M.Div. Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any financial aid available to prospective students?
Do I need to move to the Clarks Summit area in order to begin the M.Div. program?
What exactly is the internship?
What concentrations are available in the M.Div. program?
Is on-campus housing available?
How much does BBS charge per credit hour?
How can I preview the opportunities for jobs and housing in the Clarks Summit area?
Is BBS accredited?
BBS accept transfer credits from other seminaries or graduate schools?
Would BBS be able to help me financially if I went there for a visit?

Is there any financial aid available to prospective students?
Absolutely! Some of the options include:

> Academic scholarships (First-semester BBS students are awarded up to $500 based on their undergraduate GPA.)

> The Training Timothys Scholarship (BBS matches any gift up to $1000 per semester given to a BBS student by his local church towards his tuition. The Training Timothys Scholarship is renewable for four semesters.)

> Endowed scholarships (Several are awarded yearly to qualified BBS students at the end of the academic year.)

> Federal student loans. > Free copy of the Logos Bible Scholars’ Library (Given to first-year students who apply before June 1 for use during their time in Seminary. This gift has a $600 value.)

Do I need to move to the Clarks Summit area in order to begin the M.Div. program?
No. BBS offers a variety of non-traditional educational options, including courses taught over the Internet and one- and two-week modular classes throughout the school year (February, May, and October). It is possible to complete over 50 percent of the credits required for graduation this way. Many students find these options a great way to begin their training at BBS before moving to the Clarks Summit area to finish the degree. However, it is not possible at this time to complete the entire Master of Divinity degree through distance education courses. Moving to the Clarks Summit area is necessary if you wish to finish the degree program.

What exactly is the internship?
The distinctive nature of our internship is that it is a year-long training experience where the student receives full-time credit while engaged in full-time ministry.

Our internship is set apart from other internships in that:

> The intern does not have to find his own place of ministry.

> It is at the end of the M.Div. coursework rather than in the middle.

> Full-time funds are provided for basic living expenses.

> The tuition is cut in half for the internship courses.

> It lasts for an entire school year. Read more...

What concentrations are available in the M.Div. program?
BBS offers several ministry concentrations in its Master of Divinity program including: pastoral leadership, church planting, pastor of outreach, pastoral counseling, youth pastor, pastor of church education, world missions, and military chaplaincy. Read more...

Is on-campus housing available?
Yes, rooms in Nordling Hall are available for single seminary students to rent. Rooms are extremely affordable at around $1000 per semester (four months), which includes access to a full kitchen, laundromat, and bathroom. This cost is added on to the student’s school bill.

How much does BBS charge per credit hour?
The cost per M.Div. credit hour for the 2005-2006 school year is $328/credit with a $24/credit fee. Read more...

How can I preview the opportunities for jobs and housing in the Clarks Summit area?
There are many ways to access this information. Several local websites list current job opportunities as well as houses and apartments for rent, such as www.scrantontimes.com and www.worknepa.com. They should be helpful to get a feeling for the cost of living in the Clarks Summit area. In addition to these helpful websites, the BBS admissions office has a list of jobs and open apartments that we make available to prospects and students upon request. These lists include contact numbers, costs, and features of the jobs and apartments that are available.

Is BBS accredited?
BBS is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267.284.5000).

Will BBS accept transfer credits from other seminaries or graduate schools?
Yes. Course credits with a minimum grade of C earned at acceptable, standard theological seminaries are accepted at full value if they fit the stated requirements of the program. Normally up to 49 percent of resident requirements will be accepted. It is important to note that all credit transfers must first be approved by BBS registrar, Dr. Lee Kliewer, before they show up on the student’s transcript.

Would BBS be able to help me financially if I went there for a visit?
Visiting the BBS campus before making your decision about what seminary to attend is highly encouraged. It is vital to get a feel for the institution and the people (professors, fellow students, staff) who make the institution tick. If you would like to visit our campus, we promise to provide for all your expenses while you are here (food and housing). In some cases, we help provide for travel expenses. For more details, or to arrange a campus visit, contact the BBS admissions office by calling 800.451.2287 or emailing BBSadmissions@bbc.edu.