Academic Standards
How courses are structured, how students progress, and what we expect.
Course Structure
Each course in an SGTU program follows a consistent structure designed for self-paced graduate study:
Video Lectures
Faculty-led instruction covering core concepts, theory, and practical application for each module.
Course Readings
Downloadable PDF materials including textbook content, supplementary readings, and reference documents.
Module Quiz
Knowledge assessment at the conclusion of each module. Quizzes must be passed to confirm competency.
Written Assignments
Research papers, case studies, and reflective essays at the graduate level (where applicable).
Student Progression Model
Students progress through courses sequentially. Each course must be completed before the next unlocks. Completion requires:
- ✓All video lectures viewed
- ✓Course PDF materials downloaded and reviewed
- ✓Module quiz passed at or above the passing threshold (typically 70%)
- ✓Written assignments submitted and reviewed (where applicable)
- ✓Lesson marked as complete by the student
This sequential model ensures students build knowledge cumulatively and demonstrate competency at each stage before advancing.
Competency Expectations
Certificate Level
Courses 1–4
- ✓Foundational theological knowledge
- ✓Core discipline terminology
- ✓Basic practical application
- ✓Introductory assessment competency
Diploma Level
Courses 5–7
- ✓Intermediate theoretical depth
- ✓Applied ministry practice
- ✓Research methodology awareness
- ✓Cross-disciplinary integration
Degree Level
Courses 8–10/11
- ✓Advanced scholarly analysis
- ✓Independent research capability
- ✓Leadership-level application
- ✓Capstone project or dissertation
Stackable Credential Structure
SGTU awards formal credentials at defined milestones. Each credential stacks toward the next — no coursework is repeated.
Master's Track
Academic Pathway
Graduate Certificate
Open Admission4 courses
Graduate Diploma
Bachelor's Required7 courses total
Master of Science
Bachelor's Required10 courses total
No coursework is repeated. Each credential builds toward the next.
Doctoral Track
Academic Pathway
Postgraduate Certificate
Master's Required8 courses
Postgraduate Diploma
Master's Required10 courses total
Doctor of Philosophy
Master's Required11 courses total
No coursework is repeated. Each credential builds toward the next.
Admissions Verification Standards
Academic progression beyond the Certificate level is gated by admissions verification to ensure academic integrity:
Graduate Certificate (Courses 1–4)
Open admission — no prior degree required.
Graduate Diploma & Master's (Courses 5–10)
Verified Bachelor's degree required. Students submit transcripts via their dashboard; verification takes 3–5 business days.
Doctoral Programs (All courses)
Verified Master's degree required. Transcript verification follows the same dashboard submission process.
Students who have not yet submitted their prior degree documentation can still complete Certificate-level coursework and earn their Graduate Certificate. Progression resumes automatically once verification is approved.