A special invitation to prospective students: If you are a prospective student and would like to visit our campus, please call and schedule a campus tour. We will provide lodging for one night and a meal with faculty/staff while you are here. A full campus tour will be provided along with an opportunity to visit with admissions counselors and faculty members.
You will be able to learn first-hand about life on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the College at Southwestern, as well as life in the Fort Worth/Dallas area.
To arrange your visit and learn the specific details of being our guest, please contact:
Office of Recruiting
The College at Southwestern
PO Box 22740
Fort Worth TX 76122-0740
Call us at 1-800-SWBTS-01 or 817-923-1921, ext. 2700
E-mail us at admissions@swbts.edu
The application process can be completed online.
| About the College at Southwestern |
| Uniqueness of the Curriculum |
| Admissions and Orientation |
| Registration |
| Campus Life |
Question: What makes the College at Southwestern B.A. in Humanities unique?
Answer: The College at Southwestern baccalaureate degree is designed to equip the graduate to understand and engage the cultural climate of our day. The degree accomplishes this by introducing the student to the history and development of Western thought, which shapes the culture. All students take a 60-hour core in History, Life, and Thought that integrates class lecture with readings in primary and secondary literature of the period. This degree program also requires all students to complete a 24-hour course of study in Bible and theology with opportunities for focused research in those disciplines. Graduates of the College will be uniquely prepared to address the culture from a sound Biblical worldview. College students are required to go on one international mission trip as a requirement for graduation. Beyond these requirements the degree also allows the student to choose a concentration in one of five areas (History of Ideas, Education, Homemaking, Missions and Music).
Question: For whom is the College B.A. in Humanities suited?
Answer: The College baccalaureate program is ideally suited for high school graduates who feel the Lord may be calling them to ministry. The degree presupposes that the student will be firmly committed to the Christian faith and open to God’s leadership as to his or her life’s work. The College B.A. is designed to equip the graduate to understand and engage our post-modern culture. This degree will also prepare the person who wishes to continue graduate studies at seminary.
Question: Can I attend the College while still in high school?
Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to participate in classes at the College while still in high school. One freshmen level course per semester can be completed while a junior in high school. Provided the student earns a C or better in the classes taken during the junior year, two freshmen level courses per semester can be taken while a senior in high school. Students who are dually enrolled in the College and high school pay only tuition while enrolled under this status. Students interested in completing college and high school courses concurrently must be admitted through the admissions office.
Question: Is the College at Southwestern accredited?
Answer: The College at Southwestern and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097; telephone number (404)679-4500) to award bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. The seminary is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The School of Church Music is an accredited member institution of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Question: Do many young women attend the College at Southwestern?
Answer: The College at Southwestern provides a unique education for young women. The percent of women in the College student body has increased each year since its inception. In fall 2008, Southwestern added the homemaking concentration and initiated a Girls' Ministry to provide additional opportunities for young women attending the College. Southwestern places a high priority on young women and is confident that those who graduate from the College are prepared to pursue the callings God has placed on their lives. Throughout the program, they are making life connections and learning what it truly means to be a servant leader for Christ. For more information regarding the Girls' Ministry, please contact the College office at (817)923-1921, ext. 5802 to request a packet.
Question: Is this program essentially a philosophy major?
Answer: No. While the History, Life and Thought core of the B.A. does have a strong philosophical current it should not be misconstrued as a degree that focuses merely on the abstract. This program also requires a 24-hour biblical and theological component and affords each student the option of taking a concentration in areas of applied ministry such as music, education, homemaking or the history of ideas. The degree also requires two years (four semesters) of physical education, thus taking seriously the biblical principle of physical stewardship in ministry.
Question: What kinds of things can I do to prepare for the program?
Answer: The successful student enrolled in the the College B.A. will come prepared to embark in a fascinating yet rigorous learning experience. Students should generally cultivate a strong spiritual life, emotional stability, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude towards learning. Students should specifically develop strengths in reading, reasoning, and writing skills. All incoming students are strongly encouraged to take the college preparatory track, or its equivalent, or honors program in their high school studies before enrolling at the College. Students should be thoroughly comfortable with the use of a personal computer (all students will be required to own a personal computer).
Question: Will I have to take classes in sequence?
Answer: Yes. The History, Life, and Thought major core of the the College B.A. in Humanities is truly unique and builds from the beginning to the end of the program. Because philosophical, political, social, scientific and other ideas grow out of earlier concepts the need for a historical sequence is self-evident. As such, students will gain the most benefit from taking these courses in proper sequence. Other courses in the curriculum may be taken at any time so long as any prerequisite coursework is completed first when applicable.
Question: If I miss a course in the sequence can I pick it up later?
Answer: Yes. However, students are encouraged to take the courses in proper sequence as these build a foundation for the courses that follow.
