Academics
Our training not only informs the intellect and softens the heart, but it also instills deep-seated solid convictions in the spine.
Degree Programs
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity is the foundational degree for pastoral training. This comprehensive program provides rigorous training in biblical studies, theology, church history, preaching, pastoral care, and leadership.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Cultural Apologetics & Missions program at Founders Seminary, directed by Dr. E.D. Burns, is designed to equip students with a robust biblical theology of mission while training them to defend the faith against false teachings and cultural distortions.
Mentorship Commitment
Many pastors who seek seminary training do so outside of the context of the accountability of the local church. We believe that no institution can usurp the authority of the local church in training qualified men for ministry. In partnership with Grace Baptist Church, residential students of Founders Seminary are required to maintain a growing involvement in the local church in addition to their academic training.
Founders Seminary is committed to training the next generation of qualified elders, pastors, and educators. This commitment relates to teaching excellence in Bible exposition, theology, church history, and exegetical skills in the biblical languages, as well as excellence in imparting practical shepherding skills.
Failure in ministry almost always results from a lack of loving and effective leadership, not from an inability to clearly teach doctrine with conviction. Realizing this, Founders Seminary requires you to spend time each semester under the supervision of a pastor/elder of an approved local church. These mentors will nurture and direct students in learning to shepherd God’s people.
In our mentorship program students will learn how to implement the doctrine they learn in the classroom through a biblical philosophy of ministry. This Mentorship Commitment will help students avoid taking a ministry assignment upon graduation that they are not equipped to handle.
Ministry Involvement
Students should take great care in determining which ministry to join. Since most students plan on a teaching/preaching ministry upon graduation, the more preaching they do while at Founders Seminary for training, the better.
All students are required to be involved in ministry each semester they are enrolled at Founders Seminary.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Calendar & Course Schedules
New Student Application for Fall 2025 Opens
New Student Application for Fall 2025 Deadline
Fall registration period closes
Fall late registration closes
New student orientation
Semester begins
Deadline for Add/Drop
No Classes
Spring/Winter Registration
Finals
Break
Grades due, Semester ends
Winterim
Winter Break
New Student Application for Spring 2026 Opens
New Student Application for Spring 2026 Deadline
New Student Orientation
Spring Registration Period Closes
Spring Late Registration closes
Semester begins
Deadline for Add/Drop
Founders Conference (No classes)
Fall/Summer Registration
Spring Break
Final Exams
Graduation
Summer Terms
Standards
Academic Standards & Accreditation
Founders Seminary is committed to the highest standards of theological education. While we are not currently accredited, we uphold a rigorous academic curriculum designed to equip students for faithful ministry. We are actively working toward accreditation but will never compromise our mission in pursuit of it. Our priority remains the integrity of our teaching, the faithfulness of our doctrine, and the preparation of students for gospel ministry.
Additionally, we have transfer agreements with other like-minded institutions—both accredited and non-accredited—and will work with the registrars of qualified schools to assist prospective students and graduates. If you have questions about credit transfer or academic partnerships, we encourage you to reach out to our admissions office.
