The Three-Hour Conversion Is Here!

• Courses are converting to 3-hours from 2-and 4-hours
• Student planning begins on April 1, 2019
• Conversion of courses begins Fall 2020
• 41 MDiv courses shrink to 32 courses!

For several years we have heard how students struggle to complete their degree in a reasonable length of time. Currently, the Master of Divinity degree requires students to take 41 courses, many of them are 2 credit hours. By changing our courses to 3 credit hours, students will take 9 fewer courses to complete the MDiv degree.

Students affected: AP-MDiv, MDiv, MA(BTS), MAM, ThM, and Graduate Diploma

Students not affected: MAC and DMin students and students. Also, students who expect to graduate from any of the above programs prior to Summer of 2020.

Next Steps

1. Review and sign the required Addendum to the Enrollment Agreement.
2. Begin auditing your degree. Start by downloading your transcripts from the Student Portal. Then, find the Advising Checklist for your program and start date. With your transcripts and Advising Checklist in hand, you can then compare your remaining classes to the Course Offering Calendar (PDF) in order to map out what courses you need to take and when.
3. Check your plan with your Student Service Advisor (SSA) who is here to help you navigate this change. Your SSA can help make sure that you understand what classes you’ll need to prioritize moving forward and they can answer other questions about the change. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your education.

FAQs

1. Do these changes apply to me?

Yes, if you are an AP-MDiv, MDiv, MA(BTS), MAM, ThM, or Grad Diploma student.
No, if you expect to graduate from any of the above mentioned programs prior to Summer of 2020.
No, if you are a MAC or DMin student.

2. Why is the Seminary changing to 3-hour courses?

For several years we have heard how students struggle to complete their degree in a reasonable length of time. Currently, as an example, the Master of Divinity degree requires students to take 41 courses and many are 2 credit hours. By changing our courses to 3 credit hours, students will take 9 fewer courses to complete the MDiv degree. It is because we have heard and value your input that these changes are taking place—your voice is making a lasting impact on Phoenix Seminary.

3. Do I have to switch to the new 3-hour curriculum, or may I complete the program I’m currently in?

You do not need to switch to the new 3-hour curriculum. For most current students it will be best to complete your current program. However, it will require careful planning. It may be necessary or helpful for some students to take a combination of existing courses and new 3-hour courses. Please talk to your Student Services Advisor.

4. I am a current student. May I switch to the new 3-hour curriculum?

It depends on what portion of your program you have completed. In many cases it will not be advantageous or even possible to switch to the new program. However, if you have recently begun your studies at Phoenix Seminary, you may be able to take advantage of a change to the new program. Please work with your Student Services Advisor to determine if this is a possibility for you.

5. If I switch to the new program may I change my mind and go back to my old program?

No, you will not be able to switch back to the old program once your credits have been converted and you’ve begun taking the new courses.

6. Since credit hours for many courses are changing, will the 2- and 4-hour courses I need still be available?

The Seminary is making every effort to ensure that the 2- and 4-hour courses will be available for a reasonable amount of time; though without careful planning, you may need to take a few online courses. Please work with your Student Services Advisor so that you can take the courses you need.

7. Will these changes affect my financial assistance?

No, they will not affect your financial assistance.

8. What do I do next?

As noted above, you should:

1. Review and sign the required Addendum to the Enrollment Agreement.
2. Begin auditing your degree. Start by downloading your transcripts from the Student Portal. Then, find the Advising Checklist for your program and start date. With your transcripts and Advising Checklist in hand, you can then compare your remaining classes to the Course Offering Calendar (PDF) in order to map out what courses you need to take and when.
3. Check your plan with your Student Service Advisor (SSA) who is here to help you navigate this change. Your SSA can help make sure that you understand what classes you’ll need to prioritize moving forward and they can answer other questions about the change. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your education.

Still have questions?

Contact your Student Services Advisor

• MDiv, ThM, DMin – Nathan Consalvo (nconsalvo@ps.edu)
• MA(BTS), MAM, MAC, Graduate Diploma – Jenna Martin (jmartin@ps.edu)