Degrees Given
The Seminary grants four degrees which are described below:
- Associate of
Theological Studies (A.T.S.)
- Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)
- Master of
Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.).
The M.T.S. and
M.Div. degrees will be available to those who successfully complete all the
requirements of their program for graduation, and who have secured at least a
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
Requirements
Eligibility for any City Seminary degree, diploma, or
certificate is not determined on the basis of a student's academic performance
alone, but also on the basis of a consistent Christian character and
deportment. Effectiveness in Christian service demands an exemplary manner of
life. The faculty is responsible to recommend to the Board of Governors for
diplomas or degrees only those students who exhibit godly attitudes, spiritual
maturity, and a manner of life befitting the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the
discharge of this duty, the faculty will offer advice and encouragement to
students regarding their academic and personal obligations. A student may be
required to leave the Seminary when, in the judgment of the faculty, these
obligations are not being satisfied.
In addition to the degree requirements listed below,
attendance at the Opening Convocation (September) and Commencement (May) is required
of all degree candidates.
Academic Rigor
While a friendly and collegial atmosphere is our goal, the
student should understand that the academic standards of the institution are
necessarily rigorous. Those who do not feel capable of meeting the academic
requirements sufficient for credit, may apply to audit specific courses (with
the consent of the instructor) without credit. Those enrolling in any program
at City Seminary of Sacramento should come prepared to work to their fullest
ability.
Both male and female students may earn academic degrees;
however, only male students are admitted to the divinity degree programs.
Certificates
The Certified Program of Study is designed especially for
those currently serving in the ministry who feel a deficiency in a particular
area of study, or who wish to concentrate their efforts in a given discipline
without necessarily embarking on a degree program. Certificates will be awarded
upon completion of required classes and by recommendation of the faculty.
Credits earned in certificated programs will, in most cases, count toward
completion of the seminary degree, should the student later choose to pursue
that goal.
Certificates will be offered in each department of
theological study (Apologetics, Church History, New Testament, Old Testament,
Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Theology). Students desiring to enroll in a
certificated program in Systematic Theology must be able to demonstrate a
minimal knowledge of the Greek language and historical philosophy.
Undergraduate Degree Programs of Study
Although it is customary for theological students to secure
a baccalaureate degree in the liberal arts before entering seminary, City Seminary
recognizes that unusual circumstances often prevent this (for example, a man
may be called to the ministry late in life). Therefore, City Seminary offers
the following undergraduate degrees to non-college graduates, provided that
such applicants have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Undergraduate students must register for courses with
division numbers less than 500. The requirements for these courses will be commensurate
with an undergraduate level of study.
The Degree of Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)
The Bachelor of Divinity degree (B.D.) is an undergraduate
degree awarded to those who have successfully completed 98 semester hours of
credit in undergraduate courses. All undergraduate courses offered at the
seminary are required for this degree, except those specifically marked
"elective." Instruction will include the following disciplines: Apologetics,
Church History, Old and New Testaments (including the original languages of
Scripture), Pastoral Theology and Systematic Theology. Students from the
Reformed Church in the United States
are to complete the Casimir
College curriculum as
well.
The Degree of Associate of Theological Studies (A.T.S.)
As with the B.D. program (see above), City Seminary may
admit a limited number of students without a baccalaureate degree into its
A.T.S. program. Restrictions identical to those for the B.D. program apply.
Those completing all the requirements for the M.T.S. program
but not possessing an undergraduate degree will be awarded an Associate of
Theological Studies degree. The M.T.S. degree may be subsequently awarded upon
presentation, at a later date, of evidence that the graduate has earned and
been awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. At the time of
application for the upgraded degree, the student must pay a fifty dollar
($50.00) fee and submit a thirty-page paper, with a minimum bibliography of
thirty recognized scholarly resources, demonstrating his ability to integrate
theological education with other disciplines of learning.
Graduate Degree Programs of Study
The Degree of Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity degree is a graduate degree awarded
to those who have successfully completed 98 semester credit hours in the
disciplines of Systematics, Biblical Languages, Apologetics, Church History,
Pastoral Studies, and studies in both Old and New Testament. All courses
offered at City Seminary are required for this degree, except those marked
"elective." Students from the Reformed Church in the United States are to complete the Casimir College curriculum as well. The M.Div.
normally takes a full-time student four years to complete.
The program of study for the M.Div. is designed to produce a
well-rounded, knowledgeable, and competent minister of the gospel. There is an
order to theological instruction that builds upon previously laid foundations.
Students should attempt, whenever possible, to take courses in the recommended
sequence. A suggested schedule may be secured from the Registrar.
The Degree of Master Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
The degree of Master of Theological Studies is a graduate
degree awarded to those who have completed 48 semester credit hours of seminary
instruction. Each candidate for this degree must choose an area of
concentration, e.g., Apologetics, Church History, New Testament, Old Testament,
Practical Theology, or Systematics. All non-elective courses in the chosen area
of concentration, as well as their prerequisites, will be required for the
degree. Further, PT601, ST551 and ST591 will be required for each
concentration. The student will complete his degree with courses from the other
disciplines. The M.T.S. normally takes a full-time student two years to
complete.
Those completing all the requirements for the M.T.S. program
but not possessing an undergraduate degree will be awarded an Associate of
Theological Studies degree. The M.T.S. degree may be subsequently awarded upon
presentation, at a later date, of evidence that the graduate has earned and
been awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. At the time of
application for the upgraded degree, the student must pay a fifty dollar
($50.00) fee and submit a thirty-page paper, with a minimum bibliography of
thirty recognized scholarly resources, demonstrating his ability to integrate
theological education with other disciplines of learning.
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