Advanced Standing (Academic)
Advanced standing is an exemption from certain subjects (e.g., prerequisites, survey or introductory courses) on the basis of previous undergraduate study which is similar in content and standards required for a passing grade in those subjects as assessed by Seminary Academic Services. Advanced standing is not guaranteed. Typically, advanced standing is granted where the bachelor’s degree is from an accredited institution with a major or minor in Bible, Theology, Religion, or a Ministry Field, and if undergraduate work is deemed comparable to NPTS course requirements. Advanced standing applies only to Seminary degrees, not to the non-Seminary portion of the dual degree. Field education pre-Seminary credit is considered separately.
- Advanced standing consideration is available for students whose undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.00 (on 4.0 scale) or higher, and where courses being considered received a grade of B or higher.
- The maximum amount of academic advanced standing credit for each degree program follows:
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) — 13 credit hours
- MA in Theological Studies (MATS) — 10 credit hours
- MA in Christian Formation (MACF) — 10 credit hours
- MA in Christian Ministry (MACM) — 7 credit hours
- Students will receive advanced standing in their program only where prior work satisfies a pre-requisite or introductory course.
- Students may receive advanced standing for no more than one core course in each of the areas of Bible (with the exception of biblical languages which allows for the awarding of two semesters of Greek or Hebrew), Christian Formation, Church History, Ministry, Theology, and Spiritual Formation. Advanced standing is not awarded for general electives.
- Students receiving advanced standing for a class will be required to substitute another class from the same area. There is no reduction in credit hours.
- However, graduates of North Park University, normally those with a major or minor in Biblical and Theological Studies, will receive a reduction in the credit hours in their program and credit toward general elective requirements.
- Courses in biblical languages taken more than a year prior to admission require a proficiency examination before advanced standing is considered.
- Courses completed and transcripted more than ten (10) years prior to admission will not be considered for advanced standing.