Academic Information
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary operates on a semester and J-term calendar. This means that students can take courses during the Fall, Spring, and Summer (abbreviated) semesters as well during the J-term Intensive during which courses are run as one-week intensives over a two-week period in January. The course credit is measured in credit hours.
COURSE LOAD
A typical full time course load at the Master's level is nine credit hours for each Fall and Spring terms. Nine credit hours for each Fall and Spring semester is the minimum full-time load required for Immigration and the Veterans Administration funded students. Permission to take more than sixteen hours in one term must be granted by the Vice President for Academics.
J-TERM COURSES
J-Term courses are intense and immersive study experiences that occur in January. Students may take up to 3 credit hours in a J-term. Students should have the approval of their faculty adviser and the Vice President for Academics to enroll in more than 3 hours during the J-term.
Note: International students in the United States with a F-1 visa may also register for J-term courses. Registering for J-term courses (3 credit hours per J-term) will not affect an individual's F-1 student status.
DUAL DEGREES
Students may not be enrolled in two different degree programs simultaneously at PTS. Students are encouraged to focus on the first degree at PTS before enrolling in a second degree at PTS. Once students have received their first PTS degree, they may waive courses and/or transfer credits from the first PTS degree to the second PTS degree.
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Duration
PTS will transfer relevant credits taken within the past 10 years from accredited institutions.
At the discretion of the Vice President for Academics (VPA), certain credits beyond 10 years can be transferred. In this case, the student shall submit a written petition to the VPA, providing a rationale whereby he or she makes a case for credit(s) earned more than 10 years prior to be accepted for PTS credit. Along with written rationale, the student may be asked to submit documentation (e.g., course syllabus, synopsis of course content, etc.) to evidence her/his working knowledge of the subject in question.
Alternatively the student may attempt to demonstrate her/his working knowledge of the subject by taking a comprehensive exam.
Amount of Permissible Transfer Credit
The total amount of transfer credits approved from an accredited institution may not exceed two-thirds of the program's total credits.
ADVANCED STANDING WITH CREDIT
Students may apply for advanced standing with credits in order to request transfer of credits earned at an undergraduate program to their Master's degree program. Upon an academic assessment, the application for advanced standing with credits may be ruled in the following ways:
Exempting students from some courses without credits being given, which would not reduce the total number of academic credits required for the degree;
Approval with credits that would result in reducing the total number of credits required for the degree; or
Non-approval without exemption of any courses required for the completion of the degree program.
Advanced standing with credit will not be granted on the basis of ministerial or life experience.
If advanced standing is granted with credit via evaluation, the total number of credits granted shall not exceed one-third of the credits required for the degree.
Students Coming in from Non-Accredited Institutions
In cases where the student is petitioning to have their earned credits from non-accredited institutions transferred to PTS, the student must submit the following documentation for assessment:
Course syllabi
Academic credentials of the relevant instructor(s)
Student's course work (exams, term papers, project, etc.)
If any of these documents are not available, the student must submit a narrative of his or her learning experience in the course (textbooks read, topics covered, assignments given, etc.) with other available documentation.
When to Apply for Transfer Credit
At the request of the Director of Admissions, the Office of the Vice President for Academics may provide a pre-assessment of the transcript for transfer credit. The pre-assessment of the transcript is considered as unofficial until approved through the procedures laid out in the transfer of credit policy guidelines.
Evaluation of the enrolled student's transcript for the purpose of transfer of credit will be conducted upon request by the student. The credits that are approved for transfer will then be officially recorded in the student's transcript.
UNDERGRADUATE EQUIVALENCY POLICY
Admission to the Seminary normally requires a baccalaureate degree conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or the demonstrated educational equivalent of a North American baccalaureate degree.
In extenuating circumstances, applicants who have not earned their undergraduate degree may be granted admission to PTS. The educational equivalency for an undergraduate degree shall be determined by the Office of Academics. Applicants seeking admission to PTS without a bachelor's degree, but have 100 semester hours of college credits or higher of undergraduate coursework, whose college transcript reflects an acceptable distribution of courses across the arts and sciences, are able to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, academic skills, and abilities necessary for graduate-level studies, may be admitted to the Seminary's graduate degree programs without restrictions.
Applicants who have less than 100 semester hours of college credits will be given the opportunity to demonstrate undergraduate equivalency by completing a certain number of credit hours (determined by the Office of Academics) at the Seminary's Certificate-level program. If students successfully complete the assigned certificate-level courses and demonstrate that they have the knowledge, academic skills, and abilities necessary for graduate-level studies, then they may be granted admissions to the Seminary's graduate degree programs.
