SES' Unique External Studies Program
The non-resident (external) program consists of courses that are taken by way of online lectures that correspond to the same courses taken in the resident program. The program does not currently follow the resident academic calendar, but will starting Fall 2009. Until then, external studies courses can be taken at any time. Unless prerequisites are explicitly stated, courses may be taken in any sequence. The time limit for completing each individual course is four (4) months. Because SES utilizes recorded lectures rather than "internet classes" for distance education, our students can follow their own individual schedules (SES recommends that students enrolled in 9 credit hours or more per semester should not work more than 20 hours per week, students working 40 hours or more per week should not take more than 6 credit hours per semester). Courses for the distance learning program generally consist of:
- Recorded lectures prepared for the course by SES / SEBC professors.
- Assignments detailed in each course’s syllabus.
- Proctored exams (proctors are recruited by the student).
- Interacting with professors by various means.
The distance learning (external studies) program is available for students living outside of a 100 mile radius from the campus. Those requesting external status who are on the borderline, or who have other special circumstances such as regular travel issues for employment, will be considered for the program during the admissions process.
Specific Resident Requirements by Degree Type
There are no residency requirements as such for any of the degrees offered by SES / SEBC. However, there may be classes that are needed for a degree that are only available in residence. For example, the Master of Arts in Apologetics requires all students to take SM601 (Senior Seminar), but SM601 cannot be taken externally. Hence, the student will need to take this class in residence. Please be aware of which classes are available externally and which are not, as the list of available classes may change.
Minimum Technology Requirements for External Studies
External Studies employs online audio, video, and DVD video media formats for its lectures. The student will need hardware and software that meets the minimum system requirements for the following areas:
- Internet Access (High Speed strongly suggested)
- Email Access
- Common audio files (e.g., MP3, WAV).
- Standard DVD player for video.
- DOC, WPD, or PDF files.
Foreign Students
Non-U.S. citizens are subject to the same requirements as any other external student. No foreign student is required to visit SES / SEBC before or during their studies, but all students (whether foreign or not) are expected to meet all course requirements for their particular degree. Thus, a foreign student will need to travel to SES / SEBC at appropriate times in order to fulfill courses that are not offered through the external program. Foreign students should be aware of what classes will need to be taken in residence (if any) and be prepared to meet those requirements. If you need assistance in visiting SES / SEBC, then please contact one of the Deans of Students: Duke Hale (dhale@ses.edu) or Nora Hale (nhale@ses.edu).