Welcome to South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary.  If this is your first visit, or if you are now seriously contemplating earning a degree (undergraduate or graduate), thank you for considering us and visiting our web site. 

The process of college enrollment can seem like a daunting task, but we strive to make that process as easy as possible.  This web site is constructed to provide the clearest understanding of our organization, policies,  requirements, courses, and degree programs.  Many of your questions can be answered within this site.  Also, be sure to visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for additional information.

NOTE:  SFBC&TS is on a trimester schedule (quarters), but with semester credit hours.  Because of the length of time the student is in class, it is equivalent to semester credit hours.  This helps students to earn degrees a little faster.  Most schools are on two sixteen-week semesters, wherein SFBC&TS has three twelve-week trimesters (permitting students to complete more credit hours each year and complete programs faster).  SFBC&TS also offers an accelerated Summer session offering the same credit hours.  SFBC&TS' trimesters are in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.  The Fall term begins at the end of August; the Winter term commences at the beginning of December; and the Spring term starts in March.  The Summer term always begins in July but after the July 4 holiday.

Are you interested in starting your studies at SFBC&TS right away?  If so, there is no need to wait.  All SFBC&TS programs can be completed through SFBC&TS' Distance Learning Program.  The  Distance Learning Program is not tied to the semester system for on-campus students; therefore, you  may begin your studies as soon as the admission and registration processes are completed.  Other  advantages of the Distance Learning Program are the courses can be completed faster due to your own  schedule and pace, and you can take advantage of the "Life Experience" credit program (below).  So if you hope to attend SFBC&TS, but think you have to wait for a new semester  to start, don't be mislead.  The Distance Learning Program is independent of the SFBC&TS on-campus semester system.   Contact the Admissions Department for more  information and assistance on the Distance Learning Program.   

You may download the following forms (in PDF format) to begin your application process.  Please note all forms must be completed as part of the admissions process (except the Life Learning Credit form).  Follow all instructions carefully.  International students must also complete additional forms under the International Students page.  (If you do not have Acrobat® Reader® on your PC, go to our Catalog page and download the free software.  Acrobat® Reader® will permit you to view and print the following PDF-formatted forms. )

Application for Admissions

Student Disclosure Form

Student Transcript Request Form

Life Learning Credit (optional)

Re-enrollment Form (current students only)

Extension Request Form (current students only)

However, if at any time you require personalized assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us, either by telephone, email, or facsimile (FAX).  Our students, and potential students, are important to us, and every member of our organization is available when assistance is needed.

Thank you again for considering us. 

We look forward to hearing from you, and your joining our alumni family.

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Admissions information continues:

From the following, please select the subject of your interest; however, potential students must review all material in this section prior to submitting an application for enrollment.

Academic Integrity

Academic Probation

Attendance

Audits

Cheating

Christian Ethics

Christian Service

Christian Standards of Living

Church Membership

Class Standing

Diploma

Discipline

Doctoral Degree Candidates

Dress Code

Email ID

General

General Procedures

Grading System

Graduation

G.R.E.A.T Award, The

Housing

Masters Degree Candidates

New Students

Plagiarism

Reinstatement Policy

Report Cards

Student Personnel Policy

Students

The President’s Award

Transfer or Assessment Credit

Transcripts

Withdrawal

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New Students:  Applicants seeking entry into South Florida Bible College (SFBC) or South Florida Theological Seminary (SFTS) must have a minimum of a high school diploma, or have passed the General Education Development (GED) test, or have an equivalent education.

1. Complete an "Application for Admissions" form (above-PDF format) and submit it together with a check for the application and registration fees.

2. Submit proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

3. Submit transcripts from all colleges, universities, and/or seminaries attended.  ("Student Transcript Request Form," above-PDF format)

4. Provide a writing sample on the topic of: "Why I Want To Attend SFBC&TS."  If possible, include your career goals and field of specialization.

5. Submit a statement of faith.

6. Obtain a letter of recommendation from your pastor.

7. Take a Bible Knowledge Exam.

8. Attend orientation. (For commuters only)

9. Provide SFBC&TS a current, viable email ID.

Transfer or Assessment Credit:  Credits earned from other colleges or from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) are eligible for transfer to fulfill program requirements. Undergraduate students desiring credit assessment for life experience must comply with requirements in our "Life Learning Portfolio." Graduate students are not eligible to complete the "Life Learning Portfolio," but may take Challenge Examinations. Life Learning credits are limited to twenty five percent (25%) of the entire degree program. Because transfer and assessment credits may affect academic paths, please submit these requests upon enrollment or soon thereafter.  ("Life Learning Credit" form, above-PDF format)

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In addition to the general procedures listed above, the student must:

1. Have earned a Baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university (120 hours credit or more, including transfer and assessed credit).

