General Requirements
Graduation from the School of Theology follows upon the successful completion of all requirements for the specified degree program and the awarding of the degree by the Senate of the University upon nomination by the theology faculty. Approved courses taken at any accredited theological school receive credit as electives toward the M.Div. degree at the School of Theology.
To be awarded a degree, students must earn at least half of their credit hours at the University of the South and must spend more than one year in residence at the School of Theology. Academic work taken outside the School of Theology and applied toward a degree from this institution must be reviewed and approved by the associate dean for academic affairs. Work toward the M.Div. degree is to be concluded within five consecutive years from the date of matriculation. In the case of students seeking ordination, the faculty is required by the canons of the church to be concerned not only with the academic proficiency of students but also their personal qualifications for ordained ministry.
Master of Divinity
A regular student with a bachelor's degree or equivalent,who has been evaluated as "adequate" in all prescribed work, has fulfilled the clinical pastoral education and field education requirements, and who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.33, is eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Divinity.
Graduating with Honors
The faculty of the School of Theology reserves the right to confer honors on up to ten percent of the graduating class receiving the degree of Master of Divinity, with honors based on final cumulative GPA and the faculty’s determination of each student’s excellence. All grades for courses taken in the Master of Divinity program at the School of Theology will be used to calculate GPA for conferring of honors. Grades for transfer credits will not be considered.
Master of Arts
A regular student with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent who has been evaluated as “adequate” in all prescribed work, has completed all elective work, has completed the thesis, and who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.33 is eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Arts (M.A.).
