, we have created a few concentrations specifically for women that prepare them for various jobs, both in churches and in para-church organizations. For more information, please look at our academic programs here on the website, browse our catalog, or contact us and ask for the Dean of Women!

Nope! We do not require any standardized tests. However, since we are a graduate school, we do typically require students to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (see the first FAQ for more details). You can learn more about the admissions requirements in our Academic Catalog.

Yes, but there are certain rules STS must follow. In general, we can transfer in up to 30% of a degree program’s credit hours. However, the courses transferred in must be very similar to courses in the STS degree programs. The best way to determine if we can transfer your existing credits is to contact us and talk to the Registrar. Our Registrar can be reached at 919-573-1572.

Please use our contact form, or call us at (919) 573-5350. Also, you might find it helpful to review our catalog.