Learn Theology Online at Saint Paul

Coffee-and-ComputerHybrid & Online Seminary School Classes

Saint Paul School of Theology offers a blended online theology degree with classes that are held online, hybrid (both online/face to face), and in traditional classroom formats. This type of educational structure allows for more flexibility and ensures that a great education is accessible to any student that may want it. Online and hybrid learning helps foster new skills in an ever-changing, digital world while also providing a solid foundation of theological teachings and an engaging social environment with classmates.

Students can take up to eight online courses in their first two years. These classes may include:

1) HBS 301 and HST 301
2) HST 302 and THL 301
3) EVN 301 and ETH 301
4) CRE *** and NTS 301

FAQ's

Will online and hybrid courses save me time and mileage?

Yes. We looked at student needs and realized that our adult learners hoped to reduce their commutes. There are several benefits of a blended and online seminary school education.

Online and hybrid learning can make seminary school more accessible for all kinds of students from full-time workers to adult commuters.

What has the faculty done to ensure online and hybrid learning goes smoothly?

Our faculty have gone through extensive learning about how to recreate the learning environment using technology through a grant from the Missouri United Methodist Foundation. They did so with the primary mission in mind: high quality theological education that equips students for diverse ministries and vocations.

The faculty have created a specific rotation of online theology courses. They have further reduced the commute of students by creating the hybrid courses in a way so that you can expect 5 face-to-face classes and 10 online classes for hybrid learning.

Will online classes cost me more per credit hour?

No. The costs for online and face-to-face classes are the same per credit hour.

Will I be required to be available at a specific time for my online classes? Will classes be synchronous or asynchronous?

Saint Paul offers both synchronous and asynchronous courses.

Synchronous online classes are those that require students and instructors to be online at the same time. Lectures, discussions, and presentations occur at a specific hour. All students must be online at that specific hour in order to participate.

Asynchronous online classes are those that you can take on your own schedule and typically do not meet at a specific time during the day. Faculty will inform students well in advance if there will be any synchronous class times. This flexibility allows for students to work at times that are convenient for them without conflicting with obligations like work. Instructors provide materials, lectures, tests, and assignments that can be accessed at any time. Students may be given a timeframe – usually a one-week window – during which they need to connect at least once or twice. But overall, students are free to contribute whenever they choose. 

UMC students:  On Jan. 26, 2023, the University Senate met virtually for its first bi-annual meeting of 2023. During the meeting, the Senate voted to approve a policy change that allows United Methodist students the opportunity to engage in a fully online Master of Divinity degree program.

Saint Paul will continue to offer courses in-person, online and in hybrid formats. Online courses will be offered in asynchronous and synchronous formats. 

 Do I have to take a specific class online or is it also offered face-to-face?

If a class is listed as an online class then all students need to take the class online. You may want to wait until the next term that the class is offered because the same course rotates between online instruction and traditional face-to-face classroom instruction.

Will I still get the same quality instruction?

Yes. The Saint Paul faculty is committed to the best teaching possible in service of preparing and equipping students for diverse calls, vocations, and ministries. Whenever online teaching helps to meet this overarching goal, the faculty is interested. We give students experience with social media, course management systems, web resources, digitized presentations, and other online experiences; this better prepares students to use be imaginative in their ministry and in collaboration with professional colleagues.