Answers to Common Questions

Grimké Seminary is creedally Christian, confessionally Reformed, convictionally evangelical, and clearly masculine. Learn more on our Beliefs & Distinctives page.

There are three components to the learning model at Grimké: 1) in-person (intensive classes held in Richmond, VA twice a semester), 2) online (students interact with their professors via Canvas throughout the semester), and 3) in context (local church partnerships and mentorships). The blended learning model of Grimké allows our students to have a rich educational experience without relocating. Learn more about how it works.

Twice a semester, Grimké students travel to Richmond, VA for three full days of in-person instruction (six total days each semester). Students participate in various learning activities in a traditional classroom setting with their classmates. Outside the classroom, students and professors share meals, enjoy fellowship and formal chapel services for worship, prayer, and teaching. Students are responsible for covering costs and arranging their own travel and board. Learn more about the Grimké experience our intensives at our Richmond location.

The local church is the first context for understanding and applying theology. It also provides qualified practitioners the means for overseeing the growth and development of those under their care. For this reason, local church pastors agree to partner with Grimké Seminary and provide personal discipleship, support, and ministry opportunities to our students during their time enrolled in our program.

Our seminary exists specifically and exclusively to train qualified men who are current or aspiring pastors and church planters for the local church. Not pursuing pastoral ministry? Grimké College offers online/in-context programs to train lay men and women for service in local churches.

If you’re already serving as lead pastor in your church, Grimké will provide you with a seasoned mentor from our list of approved coaches. Coaches work with students to determine meeting times, formats, and any fees that may apply (1 Tim. 5:18).

The Christian life is not a solo endeavor. We are saved from sin specifically for life with Christ and his people (Titus 2:14). Therefore, all students applying to Grimké must be local church members. Contact us if you need help finding a local church.

As a gospel-centered seminary, Grimké serves churches from several different denominations and networks. We also continue to partner with many evangelical institutions and organizations. If you want to learn more, read our statement on collaboration.

Grimké Seminary offers a variety of degree programs to our students. We offer a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) (doctoral degree), Master of Sacred Theology (STM) (postgraduate degree), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) (graduate degree) with or without a concentration, and a Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) (undergraduate degree).

All degrees may be completed in two years of full-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment consists of nine credit hours per semester for our STM and MTS without concentration (thirty-six credit hours total) and twelve credit hours per semester for our BDiv and MTS with concentration (forty-eight credit hours total). All enrolled DMin students take a fixed set of thirty-six credit hours over their first two years. If desired, DMin students may take up to two additional years to complete their doctoral theses.

We offer classes at the competitive rate of $232/credit hour—about half the tuition rate of most seminaries. The total cost of tuition for the thirty-six-credit-hour STM or MTS without concentration is $8,340. The total cost for a forty-eight-credit-hour BDiv or MTS with concentration is $11,120. The DMin is a comprehensive program with seminars, a doctoral thesis, and thesis mentorship. The total cost of the DMin is $18,500 and is not billed on a per-credit-hour basis.

Our Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) is a professional baccalaureate degree for qualifying students that is identical in curriculum and requirements to the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree with a concentration. The program is designed for men who are endorsed by their local church to pursue theological education but who lack a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning. The BDiv will not convey academic standing for future degrees in most cases. College-aged students interested in Grimké Seminary are strongly encouraged to complete a traditional liberal arts degree before enrolling in our MTS program.

We offer two certificate programs to allow non-full-time students to pursue unique studies not offered anywhere else. Students may choose to take four courses (core or elective) in Urban Ministry or Church Planting and receive a Certificate in Urban Ministry or Certificate in Church Planting, respectively.

Yes. If you choose to enroll in any degree program after competing a certificate program, then your four certificate courses may count toward your degree’s general elective requirement (worth twelve credit hours).

You can start the application process today. Upon completing the form, our Office of Administration will send you links and instructions to complete your application.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Contact our Office of Administration for specific semester dates and application deadlines.

Yes. Grimké Seminary is glad to receive up to nine credit hours from students desiring to transfer from other schools. Courses eligible to transfer will be determined on an individual basis. Contact us at if you would like our academic board to conduct an official transcript review.

Yes. While Grimké works hard to keep theological education accessible, we do offer several ways to save on tuition. Learn more about current opportunities on our Scholarships page.