The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Reviews

"What is the purpose of education, better yet what is the purpose of higher education? It seems like we live in a day and age when many would answer this question in a number of different ways. My answer to this question today would be quite different from the way I would have answered back in 2009 when I completed a Masters degree from the University of Louisville. If I were to go even farther back, I am confident that my answer to the same question would have been drastically different had I answered it in May of 2004 after graduating college with a Bachelor's degree from Morehead State University. So what is the purpose of education and more specifically the purpose of higher education? Is it not to educate, by which I mean to challenge, to enlighten, to move. My previous degrees and the programs I studied under were in fact beneficial to my learning but in a very limited way. These programs challenged me but only in a narrow sense. It was not until I began studying at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary that I became truly challenged both academically and intellectually among other areas. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary boasts a proud and distinguished history as it has existed for over 150 years. It is the oldest seminary in the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. Southern's reputation points to a cherished tradition of blending scholarship, discipleship and education with the highest academic expectations. While at Southern, I was expected to learn and grow in an environment that demanded the recognition of divergent viewpoints, one that held students to a high academic and ethical standard and one in which the faculty and staff were committed to not only challenging the student body but praying for them and with them and encouraging us all along the way. Admittedly, Southern isn't for everyone in the sense that no institution of higher learning is for every student who is seeking a school however those who re looking to be wholly challenged, to grow academically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually I know of no better school and no better program than Southern Seminary and their Doctor of Education program.Read Less"

"My years at Southern were transformative. The education that I received, I feel, prepared me for what was to come. The only drawback was that I commuted there and so did not get to partake in all that living on campus would have offered. Fantastic and knowledgeable instructors, very challenging, great education."

"The value for the dollar is amazing. The classes are filled with nuggets that you can meditate on for a lifetime. The professors and staff are helpful and quick to take care of issues as the need arises. Some of the online classes have too much reading that is not valuable to the topic of the particular class. The school uses its own measure of writing that is similar but just different enough from standard writing procedure that you spend a lot of time each class going back over the papers to make sure the format, not the content, is correct.Read Less"

"The best MDiv program there is. Supportive staff, knowledgeable and caring faculty and classes that enrich, exhort, and grow."

"There are many pros of this institution. The surrounding area is amazing. The faculty is top of the line. There are no cons."

"This is an excellent school, with an excellent vision, excellent faculty, and excellent programs. This is why there are so many international students like myself who move their families to Louisville just to have the opportunity to study here. Too many pros to name, the only cons are the minimal and delayed feedback on much of the work that is submitted (papers, assignments, etc...). Not for all classes and not from all professors, but certainly by many."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed this program as well as this school. This program has adequately prepared me for working in this field and provided me with very valuable resources to use in the future. The school worked with me when I needed help planning classes or paying for tuition. The program workload is heavy at times, but not over bearing."

"I believe the pros of the graduate program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are the beliefs in which they teach. And though I understand and agree with the reasoning behind their choice not to allow Federal Aid, it is a con because it does limit me on my financial options."

"Pros - Cheap for a fantastic theological education. Cons - Can't really think of any!"

"My graduate program has been absolutely phenomenal during my pursuits for my masters degree. The faculty on staff are incredibly gifted in their perspective field as well as personable to each student they come into contact with. I have nothing but praise and gratitude for this institution."

"I do not have many cons about my graduate program. However, there are a couple and they all are centered around affordability. My school is located in the wealthier part of the city in which the apartment complexes that it owns must be able to compete with those owned by people not affiliated with the school. However, for someone who must pay for school and a place to live that can become burdensome and difficult to pay for. My school does offer a 50% discount to those affiliated with its religious convention, however aside from maybe one or two scholarships available to all students, financial aid is lacking. However, those two things concerning money, which are huge for many people, are the only two cons that I have with my school. The pros that I have could be listed for days. My school is academically and unapologetically rigorous but they do a phenomenal job of preparing men and women to go into their desired field. Not only that but the professors are helpful and supportive. They understand that their classes are hard but are willing to meet with students to help them succeed and pass. They are also approachable, often meeting with students for a meal in order to learn more about their students.Read Less"

"This school is great as far as the content of material. It is a solid reformed school and the classes have been great. It has just been a full work load and doesn't leave a lot of time for other ministries when I do school full time."

"The program is academically challenging, even for online students. If you're serious about getting the most out of the online graduate program experience, this is a great option."

"Pros: It is more inexpensive than a lot of graduate programs since there is a half off rate for Southern Baptist Church members. The professors have ministry and missions experience which makes them interesting to listen to. Cons: Louisville is an expensive place to live and the on campus housing is not any cheaper."

"The program is one of the strongest and most respected programs in the country in our field. The faculty are the most gifted scholars and offer truly excellent education."

"The education, support, and quality of instructors are great. For graduate work, in-school financial aid (grants and fellowships) are virtually non-existent."

"Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is an incredible place of sharpening both in and out of the classroom. A lot of learning happens in the classroom but so much more can happen outside of the classroom. This is a world class theological seminary that will train anyone competently and proficiently to serve in ministry as God leads."

"Southern Seminary is an excellent choice for those seeking to be equipped to equip the body of Christ. Southern consistently pursues professors at the top of their fields, and organizes its curriculum to standards which challenge and prepare students for ministry. In addition, it seeks to integrate coursework with participation and ministry to the local church. Under its current leadership, Southern has consistently demonstrated its commitment to biblical inerrancy and the gospel of Jesus Christ as the hope of the world. On the flip side, Southern's academically rigorous curriculum make it a stretch for working students with families. Prospective students should consider their situation in life, marital status, vocational status, and financial situation before making the choice to undertake a course load as demanding as Southern's. It simply is not for everyone from every walk of life.Read Less"

"SBTS provides a top-notch theological education with an emphasis on pastoral and vocational training. This is a place to have your mind strengthened and heart nourished as you pursue God's call upon your life."

"After completing a full year, I am very happy with the program so far. Most of my classes have been through the Nashville extension campus, though I have also participated in hybrid modular courses on the main campus as well as some online classes. I can't imagine extension study going any smoother!"