FAQs

St. John’s Theological Seminary (SJTS) is the first Syriac Orthodox Seminary in North America, formally established in 2025 after more than a century of prayers, aspirations, and planning. Its mission is to safeguard the Apostolic faith, train future leaders, and serve the mission of the Church by offering rigorous theological education rooted in the Orthodox tradition. The Seminary welcomes all who seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.

SJTS operates under the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. Its Supreme Patron is His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch & All the East. Its Board of Trustees may be found on the website: https://sjtseminary.org/leadership/

The Seminary is headquartered in Old Tappan, New Jersey. While the Seminary’s administrative functions operate from this location, classes are currently primarily offered online to make theological education accessible to students throughout North America and globally.

St. John’s Theological Seminary is open to all. While its teachings focus on the Orthodox faith and tradition, anyone who desires to learn about the Christian faith is welcome to apply.

SJTS is uniquely positioned as the first Syriac Orthodox theological institution in North America, offering high-quality theological training while being accessible through online platforms. It serves as a hub for faith formation, spiritual growth, and leadership development for the next generation of Orthodox leaders.

The Seminary currently offers the Diploma in Theology program, with additional advanced theological studies planned for the future.

The Diploma in Theology is an 18-24 credit program designed for clergy, seminarians, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and faithful laity who wish to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Church history, liturgy, and Orthodox spirituality.

The Diploma in Theology program is a part-time program. Students typically take two courses per semester, allowing them to balance study with work and family responsibilities.

The program consists of 18-24 credits spread over four semesters. Each course carries 3 credits.

Courses cover topics such as Old and New Testament Studies, Church History, Liturgy, Patristics, Theology, and Syriac Language. The course schedule is published prior to the start of each semester.

Classes are offered online to ensure accessibility for students across North America and internationally.

There may be optional on-site practical sessions, retreats, or workshops for students who can attend. Alternative arrangements will be provided for those unable to travel.

Transfer of credits may be considered on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Dean’s Office.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a completed application form, English proficiency and a willingness to grow in faith and service.

No. The program is open to students with or without prior theological education.

Applicants must submit a completed application form, a copy of their educational certificate, and a short personal statement. See the application requirements at https://sjtseminary.org/application-requirements/ or visit the page dedicated for international applicants at https://sjtseminary.org/international-applicants/

Applications can be submitted online through the Seminary website at https://sjtseminary.org/apply/

For the Spring 2026 semester, the application deadline is November 15, 2025.

Interviews may be scheduled if additional information is needed to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for the program.

All admission decisions will be finalized by December 15, 2025, for the Spring 2026 semester.

Tuition is $150 per credit.

Yes. There is a $50 application fee, a diploma processing fee of $150, and examination fees (to be determined).

All payments must be made before the start of the semester.

Payments can be made by check in U.S. dollars or ZELLE or by wire transfer for students from the United States. Those outside the United States may pay by wire transfer. Wire transfer details are available from the administrative office.

Scholarships are not available at present, but they may be offered in the future.

At this time, tuition must be paid in full prior to the start of each semester.

Students will be graded based on participation, assignments, and examinations. The grading scale and requirements will be outlined in each course syllabus.

Yes. Students may withdraw from a course by notifying the Dean’s Office in writing. Refunds are issued according to the Seminary’s refund policy.

Refunds are prorated based on the week of withdrawal. An 80% refund is granted in the first week, 60% in the second week, 40% in the third week, and 20% in the fourth week. No refunds are issued after the fourth week.

Yes, students may request a leave of absence through the Dean’s Office.

Yes. Students are expected to attend live sessions or watch recordings as specified by their instructor.

Yes. Exams may be conducted online or in a supervised setting. Specific arrangements will be communicated in advance.

A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, webcam, microphone, and updated web browser are required.

Instructions for accessing the LMS will be provided to enrolled students prior to the start of classes.

Technical support is available through the Seminary’s administrative office or designated IT support team.

The Seminary’s faculty includes experienced clergy, theologians, and scholars from across the Syriac Orthodox Church and beyond.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph currently serves as the Dean of St. John’s Theological Seminary.

Yes. The Seminary frequently invites guest lecturers and scholars to enrich the learning experience of students.

Yes. The Seminary encourages prayer, fellowship, and active participation in the life of the Church through optional retreats, workshops, and online gatherings.

Yes. Special events and conferences are organized periodically to promote spiritual and academic growth.

Students are welcome to attend services at the Malankara Archdiocese in Old Tappan and the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus when visiting and are encouraged to participate in their local parish liturgical life.

Successful completion of all required courses (18-24 credits) with passing grades and full payment of tuition and fees are required for graduation.

Most students complete the Diploma in Theology in four semesters (two years).

Graduates are equipped to serve as church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and lay theologians, contributing to the spiritual and educational mission of the Church.

Yes. Advanced theological study programs are being planned for the future. Graduates may also pursue further studies at other Orthodox seminaries worldwide.

Yes. The Seminary works closely with parish leaders and the Archdiocese to connect graduates with opportunities for service and ministry.

You can email the Dean’s Office at admin@sjtseminary.org (preferred method) or call 908-777-SJTS (7587).

Email is the preferred method to ensure timely and documented communication.

Yes. Visitors are welcome at the St. John’s Seminary Headquarters in Old Tappan, NJ, by appointment only.

Please contact the Seminary Administrative Office by email for detailed payment instructions and assistance.

For a three-credit course, students should expect to dedicate approximately three hours per week to live lectures and coursework (one hour per week per credit). A detailed timetable will be provided at the start of each semester with the specific day and time of lectures. In cases where students are spread across different time zones, the Seminary may adjust scheduling, allowing the class cohort to agree on a time that works best for the majority.

Classes at St. John’s Theological Seminary are conducted using a flipped classroom model (where learning materials are provided in advance for review, and live class time is dedicated to discussion, practice, and problem-solving) or through hybrid learning (a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online instruction, with occasional face-to-face opportunities). Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, research, and literature review. All live sessions are recorded and uploaded to the Learning Management System (LMS), allowing students to revisit the material at any time or catch up if they are unable to attend the live sessions.

The Seminary’s faculty and instructors are carefully selected by the Board of Trustees. Our faculty members are highly qualified graduates of recognized institutions and bring with them both national and international teaching experience. They are dedicated to combining academic excellence with spiritual formation, preparing students for faithful service in the Church and the wider community.

Students can expect to engage with their courses each week through a variety of learning tasks. These may include live online sessions with faculty, viewing prerecorded lectures, and completing assigned readings or activities posted on the Learning Management System (LMS). The balance of live and self-paced learning is designed to provide both structure and flexibility for students.

The schedule may be finalized in consultation with the course instructors or lecturers, taking into account the needs of the students.

Yes. Your college transcripts will be sufficient. You must submit all available college documents, including official transcripts and degree certificates, as part of your application.

Yes. If you are unable to provide proof of your high school completion, you may take the GED (General Educational Development) test online from home. For more information and to register, visit www.GED.com

Applicants are not required to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT for admission. However, if you reside in the United States and have not completed high school or cannot provide proof of high school completion, you will be required to obtain a GED (General Educational Development certificate) before enrolling.

Yes. St. John’s Theological Seminary follows a rolling admissions process, meaning applications are reviewed and decisions are made as they are received rather than waiting until a specific deadline. This allows applicants greater flexibility and often results in an earlier admission decision. However, we encourage students to submit applications as early as possible to secure a place in the program before available spots are filled.

You can make a meaningful impact by supporting St. John’s Theological Seminary through your prayers and financial contributions. Visit our Donations page on our website to learn how to make a one-time donation, set up a recurring gift, or explore other ways to partner with us in sustaining the Seminary’s mission. Your prayers and generosity help us prepare future leaders for the Church.