Students should note that undergraduate equivalency does not grant a bachelor's degree.
In no case will PTS encourage applicants who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program to suspend those studies in order to begin graduate studies at the Seminary. PTS encourages all applicants to complete their undergraduate degree before enrolling at PTS.
FACULTY ADVISER
Each student is assigned a faculty adviser for assistance in planning a program of study. This adviser serves as students' immediate counselor during their time at the Seminary. To ensure that students fulfill the requirements of the degree program, students should consult with their advisers each semester to complete and maintain an accurate progress sheet. Students should notify their advisers of any course changes made, including any courses resulting in a grade of F. Students should also notify their advisers of any courses transferred to PTS.
REGISTRATION
All students must register for courses each term during the time designated for that purpose. Students who do not register during the designated time will be charged a Late Registration Fee. Changes in course registration are processed through the Registrar's Office using a drop/add form located on PTS forms site in Populi.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Current students who have earned satisfactory academic progress, but are unable to enroll in the next term, may consider a leave of absence. Students desiring a leave of absence from the Seminary should notify the Registrar's Office of their planned leave of absence and their anticipated return date to PTS. Failure to enroll after 13 months or more will require the student to apply for readmission. Ministerial Experience Students may not resume degree-seeking status when they return after a leave of absence.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance in all classes is required. Absences of more than one hour of class time for each credit hour must be specifically excused by the instructor. Unexcused absences in excess of two hours of class time for each credit hour will normally require that the student be withdrawn from the class or have a grade of "F" for the course. In the case of those receiving VA or federal loans, the Veterans Administration or loan-granting agency will be promptly notified of any change in status.
GRADING SYSTEM
The following factors are considered in assessing work and assigning grades:
Information Gained – demonstration of usable knowledge of pertinent data, accurately assembled and organized (to include terms, ideas, theories, dates, names, events, people, places, institutions, processes, documents, etc.).
Ability to use Methodology – demonstration of ability to use advantageously the tools and resources of that particular discipline in a way that is fruitful for that course.
Ability to Communicate – demonstration of ability to organize and communicate material pertinent to that subject area, including written and, where applicable, verbal skills.
Evidence of Originality – demonstration of fresh and new insights into the subject matter and/or its methodology and application.
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary uses letter grades, which are to be interpreted by the following guidelines:
A = EXCELLENT – represents a high level of information gained, ability to use methodology, ability to communicate, and evidence of originality.
B = ABOVE AVERAGE – represents an above-average grasp of the information and methodology, a commensurate ability to communicate, an industrious attitude, and thoroughness.
C = AVERAGE – represents acceptable work, but tends to be mechanical and lacking in originality and depth. It may reflect a lack of concern to excel or ability to demonstrate insight into material studied.
D = BELOW AVERAGE – represents unsatisfactory achievement in all areas, but is passing.
F = UNACCEPTABLE – represents work that fails to meet the requirements for a seminary course or failure of the student to file for an incomplete. If the course is repeated and successfully passed, the new grade, rather than the F, will be used in calculating the student’s GPA. The course must be repeated if it is over a year old and the grade received was an F.
I = INCOMPLETE – An incomplete is not easily given to students. It is designed for the rare occasion when students have been seriously ill or have suffered some other hardship beyond their control. It is not a means for accommodating students' procrastination during the semester. If students experience extenuating circumstances that prevent them from completing the course requirements on time, they may apply for an incomplete grade (I). The incomplete application form is located on the PTS forms site in Populi. Therefore, to receive an incomplete, students must:
submit an incomplete application for approval by the course instructor, their academic adviser, and the Vice President for Academics
pay the incomplete application fee
submit the application for an incomplete no later than the last day of exams
An incomplete is not available for asynchronous courses, except in the rare case of obtaining authorization from the Vice President of Academics.
An incomplete is a temporary status that indicates that the student has not completed all course requirements. If an incomplete is not removed within one year from the first day of class, the student will receive a grade of F in the course, and the student will be required to repeat the course.
Note: (1) Scholarships will not cover repeated courses. (2) An incomplete grade may jeopardize students' academic progress and their financial aid eligibility.
