City Seminary of Sacramento is a school of theology at the graduate level, operating under the auspices of Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento, a member congregation of the Reformed Church in the United States (first congregation was established in 1710). The Seminary may grant the degrees of Associate of Theological Studies (A.T.S.), Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.). The M.T.S. and M.Div. degrees will be awarded only to those who have previously secured a Bachelor of Arts or its equivalent.

Eligibility for any City Seminary degree, diploma or certificate is determined not only on the basis of a student’s academic performance, but also on the basis of a consistent Christian character and deportment. Effectiveness in Christian service demands an exemplary manner of life. The faculty is responsible to recommend to the Board of Governors for diplomas or degrees only those students who exhibit godly attitudes, spiritual maturity and a manner of life befitting the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the discharge of this duty the faculty will offer advice and encouragement to students regarding their academic and personal obligations. A student may be required to leave the Seminary when, in the judgment of the faculty, these obligations are not being satisfied.

In addition to the degree requirements listed below, attendance at the Opening Convocation (September) and Commencement (May) is required of all degree candidates.

Undergraduate Programs

Although it is customary for theological students to secure a baccalaureate degree in the liberal arts before entering seminary, City Seminary recognizes that unusual circumstances often prevent this (for example, a man may be called to the ministry late in life). Therefore, City Seminary offers the following undergraduate degrees to non-college graduates, provided that such applicants have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Undergraduate students will take all classes at an undergraduate level of study.

Bachelor of Divinity

The Bachelor of Divinity degree (B.D.) is an undergraduate degree awarded to those who have successfully completed 98 semester hours of credit. All non-elective courses are required for this degree. Instruction will include the following disciplines: Apologetics, Church History, Old and New Testaments (including the original languages of Scripture), Practical Theology and Systematic Theology. Students from the Reformed Church in the United States are to complete the Casimir College curriculum as well.

Associate of Theological Studies

The Associate of Theological Studies degree (A.T.S.) is an undergraduate degree awarded to those who have successfully completed 48 semester hours of credit. Each candidate for this degree must choose an area of concentration from among the departments of the seminary (e.g., Apologetics, Church History, etc.). All non-elective courses within that department and their prerequisites are required for the degree. In addition, each candidate for this degree must successfully complete PT 111, ST 111 and ST 421. Courses from other departments will satisfy for the remainder of the degree requirements.

Graduate Programs

The following degrees are offered to students entering the seminary with a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent. These students must take all classes, except introductory languages, at a graduate level of study.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) is a graduate degree awarded to those who have successfully completed 98 semester credit hours. All non-elective courses are required for this degree. Instruction will include the following disciplines: Apologetics, Church History, Old and New Testaments (including the original languages of Scripture), Practical Theology and Systematic Theology. Students from the Reformed Church in the United States are to complete the Casimir College curriculum as well.

The program of study for the M.Div. is designed to produce a well-rounded, knowledgeable and competent minister of the gospel. There is an order to theological instruction that builds upon previously laid foundations. Students should, whenever possible, pursue a liberal arts degree before entering a program of ministerial training.

Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies degree (M.T.S.) is a graduate degree awarded to those who have successfully completed 48 semester hours of credit. Each candidate for this degree must choose an area of concentration from among the departments of the seminary (e.g., Apologetics, Church History, etc.). All non-elective courses within that department and their prerequisites are required for the degree. In addition, each candidate for this degree must successfully complete PT 111, ST 111 and ST 421. Courses from other departments will satisfy for the remainder of the degree requirements.

Scholastic Honors

Students in one of the seminary’s four-year degree programs who complete a minimum of 60 semester hours (30 for two-year degrees) of graded coursework at City Seminary (not including courses taken Pass/Fail) with a minimum grade point average of 3.65 will be graduated cum laude. Those who finish with a minimum grade point average of 3.80 will be graduated magna cum laude. Those who finish with a minimum grade point average of 3.90 will be graduated summa cum laude.

Students who have completed between 50 and 59 hours (between 25 and 29 for two-year degrees) at City Seminary with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 will be graduated “With Distinction.”

These honors designations will be noted on the student’s diploma and recorded in his academic transcript. Classes taken after graduation will not alter the academic honors designations awarded at graduation.

Certificates

City Seminary’s Certificate Program is designed especially for those currently serving in the ministry who feel a deficiency in a particular area of study, or who wish to concentrate their efforts in a given discipline without necessarily pursuing a degree. Certificates shall be awarded, upon recommendation of the faculty, to those who successfully complete three courses in any one of the seminary’s departments. Credits earned in certificated programs will, in most cases, count toward completion of a seminary degree, should the student later choose to pursue that goal.

Certificates will be offered in each department of theological study (Apologetics, Church History, New Testament, Old Testament, Systematic Theology and Pastoral Theology). Students desiring to enroll in a certificated program in Systematic Theology must be able to demonstrate a minimal knowledge of the Greek language and historical philosophy.

Auditing

While a friendly and collegial atmosphere is our goal, the student should understand that the academic standards of the institution are necessarily rigorous. Those who do not feel capable of meeting the academic requirements sufficient for credit, may apply to audit specific courses (with the consent of the instructor) without credit.

Students who switch from credit to audit will forfeit their scholarships for that course.