If your question is not answered here, please contact our admissions office at 619-201-8959.
- Is SCS accredited?
- Is there a deadline for applications?
- How much does your school cost?
- Are scholarships and financial aid available?
- Does SCS accept transfer students?
- What is the process for transferring credit?
- Does SCS accept students from other countries?
- Can I go part-time?
- How long does it take to earn a degree?
- How many classes will I take each semester?
- Why is your school year round?
- Why are classes held at night?
- What is your student body like?
- What is a cohort?
- What denomination is SCS affiliated with?
1. Is SCS accredited? Yes, SCS is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (
TRACS).
2. Is there a deadline for applications? SCS admits students year-round on a rolling basis; therefore, prospective students are encouraged to apply at any time. Due to the increasing demand for our programs, applicants who submit all materials early have a better chance of securing a place in their program. Occasionally there is a wait-list. Classes start at multiple times during the year, and students must have their completed application in at least three weeks before classes begin. (
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3. How much does your school cost? At SCS, we understand the financial burden that education places on students, which is why we function as a ministry to students. You will find that our tuition is substantially more affordable than many other schools. For a complete schedule of tuition and fees, click here. (
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4. Are scholarships and financial aid available? The Seminary has a full service financial aid office offering Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and student loans. Scholarships are all need-based. Visit the Financial Aid section for more details. Remember, any student applying to SCS must fill out a FAFSA,
available here. (
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5. Does SCS accept transfer students? We welcome transfer students from any college or university, no matter how long ago you completed some coursework. (
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6. What is the process for transferring credit? Once a transfer student has applied, and all transcripts have been forwarded to the school, the registrar will look over the transcripts to determine the amount to transfer credit given. Students may transfer no more than 90 units into SCS on the undergraduate level. At the master’s level, the State of California mandates that no more than 6 units transfer. (
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7. Does SCS accept students from other countries? Currently SCS has international students representing over 20 nations! Please visit the International Admissions Department for more information on applying as an international student. (
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8. Can I go part-time? SCS believes in providing flexible education options for our students, therefore students may go part-time. However, students will need to understand that going part-time may affect the amount of financial aid for which they are elligible. (
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9. How long does it take to earn a degree? Typically, if a student goes full-time following our modular cohort system, they will complete bachelors in three years. For graduate students, different master’s degrees take different amounts of time. Please visit the respective program description in the Admissions page or the Academic Programs page. (
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10. How many classes will I take each semester? The number of classes you take is up to you, but full-time undergraduates typically take 12-15 units per semester. Since all undergraduate courses are 3 units, that is 4-5 classes per semester. Graduate students who are full-time typically take 6-9 units per semester, which means approximately 2-3 courses. (
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11. Why is your school year round? All of our degree programs are held year-round in order to help you attain you degree in an accelerated manner. Many adult learners prefer this method to having summers off. (
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12. Why are classes held at night? We understand that many Christian adults desire a seminary education, but cannot find the time to take classes during the day, due to jobs, ministries, and families. That is why we offer all of our programs in the evening. Courses run from 4-7pm and from 7-10pm. (
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13. What is your student body like? Since
SCS does not cater to any particular age group or ethnicity, we are blessed to have a very diverse student body. You will have fellow students in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and even 80’s from all backgrounds. Part of what makes our Seminary unique is the ability to interact with such a wide-ranging student body. (
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14. What is a cohort? A cohort is a group of usually 20-30 students who progress through a program together. This gives you a few familiar faces whom will become lifelong friends and colleagues. Read more about cohorts. (
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15. What denomination is SCS affiliated with? Southern California Seminary is a ministry of Shadow Mountain Community Church under the leadership of Dr. David Jeremiah. We are doctrinally conservative, and we welcome all students who wish to learn about the Bible from the Bible. We proudly teach the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. More information can be found by reading our Doctrinal Position. (
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