W = WITHDRAWAL – Withdrawal from a class is permitted any time before the last day of class. If students who are awarded scholarships or receive financial aid withdraw from a class, then those students will be responsible financially for the course. Failure to officially withdraw from a course will result in a grade of F on the student's transcript. Students desiring to withdraw from a course must submit a drop form located on the PTS forms site in Populi. Although withdrawals do not affect the student's GPA, they may jeopardize academic progress and financial aid eligibility.
AU = AUDIT – represents enrollment and participation in a course with no credit.
P = PASS – represents enrollment and participation in a course with no credit.
Note: No grade may be changed without written approval of the instructor and the Vice President for Academics. Any grade change submitted for a student who has not previously applied for an Incomplete will only be considered in exceptional cases. In the case that a grade change is approved a $100 fee may be assessed to the student. A written appeal can be made to the Academics Office by the faculty member and the student in question for circumstances deemed to warrant special consideration in handling such exceptional grade change requests.
VALUES FOR LETTER GRADES
A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+= 3.3
B = 3.0
B-=2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C-=1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
F = 0 and affects the GPA. AU, I, and W do not affect the GPA, however they do affect Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:
The right to inspect and review their personal education records within 45 days of the day the Seminary receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place the records may be inspected.
The right to request the amendment of their personal education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the Seminary to amend the record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the Registrar clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the Seminary decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the Seminary will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their personal education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate interests. A school official is a person employed by the Seminary in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the Seminary has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as Ministerial Development Committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Seminary to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary has designated the following categories of information as directory information: name, mailing address, email address, telephone listing, degree program and concentration of study, and dates of attendance. If the student does not wish such information to be released without consent, the student must complete a REQUEST TO PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION form with the Registrar. If this form is not filed with the Registrar’s Office, it will be assumed that the directory information may be disclosed.
Students may agree to give access to academic information to other individuals/third-parties by submitting a completed and signed Release of Information Request Form.
POLICY ON INFORMATION AND RECORDS
The Seminary maintains academic records in many media forms for each enrolled student. These records are the property of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. After graduation, digital copies of the graduate's admission documents (i.e., application, autobiography, transcripts of prior academic records) and the transcript from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary are designated as a permanent record. Portfolio materials collected to demonstrate the student's achievement of program outcomes may be retained in the Seminary's Learning Management System. Release of information to third parties shall be made only at the written request of the student or by subpoena, except in cases of grave injustices and crimes.
PROGRAM DURATION
Using the average number of student hours as a guide, it is projected that the MDIV degree should be completed in 6 years or less. The MACMHC and MTS degrees should be completed in 5 years or less. The MACM, MAC, and MACS degrees should be completed in 3 years or less. This plan takes into consideration the trend toward an increasing number of part-time students. All course credits applied toward degree requirements should be earned within ten (10) years of the awarding of the degree.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Student must earn Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to maintain enrollment at Pentecostal Theological Seminary. SAP is earned when the student maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and successfully completes 75% of attempted credit hours. Failed grades, ungraded courses, incompletes, and withdrawals are included when calculating this percentage.
It is advisable that any and all failed courses be repeated as soon as possible. Once a failed course is successfully repeated, the failing grade (F) will be removed from GPA calculation for Satisfactory Academic Progress (S.A,P) and an R (Repeated) will then be added to indicate that the course has been repeated.
ACADEMIC WARNING AND SUSPENSION
Transcripts are reviewed by the Academics Office at the conclusion of each Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms. Those students who do not demonstrate sufficient academic progress will automatically be placed on Academic Warning during the next term of enrollment. If sufficient academic progress is achieved by the student at the end of the warning period, the academic warning status will be removed from the student's academic record. If Satisfactory Academic Progress is not achieved by the end of the warning period, the student may be placed on Academic Suspension.
When placed on academic warning, the student must consult with the Academics Office to formulate an Academic Plan, which the student will follow in order to correct the issues that may have caused Unsatisfactory Academic Progress. The academic plan may include an adjustment to the student's class schedule in order to improve academic performance. If a student does not improve his or her academic performance during the warning period, he or she will be required to withdraw from the Seminary (Academic Suspension) for at least one term to work toward the resolution of the problems involved.
When a student returns to the Seminary after academic suspension, the student returns on academic probation as he or she corrects any academic transcript issues.