2. Submit a full set of transcripts of all colleges and/or graduate schools attended. Catalogs may be requested from those schools listed on the transcripts.

3. Write a Masters thesis. The thesis must be typewritten, double spaced, and not less than fifty (50) pages, covering a topic in the student’s field of study. The thesis is in addition to the program requirements. The thesis is six (6) credit hours. There is a one-year time limit for the thesis. After completion of your course of study, two (2) professionally bound copies are to be provided to SFTS.

4. Some degree programs require practicums or labs. Be sure that you are able to accommodate your schedule to complete these practicums or labs within one year after completion of all coursework.

5. To learn more about the graduate programs, click on these Academics, Catalog and  M.A. Degree links.

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Doctoral Degree Candidates:

In addition to the general procedures listed above, the student must:

1. Have earned a Masters degree from a recognized college or university with the appropriate major.

2. If the Masters degree does not have the appropriate Biblical major, or if in the estimation of the Seminary, the student needs reinforcement in identified subjects, the Seminary reserves the right to prescribe remedial work in needed areas before granting Doctoral candidate status.

3. Submit a full set of transcripts of all colleges and/or graduate schools attended. Catalogs may be requested from those schools listed on the transcripts.

4. Write a dissertation and defend it in person. It must be typewritten, double spaced, and not less than 150 pages. It is to cover new topics in the student’s field or measurably build upon established works. At least 20,000 pages of text must have been read and at least fifty (50) reference books are to be included in the bibliography. Three (3) professionally bound copies are to be provided to SFTS. All dissertations become the property of the Seminary, are added to the library, and may not be published without prior written authorization of the Seminary.

5. To learn more about the graduate programs, click on these Academics, Catalog and  Doctoral Degree links.

Contact SFBC&TS by telephone or email Admissions for more information.

General:  SFBC&TS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap. 

Email ID:  SFBC&TS requires each student to provide a current, viable email ID.  A current email ID is required throughout your matriculation at SFBC&TS.  Should your email ID change, please notify SFBC&TS as soon as possible. 

Christian Service:  Students are required to perform forty (40) hours of Christian service per year, under supervision of a pastor, or other qualified supervisors. This service is usually performed on a weekly basis. Christian service is a vital part of training and character building. Depending upon the service provided, up to four (4) credit hours may be awarded.

Christian Ethics:  SFBC&TS believes that every aspect of a Christian’s lifestyle must reflect an awareness of God’s Kingdom. It is the special responsibility of those who serve as leaders in the body of Christ to live an exemplary life and to encourage excellence in others. These areas include recognition of the authority of God’s Word, service to the Lord, Christian character, modesty in dress and language, and a sensitivity toward the needs of others.

Church Membership:  Active involvement in a local church is an essential part of the Christian’s life and growth process. It is also a key element in preparation for effective ministry. SFBC&TS requires and expects all students to be a member and actively participate in their local churches.

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Students:  Two types of students avail themselves of a quality education at SFBC&TS.  These are those who attend on campus (commuters), and those who correspond (distance learners).

Commuters are students who attend one or more nights per week or weekends to complete degree requirements in a classroom environment. Performance is evaluated on attendance, class participation, examinations, and term papers. Commuters experience a special camaraderie with their classmates as they proceed through their programs and continually interact.

Distance learners are students who prefer, or require, independent study due to time, job, or family constraints. They either earn a degree or gain personal enrichment from the convenience of their own home, and at their own pace.  Independent study courses utilize the same curricula that commuters utilize. They also employ additional reading and research.

Housing: Because SFBC&TS' students are either commuters or distance learners, housing is not provided. However, SFBC&TS will provide assistance to students in locating suitable housing, upon request.

Academic Probation:  Students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below l.5 at the end of any term will be placed on academic probation. Periodic meetings with academic advisors are mandatory while remedying the situation. Tutorial services are available.

Discipline: Rarely is it necessary for disciplinary actions to be imposed at SFBC&TS. When these occasions arise, we follow the restoration and reconciliation process described in Matthew 18:15. Students may be placed on a 60-day probationary period, which affords ample time for reform.

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Audits:  Students may enroll in any course for which they meet the prerequisites on an "audit only" basis. Students in an audited course will not take the examinations nor will they be required to complete any of the assignments. However, any course taken on an "audit only" basis cannot be assessed later for credit. Regular class attendance is required to maintain an audit on the transcript.

