From First Course to Graduation

Your Path to a
Graduate Degree

Start with a single course, earn credentials along the way, and build toward your Master's or Doctoral degree — all at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

The Student Journey

Five clear steps from enrollment to graduation. No hidden requirements, no surprises.

Step 1

Enroll in Your First Course

Choose your program and purchase Course 1 ($380 for Master's, $400 for Doctoral). No application needed for your first course. Pay only for what you take.

Course 1 unlocked instantly
Step 2

Earn Your Certificate

Complete 4 courses (Master's) or 8 courses (Doctoral) and your Graduate Certificate or Postgraduate Certificate is awarded automatically. This is a real, recorded credential.

Certificate credential earned
Step 3

Verify Your Prior Degree

To continue beyond the Certificate level, submit your Bachelor's degree transcript (for Master's) or Master's transcript (for Doctoral). Our admissions team reviews within 3–5 business days.

Academic progression unlocked
Step 4

Continue to Diploma & Degree

Once verified, continue purchasing and completing courses. Earn your Graduate Diploma at 7 courses, then complete all 10 (or 11 for PhD) to qualify for your full degree.

Diploma + Degree credentials earned
Step 5

Graduate

Complete all coursework and the Degree Conferral process. Your degree, transcript, and all stackable credentials are recorded permanently on your academic record.

Degree conferred

Stackable Credential Pathway

Every credential stacks toward the next. No coursework is ever repeated.

Master's Track

Academic Pathway

Graduate Certificate

Open Admission

4 courses

Graduate Diploma

Bachelor's Required

7 courses total

Master of Science

Bachelor's Required

10 courses total

No coursework is repeated. Each credential builds toward the next.

Doctoral Track

Academic Pathway

Postgraduate Certificate

Master's Required

8 courses

Postgraduate Diploma

Master's Required

10 courses total

Doctor of Philosophy

Master's Required

11 courses total

No coursework is repeated. Each credential builds toward the next.

What Students Experience

Self-Paced Courses

Study on your own schedule. No deadlines, no synchronous classes. Progress when your ministry and life allow.

Faculty-Guided Learning

Every module includes video lectures, downloadable readings, and structured assignments designed by experienced faculty.

Practical Assignments

Assessments focus on real-world application — case studies, ministry projects, and reflective practice, not rote memorization.

Real-World Application

Curriculum is built for working professionals. Apply what you learn directly to your ministry, counseling, or leadership context.

Stackable Credentials

Earn formal credentials at each milestone. Your Certificate and Diploma are real qualifications, not just progress markers.

100% Online, Global Access

Study from anywhere in the world. No travel, no relocation, no visa required. Same quality, same pricing, everywhere.

Who This Is Designed For

Ministry Leaders

Pastors, associate ministers, and church staff seeking graduate-level training to deepen their practice.

Career Changers

Professionals called to ministry, counseling, or theological study transitioning from other fields.

International Students

Called professionals worldwide — especially in developing nations — who need affordable, accessible seminary education.

Bi-Vocational Pastors

Leaders balancing ministry and employment who need a program that fits around a full life.

AI-Curious Leaders

Ministry professionals who want to understand and leverage digital communication and AI tools with theological integrity.

Lifelong Learners

Anyone with a heart for theological growth who wants a structured, credentialed path — whether or not they hold a prior degree.

What Makes SGTU Different

Start even without a degree

You don't need a Bachelor's to begin. Enroll in your first course today and earn a Graduate Certificate. Degree verification is only required to advance beyond the Certificate level.

Earn real credentials along the way

Unlike programs where you get nothing until you finish, SGTU awards formal credentials at each milestone — Certificate, Diploma, and Degree. Each one is recorded on your academic record.

Affordable, transparent progression

Pay per course as you go ($380–$400/course). No large upfront commitment required. Full program pricing is published and consistent for all students worldwide.

Transparent advancement rules

We publish our admissions requirements clearly. You always know what's needed to reach the next level. No hidden gates, no surprises, no ambiguity.

Admissions Checkpoints

Our academic structure includes verification gates at key progression points. These ensure academic integrity while keeping the entry point as accessible as possible.

Courses 1–4: Open Admission

No Degree Required

Anyone can start. Complete 4 courses and earn your Graduate Certificate with no prior degree requirement.

Courses 5+: Bachelor's Verification

Bachelor's Required

To continue toward the Graduate Diploma and Master's Degree, submit your Bachelor's degree transcript for verification. Upload via your student dashboard — review takes 3–5 business days.

Doctoral Programs: Master's Verification

Master's Required

PhD programs require a verified Master's degree. Submit your transcript via the dashboard before beginning doctoral coursework.

Common Questions

Do I need a Bachelor's degree to start?

No. You can begin your first course and earn a Graduate Certificate (4 courses) without a Bachelor's degree. A verified Bachelor's is required to continue toward the Graduate Diploma and Master's Degree.

Can I just take individual courses without pursuing a degree?

Yes. You can purchase and complete individual courses at your own pace ($380 for Master's, $400 for Doctoral). Each course counts toward your credential milestones if you decide to continue.

How much does a full degree cost?

Master's programs: $3,800 total ($380/course × 10 courses). Doctoral programs: $4,400 total ($400/course × 11 courses). A $300 Degree Conferral Fee applies at graduation.

How long does it take to complete a program?

Programs are fully self-paced. Most Master's students complete in 10–12 months. Doctoral students typically complete in 12–16 months. You can go faster or slower depending on your schedule.

What if I'm an international student?

Welcome! All programs are 100% online with the same pricing globally. No visa or travel required. Payments are processed in USD via Stripe, supporting most international cards.

What credentials do I earn along the way?

Master's track: Graduate Certificate (4 courses) → Graduate Diploma (7 courses) → Master of Science (10 courses). Doctoral track: Postgraduate Certificate (8 courses) → Postgraduate Diploma (10 courses) → Doctor of Philosophy (11 courses). Each credential is awarded automatically.

Is SGTU accredited?

SGTU is a Florida-registered religious institution operating under Florida Statute 1005.06(1)(f). We are not regionally or nationally accredited. Our degrees are religious in nature, designed for ministry and theological development. See our Institutional Information page for full details.

Ready to Start?

Choose your program and begin with Course 1 today. No application needed. Earn your first credential after just 4 courses.