ACADEMIC POLICIES
These topics outline major academic policies at Moody Theological Seminary. Students should become familiar with the information contained in each of these areas.
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These topics outline major academic policies at Moody Theological Seminary. Students should become familiar with the information contained in each of these areas.
Courses being considered for transfer credit must meet the following criteria:
In order to receive advanced standing credit, the following criteria must be met:
Advanced standing credit and validation examination credit combined cannot exceed 25% of a program (see Academic Credit Limits).
MTS offers validation examinations for all courses to students who desire to earn graduate academic credit based on undergraduate coursework completed at a Bible or Christian liberal arts college, extensive personal study, or other nontransferable learning. For more information contact the MTS office at 312-329-4314.
The maximum of transfer, advanced standing, and validation examination credit allowed in each academic program are as follows:
ACADEMIC PROGRAM | REQUIRED CREDITS | ADVANCED STANDING & VALIDATION EXAM (ASV) | MAXIMUM TRANSFER CREDITS* |
---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificates | 21 | 3 | 9 |
Graduate Certificate in TESOL | 24 | 6 | 12 |
Master of Arts [Biblical Studies] | 36 | 9 | 18 |
Master of Arts [Biblical and Theological Studies] | 30 | 0 | 3 |
Master of Arts [Pastoral Studies] | 30 | 0 | 6 |
Master of Arts [TESOL] | 48 | 12 | 24 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 60 | 0 | 30 |
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology | 59 | 14 | 29 |
Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership | 45 | 9 | 21 |
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship | 45 | 9 | 21 |
Master of Divinity | 87 | 21 | 42 |
*Note: Transfer credit, advanced standing credit, and validation examination credit combined cannot exceed 50% of a program.
A directed study course is an option available to students who, due to extenuating circumstances, are not able to meet program or graduation requirements within the regularly scheduled courses. Directed studies may only be used to meet requirements for a student’s designated degree program. Students must request a directed study using the form available from the Office of Academic Records. Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program are allowed a maximum of three credits of directed study. Students enrolled in a master's degree program are allowed a maximum of six credits of directed study. Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program are allowed a maximum of nine credits of directed study.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. This document outlines the Moody Bible Institute polices for the handling of student educational records, which are protected by this federal law. All educational officials requesting educational records on any MBI (MTS) student must read the following policies and demonstrate a legitimate educational interest in order to access FERPA-protected information.
This information is also provided to all students at Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary as required by federal law, in accordance with the Annual Notification Requirement. Students have three primary rights under FERPA. These rights include 1) the right to inspect and review their educational records, 2) the right to seek to amend educational records, and 3) the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records.
Moody Bible Institute is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which is designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of the students to inspect and review their records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by Moody Bible Institute to comply with the provisions of the Act. Such complaints should be sent to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.
For additional information, contact the Academic Records office at (312) 329-2087 or academicrecords@moody.edu.
Active students are required to meet all academic requirements within their academic program time limit as listed below:
Academic Program | Maximum Years to Complete Program |
---|---|
Graduate Certificates | 3 years |
Master of Arts | 6 years |
Master of Arts [Biblical and Theological Studies] | 2 years |
Master of Arts [Pastoral Studies] | 2 years |
Master of Divinity | 8 years |
Students who need additional time to complete their certificate or degree program must submit the Graduate Program Extension Appeal prior to the final semester of their program time limit. If denied, students will be required to complete all requirements by the original program time limit. Failure to do so will result in discontinuation from their program.