Report Cards:  These are issued at the end of each semester after all financial obligations are met.  Grades will not be released until all accounts are paid in full.

Class Standing:  SFBC&TS bases class standing upon the number of credits earned at the beginning of any new term as follows:

Freshman:      Less than 29 credits

Sophomore:   30-59 credits

Junior:            61-89 credits

Senior:           More than 90 credits

Withdrawal: SFBC&TS takes student withdrawal seriously. Students considering such actions should seek counsel from their advisors, and especially from God through prayer.  Most adverse circumstances can be resolved. Students electing to withdraw must do so in writing using the following "Withdrawal Request Form," which is in  PDF format.

Withdrawal Request Form

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Graduation:  All students are eligible to attend graduation ceremonies and receive their degrees. They may also be eligible to graduate "with Honors." A GPA of 3.75 or higher constitutes "with Honors."  The following must be met to fulfill graduation requirements:

1. Successful completion (2.0 or higher) of program.

2. A passing average on all written assignments, examinations, and research.

3. Completion of Christian service criteria.

4. A signed Christian character statement.

5. Payment of all fees.

Diploma: Students will receive their diplomas upon satisfactory completion of the graduation requirements.

The G.R.E.A.T Award:  This award, which stands for Graduate Recognition for Exceptional Academic Thesis, is awarded to a masters level graduate student whose thesis is determined to be exceptionally outstanding.  Visit the Academics page for detailed information on this award.

The President’s Award: Is given annually to outstanding graduates. The selection is made by the President and faculty based on the student’s total academic experience.

Transcripts: SFBC&TS will provide transcripts to students and other institutions upon request for a minimum fee, provided all other financial obligations have been met.

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Dress Code: South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary seeks to provide an atmosphere conducive to reverent worship, serious study, and development of each students' special calling in Christ. It is, therefore, necessary that all students be dressed and groomed, both modestly and in good taste.

1. Women are required to wear dresses, skirts and blouses, dress slacks, decent jeans or appropriate dress. Worn jeans, shorts, sweat pants or similar sportswear are not permitted. Modesty in whatever dress is essential.

2. Men are required to wear dress slacks or decent jeans, and shirts with sleeves and collars. Worn jeans, sweat pants, and similar sportswear are not permitted.

3. T-shirts with acceptable wording are permitted for either men or women. Muscle shirts or shorts are not permitted.

4. Hair must be neatly groomed.

5. All extreme or faddish modes of dress, grooming, and/or decorative ornamentation are to be avoided.

Christian Standards of Living:  We believe that every aspect of the life style of the believer should reflect an awareness of the Kingdom of God. It is the special responsibility of those who would serve the Body of Christ in leadership roles to live an exemplary life in order to encourage excellence in others. A truly Christian school environment cannot neglect this dimension of training.

• Recognition of the authority of the Word of God, specifically with regard to moral standards.

• Strong personal desire to develop Christian character: "the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

• Desire to serve the Lord as expressed in service to one's fellow man.

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Reinstatement Policy:  A student who has been officially dismissed from South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary for any reason will have two weeks to apply for reinstatement. The student's entire school record will be reviewed, and a personal interview with the academic office will be required for reinstatement.

Attendance:  Attendance will be taken at all class sessions. A substantial portion of a student’s grades will be his participation in class discussion. South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary believes class interaction is necessary to enrich the student's education. Therefore prompt, consistent attendance is expected for all students enrolled at South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary.

Please note the following:

1. Absences:  In determining a student's final course grade, the student's cumulative final score will be reduced for each unexcused absence (see "Excused Absence Procedure" below). When a student has more than four (4) absences from any one course, it will result in automatic withdrawal of that course.

2. Excused Absence Procedure:  In order to qualify as an "excused absence," it must be approved by the professor prior to the class.

3. Tardiness: Classes will start promptly at the scheduled time. Three "tardies" will be counted as one unexcused absence.

Grades are reported to the students in writing by the academic office after each quarter. All work submitted to SFBC&TS for a final grade becomes the property of the school.

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It is the desire of SFBC&TS to create an environment of scholarly inquiry within the bounds of integrity. Christian witness demands that scholars present their research in truth and originality. Consequently, SFBC&TS’ administration and faculty take very seriously the issue of academic integrity.

"To take ideas, writing, etc., from another and pass them off as one’s own," (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 1980, p. 1087). In order to avoid plagiarism, the student needs to cite completely and accurately all sources from which an idea or phrase originates. Plagiarism also encompasses the misuse of another’s ideas and is not isolated to words or phrases.