Admissions Requirements
In order for you to understand the process of becoming a student at Temple Baptist Seminary, we have included the following Admissions Requirements. We have also provided two ways to download the application and reference forms (See the left column for more information). Temple Baptist Seminary was established to train and equip both men and women, lay persons and professionals, for the work of the ministry. It thus seeks students who are spiritually dedicated and are willing to devote themselves to diligent study and preparation for the ministry. The Seminary admits academically qualified students who are born again and possess a Christian testimony consistent with the philosophy, doctrine, and standards of the Seminary.
Non-Discrimination
Temple Baptist Seminary admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or handicap to all the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Seminary. In accordance with its doctrinal position, the Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of these in its employment practices or administration of its educational policies, resources, or other school-administered programs. The Seminary desires its student body to have a diversity in race, ethnic origin, age, and gender.
Pre-Seminary Studies
A BA or BS degree or the equivalent from a recognized college is a basic prerequisite for entrance into the Seminary. It is recommended that this degree reflect a broad selection of liberal arts credits. The two exceptions to the above prerequisites are in the case of a Special Student and a certificate student.
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing in the Seminary is granted to students possessing a baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in Bible, Church Ministries, Christian Education, or a similar program of study. The degree must be from a theologically conservative institution recognized by TBS. Advanced standing for undergraduate studies in non-accredited institutions may be granted on an individual basis, taking into account the quality of the instruction received.
It is possible for an incoming student to receive as many as 30 hours of advanced standing for the M.Div., and 21 hours for the M.A.C.E. or the M.A.B.S., and 12 hours for the M.M. The program
is designed to reward high-level undergraduate preparation. In general, only upper-division courses are considered.
The eligibility for and the amount of advanced standing is determined by challenge examinations, transcript evaluation, and a determination of correspondence of course content between the undergraduate school and TBS. Only 300-400 level courses with a grade of A or B are considered for Advanced Standing.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from a recognized seminary or graduate school must follow the general application procedures. The minimum grade that can be transferred into each program is as follows:
M.M., M.A.B.S., and M.Div.-C; D.Min.-B.
The student may be asked to make up deficiencies in view of Temple's program. Transfer students must complete at least the following residency requirements at TBS for the relevant degree: M.Div.-45 hours, M.A.C.E. and M.A.B.S.-30 hours, M.M.- 18 hours, and D.Min.-10 hours
Special Admission
In rare circumstances the Seminary considers applicants who, although not meeting the standard admission requirements, exhibit sufficient academic ability and knowledge, and through tests or interviews can show demonstrable equivalency in academic knowledge, achievement, and competence to perform successfully in the Seminary on the beginning level or on an advanced level. Decisions concerning the admission and status of these students are made by the Seminary Review Committee based on data gathered by the administration and faculty. Students entering through this avenue are placed on academic probation and are limited to no more than 10% of the total Seminary enrollment.
Special admission or transfer on the beginning level or on an advanced level is granted on an individual basis after thorough evaluation. It does not constitute recognition of the institution where the applicant earned his undergraduate or graduate degree.
Certificate Program
A student with two years of college education and two years of ministry experience may be admitted into the Certificate programs (Certificate of Biblical Studies, Certificate of Christian). Special consideration is given to those over 30 years of age with extensive ministry experience. Those who enter a Certificate Program with a minimum of 96 semester hours of college-level credits earned in a recognized institution may complete a baccalaureate equivalency requirement after completing the Certificate Program.
Procedures
Visiting the Seminary
Potential applicants are invited to visit the Seminary. For room reservations and a tour of the campus, visitors should write or call the Welcome Center, Tennessee Temple University, 1815 Union Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404, (423) 493-4100. For appointments with the faculty or for visiting classes, visitors should write or call the Seminary at 1815 Union Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404, (423) 493-4221 or (800) 553-4050, Ext. 4221.
Application
Applications should ordinarily be made at least two months before planned entry into the Seminary program. The following procedure should be followed. All application materials should be sent directly to the Admissions Office.
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Send in the application form along with the non-refundable application fee.
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Have transcripts from all schools attended since graduation from high school mailed directly to the Admissions Office. The entrance requirement for all Masters degrees is a 2.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0.
Special consideration may be given for marginal GPA's.
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Provide a pastoral recommendation.
