Entry-Level Courses. Courses numbered 100–199 are entry-level courses normally required for all students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) programs. They are intended to provide necessary and sufficient background for most upper-level courses (200- and 300-level) in the same area. Upper-level courses in other areas may also presuppose familiarity with the material covered in these courses; therefore, M.Div. and M.A. candidates normally take these courses during their first year of study at the seminary. Three-credit, entry-level courses require 150 minutes of instruction and 6–9 hours of homework per week for fifteen weeks, including a final exam or other suitable summative exercise. Entry-level courses are given annually.
Upper-Level Core Courses. Courses numbered 200–299 are upper-level academic courses normally required of all students in the M.Div. program and/or the M.A. program. Most, though not all, of these courses have 100-level prerequisites or require second-year standing. Three-credit, upper-level core courses require 150 minutes of instruction and 6–9 hours of homework per week for fifteen weeks, including a final exam or other suitable summative exercise. Upper-level core courses are given annually.
Electives. Courses numbered 300–399 are elective courses open to students in the M.Div. and/or M.A. programs. Many of these courses have one or more 100-level prerequisites. Three-credit elective courses require 150 minutes of instruction and six hours of homework per week for fifteen weeks, including a final paper or other suitable summative exercise. Most electives are rotated on a two- or three-year cycle in order to increase the number of offerings available during a student's time at St. Vladimir's. Normally, elective courses will not be given for fewer than five students unless they are needed to fulfill program requirements. The enrollment of elective courses is normally limited to fifteen students.
Double-Number Courses. A double number—e.g., NT 301 (401)—indicates that the course in question is given at two levels, with instruction, activities, and assignments appropriately adjusted to fit the competence and needs of students of different programs or levels of preparation. In most cases, students taking the course at the higher level are expected to do substantially more work, such a preparing a major research paper or independent project. Normally such students also meet more frequently with the course instructor, whether as a group or individually.
Master of Theology Courses. Courses numbered 400–499 are intended for students in the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program. Th.M. courses require 150 minutes of instruction and 6–9 hours of homework per week for fifteen weeks, including a suitable summative exercise, typically a major research paper. Qualified students in other seminary degree programs or students from other institutions may also be admitted. Auditors are not permitted in Th.M. seminars.
Hybrid Courses. Hybrid courses numbered 500–599, comprised of online learning and a seminar-style onsite intensive, are designed for students in the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program. Hybrid courses numbered 300–399 are available to students in the M.Div. and/or M.A. programs, including a limited number of coursess (numbered 400–499) open to Th.M. students. During the first eight weeks of a hybrid course, students complete weekly assignments, working with the course instructor through recorded lectures and threaded discussions in eCampus. The instructor is available for "virtual office hours" via Skype and phone calls. In the ninth week of the course, students prepare for an onsite intensive session during the following week, when the instructor joins the students on campus for seminar-style presentations. After the intensive, students complete the course online and conclude the hybrid term with a summative paper or project. Auditors are not permitted in hybrid courses.