ACADEMIC APPEAL
Should extenuating circumstances (such as illness, financial hardship, personal or family difficulties) be the reason for unsatisfactory academic progress, students may appeal their academic suspension in writing to the Office of the Vice President for Academics. The student must substantiate any claims of extenuating circumstances in order for the Office of Academics to consider the appeal. If the student's appeal is granted, the Office of the Vice President for Academics will provide the student an academic plan to help the student achieve satisfactory academic progress. The academic plan must be accepted by the student, the student's adviser, the Financial Aid Committee (if student is eligible for aid), the Registrar, and the Office of Academics.
The student may apply for readmission by submitting a letter to the Vice President for Academics stating: (1) the reason for requesting readmission; (2) any action taken to correct the problem; and (3) the applicant’s present academic/vocational expectations. Upon recommendation from the Vice President for Academics, this letter and the applicant’s academic file will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee for consideration of readmission.
DIRECTED/INDEPENDENT STUDY
Directed/Independent Study is available on a limited basis (9 hours for all MA and MTS programs; 12 hours for the MDIV program) to the student who is already enrolled in a regular period of the school year (either Fall, Spring or J-term) and in the process of pursuing a degree. Directed Studies may be specialized research in an area not ordinarily covered by a course. Independent Studies are courses listed in the catalog. As a general rule, core courses are not offered by Directed/Independent Study. Permission to take a course by Directed/Independent Study must be requested and justified. In both cases, students must obtain consent from the course instructor, their academic adviser, and Student Academics. Requests to take Directed/Independent Study must be made before the last day of drop/add for the given semester or J-term. The GPA required for specialized research is 3.0 and for a listed course 2.0. The course, in either case, counts within the regular load unless permission is granted by the Vice President for Academics to take an overload. Directed/Independent Study is residential work, not correspondence study, and requires four consultations with the instructor during the J-term or semester. Directed/Independent Study courses are contracted per semester or J-term and should be completed within that time frame. The student must pay for all courses in advance. The Directed/Independent Study form is available online through the PTS Forms Site.
If the student is unable to complete a Directed/Independent Study, he or she may apply for an Incomplete grade or the student may withdraw from the Directed/Independent Study up until the last day of final exams for the current semester or the last day assignments are due for a current J-term.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Requests for academic transcripts can be made through the PTS website, www.ptseminary.edu, by selecting the Transcript Request option located in the Alumni drop-down menu.
Current students have the ability to print unofficial transcripts using their Populi access. Requests for official transcripts may also be requested from this same site or through the PTS website.
Official transcripts are printed and mailed. Electronic transcripts are not available at this time.
GRADUATION
Degrees are conferred in August, December, and May. The graduation ceremony is held each May. Students anticipating graduation must submit an application for Graduation to the Office of Academics by September 15 for Fall graduation, December 8 for Spring graduation, and April 15 for Summer graduation. A completed degree program progress sheet, signed by the student and his or her adviser, must accompany the graduation application. No late applications will be accepted.
The graduation fee is payable at the time of application. The fee is not prorated and non-participation does not exempt a graduate from any part of the fee. Late applicants will be assessed a late fee and there is no guarantee of participation in the graduation ceremony. A graduate who has already completed one degree at Pentecostal Theological Seminary and is now completing another degree is required to apply for graduation and pay the graduation fee. Graduation applications are available online through the PTS Forms Site.
Graduates will not receive diplomas or release of transcripts until all grades are submitted to the Registrar’s Office and all financial accounts are cleared with the Seminary and Squires Library. If clearance occurs after graduation, graduates will be required to make necessary arrangements for receiving their diploma through the Office of the Vice President for Academics. There will be an extra charge if the diploma is mailed.
Diploma Replacement
In case of loss, theft, or destruction of an original diploma from this institution, replacement diplomas can be requested from the Office of the Vice President for Academics. A diploma replacement fee is required at the time the replacement request is made. Request may take up to eight weeks to process.
Damaged diplomas must be returned in order to process a replacement request. A graduate cannot hold two Pentecostal Theological Seminary diplomas for the same degree program.
ONLINE LEARNING
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary offers a comprehensive program of online courses. The seminary utilizes two course delivery methods: online (asynchronous and synchronous) courses and traditional face-to-face courses. Online courses take place fully at Populi course sites. In addition to utilizing Populi, SYNC (synchronous) courses are offered live at a designated time via video conferencing software.
GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE COURSES
Instructional Model
Online courses generally follow the PTS Academic calendar in the same manner as on-campus courses (with the exception of summer J-term sessions which are 8 weeks in length).
Weekly, active, and constructive engagement, including substantive responses to others in the course, is required. Weekly attendance is determined by student participation, primarily through the online discussion forums.