International Students
Temple Baptist Seminary is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. International students who wish to apply for admission and who come from non-English speaking countries must first take the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) and have the scores sent to the Seminary Office. A score of 550 and a Test of Written English score of 6 or above are needed. For information write: Educational Testing Service, CN 6155, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155, U.S.A. or visit their web site at www.collegeboard.com
Applicants must have a sponsor who is a citizen of the United States and must submit an Affidavit of Support (I-134). The total tuition for the first year must be paid before receiving an acceptance letter.
Form I-20 is required by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify that the applicant has been accepted. The form shows the applicant’s basis of financial support and is necessary to obtain a visa.
Form I-20 is mailed to the applicant after he has completed all the admission requirements and demonstrated that he has sufficient income to pay all school expenses.
It is illegal for international students to work off campus without permission from the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Permission can only be granted in unusual circumstances and after the first year as a student. There must be a justifiable, unforeseen change in the financial status under which the student was admitted to receive permission to work off campus.
*International students must enroll full-time (minimum of 9 semester hours) each semester.
No international student should come to TBS on a visitor’s visa, expecting to transfer to a student visa, and begin work to support himself in this country. Requests for any further information should be directed to the Seminary Office. Graduates of foreign colleges should submit copies of their college catalogs with their applications.
Veterans
TBS courses are approved for veterans training under Chapter 30, 31, 32, 34/30, 35, 1606, and 1607 of Title 38, U.S. Code. Veterans under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) are paid a monthly allowance, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays the school for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. The VA pays all others a monthly allowance based on their academic load. These veterans are responsible to pay the school for all charges.
Veterans, having their files complete and letters of acceptance to Temple in sufficient time, may receive advance payment. This makes it possible for the veteran to have at the school, when he arrives, a check covering approximately one month’s benefits. When an application is made to Temple, the veteran will receive the proper VA forms with information covering the advance pay deadline.
A certified copy of the veteran’s DD-214 should be submitted with these forms when they are returned to the Seminary Office. The veteran who has previously used his benefits should so indicate when he applies for admission.
Finances
Temple Baptist Seminary endeavors to keep expenses at a minimum. The money received from students in tuition and fees does not cover the operating expenses. Thus, it is necessary to receive considerable outside financial assistance and subsidization to maintain the ministry of the Seminary.
A student obligates himself for the full amount of tuition and fees upon registration. To take final examinations, a student must have met all financial obligations to the school.
Tuition (per hour)*
Courses for Masters Credit
Per credit hour $200.00
Per audit hour $130.00
Courses for Doctoral Credit
Per credit hour $225.00
Per credit hour $150.00
Note: The spouse of a full-time resident Seminary student may enroll in residency courses at a reduced rate in the Seminary. Full-time status is described in the Academic Life section of the chapter on Student Affairs.
Fees*
Application (non-refundable)
Masters degrees $35
Doctors degrees $50
Matriculation fee (each semester—fall or spring) $70
Summer and modular matriculation (each modular period) $35
Comprehensive fee (each semester)
6 hours and above $120
2-4 hours $70
Course challenge or validation fee $100
Late Fees:
Late registration fee $50
Late examination fee $35
Change of schedule/course withdrawal fee per course $35
Withdrawal from the Seminary $120
Student activity fee (per semester) $50
Change of program (degree) fee $35
Advanced standing processing fee $100
Course extension fee $100 for 30 days
Continuation fee (each semester—fall and spring) $500
This charge is to doctoral students who are unable to enroll in at least one course each semester until the final draft of the doctoral project is submitted and approved. June and August modular courses apply toward the fall semester, and the January modular classes apply toward the spring semester. International students must maintain full-time enrollment status every semester. Payment of the continuation fee while keeping a student enrolled under the same catalog does not exempt him from needing to complete courses within the time limit. Those failing to meet course deadlines are required to reenroll in a course and pay the tuition and fees.
Comprehensives:
Written comprehensives fee $300
Oral comprehensives fee $150
Graduation fee
Certificate $150
Masters degrees $170
Doctors degrees $300
Doctoral project binding and filing varies
Transcript fee $5
* All tuition and fees must be paid in the Seminary office.
