SES' Unique External Studies Program
The non-resident (external) program consists of courses that are taken by way of online lectures that correspond to the same courses taken in the resident program. Because the program does not follow the resident academic calendar, external studies courses can be taken at any time. Unless prerequisites are explicitly stated, courses may be taken in any sequence. The time limit for completing each individual course is four (4) months. Because SES utilizes recorded lectures rather than "internet classes" for distance education, our students can follow their own individual schedules (SES recommends that students enrolled in 9 credit hours or more per semester should not work more than 20 hours per week, students working 40 hours or more per week should not take more than 6 credit hours per semester). Courses for the distance learning program generally consist of:
- Recorded lectures prepared for the course by SES / SEBC professors.
- Assignments detailed in each course’s syllabus.
- Proctored exams (proctors are recruited by the student).
- Interacting with professors by various means.
The distance learning (external studies) program is available for students living outside of a 100 mile radius from the campus. Those requesting external status who are on the borderline, or who have other special circumstances such as regular travel issues for employment, will be considered for the program during the admissions process.
Specific Resident Requirements by Degree Type
All of the non-doctoral degrees offered by SES / SEBC are able to be pursued externally, however all degrees require that some courses be taken in residency. These requirements may be fulfilled by taking one week modular courses offered every Summer and Winter or by taking semester long courses. Courses taken in residence will count toward this requirement even if they do not count toward the student's degree program as a required course.
- B.A.R. degree / diploma): 4 (12 credit hrs.)
- M.A.R. degree / certificate: 2 (6 credit hrs.)
- M.A. degrees / certificates: 4 (12 credit hrs.) Including the Senior Seminar (SM601)
- M.Div. degrees / certificates: 6 (18 credit hrs.) Including the Senior Seminar (SM601)
Minimum Technology Requirements for External Studies
External Studies employs online audio, video, and DVD video media formats for its lectures. The student will need hardware and software that meets the minimum system requirements for the following areas:
- Internet Access (High Speed strongly suggested)
- Email Access
- Common audio files (e.g., MP3, WAV).
- Standard DVD player for video.
- DOC, WPD, or PDF files.
Foreign Students
In lieu of the resident requirement for external studies degree programs, external students from foreign countries (i.e., non-U.S. citizens) will be invited to visit Southern Evangelical Seminary after the student has completed the Admissions process and has been accepted and admitted as an external studies student in a degree program. These students will spend no less than one week visiting the Southern Evangelical Seminary campus and meeting with the faculty and staff. They will be required to interview with the appropriate faculty member(s) as a degree candidate. To set up a visit, please contact one of the Deans of Students: Duke Hale(dhale@ses.edu) or Nora Hale (nhale@ses.edu).