Question:What “concentrations” are available for study?
Answer: The majors for Southwestern’s baccalaureate degrees are in the Humanities and Music. Within the B.A. in Humanities program, the College offers four possible concentrations in the following areas: History of Ideas (15 hours), Education (15 hours), Missions (15 hours), Music (15 hours), and Homemaking (22 hours). The B.A. in Music degree offers concentrations in Worship, Performance, and Composition.
Question: Are the parents of students welcome at orientation?
Answer: Yes. Parents are always welcome at the College and are encouraged to be involved in their children’s education. Parents wishing to spend a day on campus can secure lodging at the Riley Center for Leadership Development. For reservations call (817) 923-1921, ext. 8800.
Question: Where should my parents and I park during orientation?
Answer: Family and incoming students should park in student perimeter parking.
Question: How do I get my student ID?
Answer: Students approved for admission can have their ID made at the Gold Card Office anytime after your approval or you may have it made at the time of registration.
Question: Does the College give credit for advanced placement (AP) courses and exams taken in High School?
Answer: The College strongly recommends that prospective students take AP courses to prepare for their college studies. Students demonstrating an AP test/exam grade of 3 or better in certain AP subject areas may submit them for college credit. Only AP exams will be considered for possible credit and are subject to transcript evaluation. For more information contact the admissions office to request a transfer credit evaluation packet. The AP school code for Southwestern is 4546.
Question: Can I transfer credit hours completed at another school?
Answer: Yes. All hours transferred into the B.A. are subject to transcript evaluation which should be accomplished prior to registration by requesting a transfer credit evaluation through the College at Southwestern.
Question: What if I am an International student?
Answer: The College B.A. degree is certified to admit international students on F-1 student visas. In addition to the requirements listed above, international students (F-1 visas) must supply the following:
• Statement of financial support. Department of Homeland Security requires that a student on an F-1 visa provide evidence of adequate financial support during the duration of status as a student.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). All international students who are seeking to study who are not citizens of the United States or where English is not their first language must take TOEFL and have the score sent to the Admissions Office. A minimum score of 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) is required for undergraduate level.
• Transcript evaluation. All transcripts of college level academic credit earned outside the United States must be evaluated through WES (www.wes.org). A High School diploma or its equivalent is required but does not need to be evaluated by WES.
• Alien Registration Receipt Card. All resident alien applicants must provide a copy of their Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551 (green card) with the application.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD). R-1 visa holders do not receive an EAD card but have received documentation located in their passport related to their length of status.
Southwestern provides an International Student Services Office. International students needing additional information or assistance may contact the Director of International Students at (817)921-1921, ext. 3970.
Question: What is the tuition rate?
Answer: The tuition rate for Southern Baptist students is $208.00 per credit hour and $416 for non-Southern Baptist students. All tuition rates and fees can be found on the Admissions page.
Question: What scholarships are available for the College student?
Answer: All students who are members of a Southern Baptist Church benefit from the generosity of Southern Baptist churches that give through the Cooperative Program for the training of ministerial students. As such all Southern Baptist students receive a Cooperative Program scholarship that reduces their personal tuition cost by 50 percent from $416.00 to $208.00 per semester hour. Beyond the Cooperative Program scholarship, students can apply for other financial assistance by contacting the Financial Aid Office at (817)921-1921, ext. 3080. While the College does not participate in any federal or state-funded student aid programs including PELL grants and Stafford loans, students are eligible to apply for repayment deferments for most federal or state educational loans incurred while attending other colleges and universities. Veterans enrolled at the College may be eligible to receive VA benefits such as the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance.
Question: What tuition payment options are available?
Answer: At registration you will be able to select one of two payment options:
Question: When do classes start?
Answer: Generally, the College B.A. program will follow the same academic calendar as that of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For orientation and registration information please visit the website at www.thecollegeatsouthwestern.com.
Question: When do I register for classes?
Answer: A new undergraduate student can participate in early advising and registration by calling the College offices at (817)923-1921, ext. 5802 or the new undergraduate student can register for the first time during the orientation process. All new students are required to be advised before registering for classes. Returning students may take advantage of early registration as well (see schedule for dates).
Question: Who is my academic advisor?
Answer: An academic advisor will be assigned to you at the moment of acceptance to the College at Southwestern. For an advising appointment, call the College office at (817)923-1921, ext. 5802.
Question: Can an undergraduate student take graduate level courses to meet the B.A. requirements?
Answer: No. Baccalaureate students will need to take courses required for the program and electives from the undergraduate courses offered during any given semester.
Question: Will I be required to live on campus?