Federal FInancial Aid Programs
Qualifying for Financial Aid
The purpose of Student Financial Aid is to provide financial assistance to qualified students who have the desire to attend Temple Baptist Seminary. The student and his family have the primary responsibility for financing a graduate level education. However, through institutional and federally-funded programs, the student may receive assistance when it is determined that the student and family cannot meet the costs of a seminary education.
Federal loans are available to students enrolled in residency classes only. Residency students taking one or more distance education courses can not apply for federal aid during that year. Need is defined as the difference between the cost of attending Temple Baptist Seminary and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) toward this cost. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the document from which the EFC is calculated. Room and Board (on- and off-campus), tuition, fees, books, living allowances, and certain miscellaneous expenses are all included in the cost when figuring your financial aid need.
Available Types of Aid
Temple Baptist Seminary is eligible to participate in the Federal Family Educational Loan Program (FFELP). Students enrolled at least half-time (not counting module courses) may be eligible for Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized FFELP loans. For more information, please contact the Seminary office for a loan informational brochure and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Temple Baptist Seminary is also eligible to participate in the Federal Perkins Loan Program and the Federal Work Study Program. Currently, these programs are inactive at the Seminary due to funding, but may become available in the near future.
The Lennon Scholarship is a fund established by Mr. and Mrs. John Lennon to assist qualified candidates in their preparation for the ministry. The recipient of the scholarship must meet the following qualifications:
1. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 when applying.
2. Carry full-time residency credit status during the semester receiving the scholarship excluding audits and/or incompletes.
3. Exhibit consistent outstanding qualities of local church leadership both prior to and during the semester for which the scholarship is awarded.
To apply for the Lennon Scholarship, the student must contact the Seminary.
Deadlines
The student should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Financial Aid office before the dates listed below. Applications received after these priority dates are considered late. Regardless of need, late applications will not be reviewed and processed until all applications received by the deadline have been evaluated.
For priority awarding, students desiring financial aid should submit the FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education no later than June 1st for the Fall semester and October 1st for the Spring semester. FAFSA applications submitted after this date will be processed and reviewed but may not be analyzed in time to help you with the registration process and payment of your bill. The FAFSA need only be filed originally once per academic year. FAFSA forms must be completed accurately. If students are unsure of how to answer a question, please call the Seminary at (423) 493-4208 and ask for financial aid. Incomplete or wrong answers will delay the awarding of financial aid.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) following the instructions provided. The FAFSA may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aide office at 1-800-553-4050, ext 4208, or by calling (423) 493-4208. You may also e-mail your request to Chris.Dooley@TNTemple.edu. Be sure to include your full name, address, and telephone number, along with the semester for which you are applying for financial aid.
IMPORTANT: Enter the U.S. Department of Education’s Code for TBS: G34873.
Step 2: Mail the completed FAFSA to the USDE in the envelope provided.
Step 3: Notify TBS once you receive the results from FAFSA by calling TBS or mailing your Student Aid Report to TBS.
Step 4: If you have received Federal student loans from other institutions, please mail a list of those loans and institutions to the TBS office.
Eligible Seminary Programs
Certificate of Biblical Studies (in some cases)
Certificate of Christian Ministries (in some cases)
Master of Ministry
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Master of Divinity
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Financial aid recipients at Temple Baptist Seminary are required to achieve satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to continue to receive institutional and federal assistance. When the Congress of the United States enacted the Higher Education Amendments of 1976, eligible institutions were directed to define and enforce standards of progress for students receiving federal financial assistance. For the purpose of this policy, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in the area of quantitative progress and qualitative progress. The specifics of the progress required in both areas are outlined below.
Quantitative: Full-time financial aid recipients will be expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours of academic credit each school year (June 1 to May 31). Eligible students who matriculate at less than full-time level will be treated in accordance with their level of matriculation.
Qualitative: All students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (masters program) or 3.00 (doctorate program) in order to be considered as making satisfactory qualitative academic progress.
Financial Aid Probation Policy
Students who fail to maintain satisfactory progress, either qualitative or quantitative, will be placed on probation. While on probation students may continue to receive financial aid assistance for up to two semesters. If students make satisfactory academic progress during the semester that they are on probation, they may remain on probation for one more semester. At that point, if students on probation fail to make satisfactory academic progress, they will be suspended. Students who are suspended may not receive financial assistance. To have probation lifted, students must obtain satisfactory academic progress by increasing their GPA’s or making up any deficient credit hours.