Online courses are not work at your own pace (directed or independent study).
Online courses are collaborative in nature. Students are required to contribute to the ongoing dynamic of the course every week to aid in the development of vibrant learning communities in which student formation is a communal reality.
Participation Guidelines: These guidelines are general in nature and apply to all online courses taught at Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Policies related to student participation, as well as the specific policies of each course, shall be posted on each course syllabus.
Students must log in to their online courses several times per week to access class content, assignments, and updates from instructors, as well as to fully engage in the ongoing class discussion.
Weekly attendance is determined by active/timely participation, primarily in course discussion forums.
It is the student's responsibility to maintain internet access. As course sites are always available throughout the semester, viable excuses are limited for late participation/submission of assignments. The instructor(s) determines the penalties for late submission of coursework as detailed in the course syllabus.
All participants are required to use the assigned @ptseminary.edu email address for Seminary correspondence. Course interaction should take place exclusively within course sites (Populi).
Professors should respond to student inquiries promptly, (normally within 24 hours, but no later than 48 hours of receiving the inquiry) during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM (Eastern). Professors are not expected to “teach” online courses during weekends, holidays and scheduled Seminary breaks.
All assignments must be submitted online at the Populi course site.
Attendance
Attendance guidelines for online courses are as follows:
Attendance is measured by participation in online discussion forums. Students who post after the due date for initial comments in each discussion form will be marked tardy for the class week.
Regular attendance and participation are critical to the effectiveness of online courses as a communal activity. Students who are marked absent for two or more meetings in an online course will have their grade reduced by one letter grade. More than three absences will result in the students being dropped from the course or receiving a failing grade.
All courses follow the Seminary calendar so that students attend for an entire semester (12 weeks of coursework; J-term online courses meet for 8 weeks.)
GUIDELINES FOR SYNC (synchronous) COURSES
Instructional Model
SYNC courses follow the PTS academic calendar in the same manner as on-campus courses.
SYNC courses must be attended each week at the designated day and time (lectures are not recorded).
SYNC courses are not work at your own pace (directed or independent study).
SYNC courses are collaborative in nature. Every student is expected to participate and contribute to the ongoing dynamic of the course every week.
Participation Guidelines
Policies related to student participation, as well as the specific policies of each course, shall be posted in each course syllabus.
Attendance
Full attendance for online students in a synchronous course is measured by participation in the course, i.e. being seen and heard by the instructor and fellow students. Registering for a SYNC class demonstrates an understanding that the student is required to be actively available for the entire duration of each class session.
Absences of more than one hour of class time for each credit hour must be specifically excused by the instructor. Unexcused absences in excess of two hours of class time for each credit hour will normally require that the student be withdrawn from the class or receive a failing grade (F) for the course.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
To navigate online courses, basic computer skills are necessary. The following list identifies a minimum set of skills necessary for an effective online course experience.
Required Computer Skills:
Understanding of basic computer terminology and how the terms are applied.
Effective use of a word processor, in particular Microsoft Word, and its basic operational functions.
Ability to use the copy, cut, and paste commands.
Ability to save document files to your hard drive or other data storage media/devices including the cloud.
File sorting, creating new files, directory trees, etc. as necessary for effective management of course and student records.
All courses may not require use of spreadsheets, but ability to navigate in this environment is certainly a plus.
Ability to change basic computer settings (e.g., display settings, firewall settings, etc.).
Ability to troubleshoot basic problems.
Required Internet Skills:
Search for, find and view web sites by use of a browser.
Maintain general knowledge and use of e-mail including receiving, sending, opening and viewing messages and email attachments.
Send e-mail with an attachment.
Ability to upload and download files.
Participate in online discussion forums.
Download and install programs or documents from the web.
Troubleshoot basic navigation and Internet access problems.
Successfully navigate the Populi site.
Email the Office of Online Learning at ptsonline@ptseminary.edu with any questions.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Material presented as part of an online course may not be published, distributed, or reprinted in any manner without written permission of the instructor or other resource persons designated by Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Materials specific to the course professor, in particular lecture notes (written, audio and video), remain the intellectual property of the author.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
Due to the design, delivery method and availability of online courses, a student may not apply for Incomplete Grades (grade of I) to complete coursework. Students enrolled in online courses must complete all course work according to the published online course schedule (normally the same as the Seminary Class Schedule) and receive a grade issued by the professor of record. If necessary, students may withdraw from online courses by following the adopted Seminary withdrawal process.