Program Overview

The Semlink Program is a unique opportunity for graduate-level theological education at a distance. Use the links below to find out more about what this program is and the uniqueness of what Semlink can offer you as a student.

> What is Semlink?
> How does Semlink Work?
> What sets Semlink apart?  

Semlink is the distance learning program offered by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It is a personalized learning program which allows you to study at your own pace--when and where it is most convenient for you. Semlink course materials consist of audio lectures and a printed study guide with lecture outlines, study questions and a bibliography for further reading. These resources, available on CD-ROM, are complemented by Semlink Online--the companion website that provides resources for formation, and allows significant interaction among students and between students and instructors.

"At a distance" no longer means "at a disadvantage." Gordon-Conwell is committed to providing the same high level of academic training for those who are currently unable to participate as an on-campus student. Despite constraints that prevent you from becoming a full-time, on-campus student now, you can still begin your program. We have reshaped our curriculum to offer courses that are more accessible without diminishing their high academic and spiritual quality. To ensure that "at-a-distance" students enjoy the same balanced education as "on-campus" students, we created Semlink. The program utilizes the best technology to bring the seminary to you.

The Semlink program is fully accredited. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary operates under a charter of the Higher Education Coordinating Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. This accreditation extends to the courses of the Semlink program.

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If you intend to take a course for credit, you must first apply to the seminary. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required, normally with a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. You can find an application for admission to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary by clicking here. Semlink participants may apply as a Visiting Student from another seminary, a Special Student, or for the Master of Divinity degree program. Upon admission and payment of a matriculation deposit, you may begin courses at any time during the calendar year.

If you are taking a course for your own personal enrichment (non-credit), admittance to the Seminary is not necessary. Follow the instructions to register for a non-credit course. Personal enrichment courses may not be converted to credit-bearing courses later.

A Semlink student has six months to complete a non-language course and 20-weeks for a language course. Each Semlink course carries three semester-hour credits--the equivalent of one Gordon-Conwell course or 4.5 quarter hours at schools using the quarter hour system. You may take up to 30 semester hours (10 courses) toward a Master of Divinity degree, and 18 semester hours (6 courses) toward other Master of Arts degrees, as long as the courses chosen meet requirements for that degree. Any number of courses may be taken for personal enrichment.

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Flexibility and Convenience. Semlink enables students to complete up to one third of their Master of Divinity degree at a distance while allowing students to continue meeting their current responsibilities. This unique program allows students a head start on seminary training before enrolling on campus and the ability to continue theological education even while overseas.

Reduced Costs. By taking courses through the Semlink program, tuition costs can be reduced by 50 percent. Many students realize a significant benefit by maintaining their current income without incurring the costs associated with moving to campus.

Non-Cohort Based System. Semlink is designed to allow students to take the courses they want when they wish to take them. Because Semlink is not cohort based, course availability is not contigent on enrollment quotas and is not limited to a set academic calendar. A student may begin any Semlink course at any time, which allows students freedom in course selection and timing coupled with the benefits from the ability to interact with course instructors and fellow students.

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