The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Set in Louisville, where church steeples meet a lively arts scene, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is known for serious study in theology, ministry, and biblical languages. Courses balance close reading with real ministry practice, and faculty tend to mentor as much as they lecture. It feels scholarly yet pastoral, careful without being cold.
Brick buildings frame a central chapel, a deep library, and study spaces. Rhythms of worship and study shape the tone. Students find advising, housing for singles and families, fitness facilities, and good coffee. Life spills outdoors with intramurals and green lawns. Career prep leans on field experience, visiting practitioners, and ties to a broad network of churches. And Louisville adds internships, neighborhood congregations, and food and music that make weekends hum.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) offers 15 degree programs across 6 major academic fields, graduating approximately 891 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Theology (9 programs, 823 graduates), Business (1 programs, 23 graduates), Liberal Arts (1 programs, 17 graduates), Communication (1 programs, 12 graduates) and Philosophy (1 programs, 11 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Theology (9 programs, 823 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divinity and Ministry | 447 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
39.0602 |
| Theological Studies | 175 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (O)
|
39.0601 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 65 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (O)
|
39.0799 |
| Missionary Studies | 62 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (O)
|
39.0301 |
| Pastoral Counseling | 24 |
|
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (O)
|
39.0701 |
| Religious Education | 20 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
39.0401 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39.0699 |
| Sacred Music | 10 |
|
Master's
|
39.0501 |
| Youth Ministry | 1 |
|
Master's
|
39.0702 |
Business (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 23 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 17 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities Studies | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0103 |
Communication (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0100 |
Philosophy (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
38.0001 |
Education (2 programs, 5 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1401 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS)
How much does it cost to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS)?
The annual tuition at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) is $13,086 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $24,428 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,142 (on) / $2,460 (off) and books and supplies $1,700.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary offer?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) offers 15 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Other), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
- Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) has an 96.9% acceptance rate and a 62.5% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 289
- Students admitted: 280
- Students enrolled: 175
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary?
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $1,588 and average loans of $14,434.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Institutional grants: $1,588
The university supports 65 students with grants and 35 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
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