Sufficient Academic Progress Policy for ALTS
Good Academic Standing GPA
Students in the M.Div, M.A.R., and M.A.T. programs must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for good academic standing, which is consistent with the requirement outlined in the ALTS guide. Students in the D.Min. program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for good academic standing.
Minimum Credits per Year
Students must complete at least four courses annually to maintain good standing and stay on track for graduation.
Maximum Time to Complete Program
Students in the M.Div. program must complete their coursework within a maximum of seven years. For those who do not complete the program within this timeframe, reapplication and adherence to the updated program requirements at reentry are required. The maximum time allowed to complete the M.A.R. and M.A.T. programs are seven years from the start of coursework. If a student needs a leave of absence, they may take up to one year without reapplying. After that period, students must reapply and meet any updated program requirements. Students in the D.Min program must complete the program within seven years.
Incomplete Policy
In cases where a student is unable to complete course requirements on time due to circumstances beyond their control, an Incomplete (I) grade may be granted. Requests must be made by the last scheduled day of the quarter, with coursework completed by the end of the following term (by August 1 for spring term incompletes). Unresolved Incompletes will convert to an F.
Grade to GPA Policy
GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale as follows:
- A = 4.0, A- = 3.66, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.66, C+ = 2.33, C = 2.0, D+ = 1.33, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
- Grades of P (pass) are equivalent to a GPA value of 2.5.
Academic Probation
A student falls into academic probation if the cumulative GPA drops below 2.0 or a term GPA below 1.75. Probation may also be triggered if a student accumulates two Incomplete grades in a term. Students on probation are restricted to a course load of no more than four full courses per semester.
Students on probation must complete the next three courses with a grade of C or higher (or Pass) within three consecutive terms to regain good standing. Failure to meet these conditions results in dismissal.
Quantitative Progress Requirement
To qualify for financial aid and meet satisfactory academic progress, students must complete at least 66.7% of attempted credits each term. All courses with grades of A, B, C, or P count toward completed credits. Courses graded F, I, W, or WF are not considered completed for this calculation.
Exceptions and Appeals
Students may appeal academic decisions, such as probation or dismissal, by submitting a written explanation of extenuating circumstances to the Seminary President or designated faculty. Appeals should include a detailed academic plan approved by the student’s academic advisor.