Financial Aid Appeals
Students placed on financial aid probation or who have been notified of financial aid suspension may appeal to the Seminary Review Committee if extenuating circumstances exist. Letters for financial aid appeal should be sent to the Director of Financial Aid.
Further Appeals
Should students have concerns or complaints about their program or their financial aid, to the extent possible they should seek a resolution of such matters through the institution’s complaint procedure before involving others. Should the institution be unable to resolve the problem, the student should contact the State Post-secondary Review Program office at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at 615-532-8276.
Refund Policy for Students Receiving Federal Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Education requires that educational institutions adopt a fair and equitable tuition refund policy for Federal Financial Aid recipients. Please see “Tuition Withdrawal Schedule and Refund Policy” in this section.
Disbursement of Financial Aid Disbursement checks for loan proceeds are handled through the Seminary business office. Students will be required to endorse their checks over to the Seminary in full, and then request a refund of any overpayment for their non-institutional, yet educational expenses (such as room and board, etc.). A special refund request form is required.
Tuition Withdrawal Schedule
Students (resident, modular, or Distance Education) withdrawing from a course or from the Seminary must process an official withdrawal form. The official withdrawal date is the date the completed form is submitted to the Seminary Office. The fee for course withdrawal is $25.00 per course. The fee for Seminary withdrawal is $100.00 Upon proper, written withdrawal, charges for tuition are applicable to the schedule below.
Resident Students
Matriculation fee is non-refundable. Withdrawal fees apply. All fees are non-refundable.
After registration but before classes begin ................0% of tuition
During the first two weeks of the semester ...............Responsible for 20% of tuition
During the third week of the semester ......................Responsible for 40% of tuition
During the fourth week of the semester ....................Responsible for 60% of tuition
During the fifth week of the semester .......................Responsible for 80% of tuition
No refund after the fifth week.
Modular Students
Matriculation fee is non-refundable. Withdrawal fees apply.
After registration but before classes begin ................Responsible for 0% of tuition
During the first day of the module ............................Responsible for 10% of tuition
During the second day of the module .......................Responsible for 25% of tuition
During the third day of the module ...........................Responsible for 50% of tuition
After the third day of the module .............................Responsible for100% of tuition
Distance Education Students
Tuition adjustments are based on the date of authorized and written withdrawal, not the student's last date of Blackboard® access. Upon authorized and written withdrawal (before the end of five weeks only) charges of tuition are applicable, and students are responsible for tuition costs according to the following schedule:
After registration but before classes begin .................0% of tuition
During the first two weeks of the semester ................Responsible for 20% of tuition
During the third week of the semester ...................... Responsible for 40% of tuition
During the fourth week of the semester .....................Responsible for 60% of tuition
During the fifth week of the semester ........................Responsible for 80% of tuition
No refund after the fifth week.
* Calculations are based upon the course start date
Fee Refund Schedule:
Degree Application fee: ....................................$25.00 (non-refundable)
Registration Fee: .............................................$25.00 per course (non-refundable)
Technology Fee: ..............$50.00 per online course (50% refundable up to 5 weeks)
Refund policy for veterans in the Residency Classes
The Seminary has a pro rata policy for the refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees, and other charges in the event the veteran or eligible person fails to enter the course or withdraws or is discontinued at any time prior to completion.
Housing and Meals
Housing is available in the TTU dorms, through the TTU Office of Student Services at Studev@TNTemple.edu or (423) 493-4225, or at any number of commercial motels and hotels in the area. Please contact the Seminary Office for more information.
Meals are available through Pioneer Food Service and are served cafeteria style. Off-campus students may pay directly for each meal or purchase meal tickets. The meals are reasonably priced and well balanced.
Hospitalization and Surgical Insurance
All students enrolled in the Seminary must have adequate hospitalization and surgical insurance. This may be arranged through privately owned policies, insurance coverage at one’s place of employment, or through the group plan of Tennessee Temple University. Evidence of proper insurance coverage is a part of acceptance for first-time students. The insurance secured through the Seminary is very basic in nature and is not intended to provide full coverage.
Parking
General parking is available at no charge. Limited reserved parking is available at a minimal charge. |