Answer: Unmarried students who are under the age of twenty may live at home if it is within a fifty mile radius of CSW. Unmarried students who are under the age of twenty and currently living outside of this radius will be required to move into a residence hall on campus and enroll in the school meal plan. All eligible students (i.e., those taking six [6] or more hours in a primary semester—Spring and/or Fall) may apply for student housing throughout the course of their studies at CSW. Campus housing is well maintained and costs about 20-25 percent less than comparable apartments in the community. Students living on campus benefit from a convenient living location, reduced commute time, campus security, and timely maintenance.
Question: If I do choose to live on campus, when can I move in?
Answer: A student who has been approved for admission to CSW should contact the housing office to secure their housing and meal plan if applicable. Once a student is assigned, he or she may move in up to a month in advance of the first day of class (subject to availability). See below for housing information:
Housing Office
(817) 923-1921, ext. 2330
housing@swbts.edu
Question: How are residence hall assignments made?
Answer: Housing assignments are made by the Housing Office. Applications are handled in the order in which they are received. CSW has both male and female residence halls available, as well as apartments and single family units. The housing office will take individual needs and reasonable requests into consideration when assigning living quarters for incoming students. The following outlines the housing process:
Question: Am I required to purchase a meal plan?
Answer: Unmarried students who are under the age of twenty and currently living outside of a fifty mile radius of CSW will be required to move into a residence hall on campus and enroll in the school meal plan.
The school meal plan will be available for purchase at the time of check in for campus housing. The College offers a choice of plans and ensures that all meals will be nutritious, economical, and conveniently located in the Naylor Student Center Cafeteria.
Meal plan funds are available one week before the first day of the semester and end the day before graduation. Remaining monies at the end of the semester are non-refundable. All of this information is included in the application the student completes in the housing office at the time of their lease signing. Our dining plan allows students to purchase their meals individually, giving them more control over how their money is used. Once the dining plan account is funded, the dollar amount is then credited to the students' Gold Card. The Gold Card then doubles as a debit card for on-campus dining. There are two meal plans available. For details see on purchasing a meal plan please, contact the housing office at (817)923-1921, ext. 2330.
Question: Is there a charge for parking?
Answer: No. The school issues parking permits at no cost to all registered students with vehicles. You will receive a parking permit for each car you will be driving on campus at the Cashier’s Office when you register. All vehicles must have parking decals to park on campus or in campus housing areas.
Question: How do I receive mail at the College?
Answer: Residence hall students will receive a campus post office box number when they check in to the residence hall. On a space available basis, non-residence hall students may rent a box at the campus post office in the Naylor Student Center.
Question: Does the College have chapel?
Answer: Yes. The chapel service at Southwestern is central to instilling the Christian qualities becoming to anyone seeking to serve the Lord. College students who do not transfer credits to Southwestern must pass six semesters of chapel to graduate from the College at Southwestern. Those students transferring credits will have the number of required semesters reduced based on the number of credits transferred. The exact number of required semesters will be communicated at the conclusion of the transfer process. Chapel services are regularly held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:50 a.m. unless otherwise posted. The services are held throughout the semester in Truett Auditorium. Guests and parents are always welcomed. In addition to the regular chapel service at Southwestern, the College has implemented a separate student body gathering for college students only which will be on the second Friday of each month at 10:50 a.m. for the purpose of unifying the college student body. The service will be organized by the senior class of each year. This will count as one of the required chapel services and is mandatory for all College students.
Question: When can I purchase my textbooks?
Answer: You will have an opportunity to purchase textbooks at the Lifeway Christian Bookstore located on campus. A list of the textbooks for each class are listed at Lifeway approximately two weeks before classes begin for the semester.
Certain general credentials must be present in a prospective student’s life for admission to the College at Southwestern. In its admission policies, the college assumes the student is able to provide testimony of a salvation experience and Christian commitment, has been identified as a prospective minister by announced intent, proven conduct in accordance with Christian standards set forth in the Bible, active church involvement, and unqualified approval from the church where they are currently members. Some of these credentials include:
Individuals seeking admission into any course of study at the College must submit an application for admission through the Office of Admissions. All supporting documents that are part of the admissions application must be received before an admission decision will be made. Registration for classes will be possible ONLY after the Admissions Committee has granted approval for admission.
Applications may be received up to 12 months prior to the beginning of the semester you intend to enroll. If you delay enrollment for more than one semester, you will be asked to complete an updated application before once again being accepted for admission.
Students who have been divorced for less than a year or who are currently separated are usually not accepted. The Admissions committee may also take theological, ethical, and other issues into consideration for acceptance.
Individuals who have been convicted of a crime, other than a traffic violation or a similar misdemeanor where only a fine was assessed, are usually required to wait a minimum of two calendar years after the sentence has been served (including probation) before submitting an application for admission.
The basic application for admission to the College includes: