Program Format
Cohort Model
To foster learning in community, NPTS master's programs are offered in a cohort model in which students enroll in courses together on a set path. Both local and distance students engage in hyflex courses, as well as regular time together on campus each year.
Academic Year
The Seminary academic year is comprised of two (2) main semesters: fall (August–December) and spring (January–May), and a shorter summer term. Cohort students take courses during each term.
Course Format
Courses held during the fall and spring semesters are offered in a hyflex, hybrid format. The hyflex format expands a classroom learning community to include both campus-based students and online students. Chicago land students are in the classroom while students living in other parts of the country join virtually. Hybrid combines in-person and asynchronous online components. Each 3-credit class has 3 hours of class content time, split between face-to-face time for an hour and half each week and remaining instruction delivered asynchronously online. Class content time does not include time spent in individual reading and study, approximately 3 hours per credit.
Courses held in the shortened summer term are typically electives. For the majority of courses, the instruction time is held in a one week intensive in June. A limited number of asynchronous online courses are also available, if needed.
Fall Term Campus Immersion
Each fall term in early September, NPTS hosts a four-day campus immersion in which all students (including students who live in other parts of the country) come to the NPTS campus for a 1-credit required course and other community workshops and events.
Campus Residency Requirements
Because seminary education entails the formation of whole people in service to a holistic gospel, North Park Theological Seminary maintains embodied, community learning. Distance students are required to come to campus each September for campus immersion; a student’s missing courses offered in this format is likely to delay graduation. Distance students are advised to come to campus each June for intensive electives.