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?
- Do I need to apply to Gordon-Conwell in order to take Semlink courses?
- How long will I have to complete my Semlink course?
- How many credit hours is a Semlink course?
- Can I complete an entire Gordon-Conwell degree via Semlink?
- How much does it cost to take a Semlink course?
- When can I register for a Semlink?
- What community learning experiences will Semlink provide?
- What courses does Semlink offer?
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 study guide with lecture outlines, study questions and a bibliography for further reading. These resources 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." Despite constraints that prevent you from becoming a full-time, on-campus student now, you can still begin your program. Gordon-Conwell is committed to offering courses that are more accessible without diminishing their high academic and spiritual quality. The Semlink program utilizes the best technology to bring the seminary to you.
Flexibility and Convenience. Semlink enables students to complete up to one third of their degrees at a distance while continuing to meet other 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 about 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 contingent 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.
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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Do I need to apply to Gordon-Conwell in order to take Semlink courses?
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. You can find more information about applying to the various Gordon-Conwell campuses by clicking here. Semlink participants may apply as Visiting Students from another seminary, as Special Students (those not intending to complete a degree), or for a graduate program.
If you intend to take a course for your own personal enrichment (non-credit), admittance to the Seminary is not necessary. Personal enrichment courses may not later be converted to credit-bearing courses.
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How long will I have to complete my Semlink course?
A Semlink student has 6 months to complete a non-language course and 20 weeks to complete a language course.
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How many credit hours is a Semlink Course?
Each Semlink course carries 3 semester-hour credits, the equivalent of 4.5 quarter hours.
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Can I complete an entire Gordon-Conwell degree via Semlink?
You may take up to 30 semester hours (10 courses) toward a Master of Divinity degree and 18 semester hours (6 courses) toward a Master of Arts degrees, keeping in mind that the courses chosen must meet the requirements of your degree program.
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How much does it cost to take a Semlink course?
Tuition costs for students who have not yet taken courses on one of Gordon-Conwell's campuses are reduced by almost 50% of tuition rates at our main campus ($864 per class as of May 20, 2010). Residential students’ tuition costs will be the same as for on-campus classes.
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When can I register for a Semlink?
Because the Semlink program is not cohort based, course availability is not limited to a set academic calendar. A student may begin any Semlink course at any time, allowing students freedom in course selection and timing.
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What community learning experiences will Semlink provide?
Students are able to interact with teaching fellows, course instructors, and fellow students, through the duration of their Semlink classes. Semlink students also have access to audio recordings of all on-campus chapel messages.
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What courses does Semlink offer?
Please see our full course list
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