About
Since our establishment in 1908, Southwestern Seminary’s mission has been to see a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit across Texas, our nation, and the world, bringing the Gospel to all who have not heard, from today until Christ comes. Toward that end, we train God-called men and women for ministry through classroom learning and hands-on ministry experience.
Established on the Baylor University campus in 1908, Southwestern Seminary was relocated to our current location in Fort Worth, TX, in 1910. For more than 100 years, this seminary has remained dedicated equipping students to live their calling to serve God’s people and spread the good news of Christ to the ends of the earth.
Our Values
High View of Scripture
The Bible is the primary textbook in every classroom at Southwestern Seminary. All our curriculum is built on and every member of our faculty is dedicated to the unchanging, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.
Confessional Fidelity
The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 outlines our core doctrines as an institution. You can read the BF&M 2000 on our website here.
Great Commission
Our vision for education and ministry is guided by the words of the risen Christ in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” (CSB).
Denominational Cooperation
As a Southern Baptist seminary, all our work is carried out with a spirit of cooperation with one another and especially with the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
"We are committed to helping you live your calling"
"All Christians are called to pursue the Great Commission, and that includes you."
"Whatever theological education you need, we’ll help you find it. Whatever ministry experience it takes, we’ll help you build it. And wherever God calls, we’ll help you get there. Whether you’re just beginning your journey, or have decades of experience, we’re committed to help you live your calling."
Meet the Faculty
Completing a seminary degree is a challenging journey, but you will not make it alone. These men and women are committed not only to your academic success, but to your spiritual development and growth as a minister of the Gospel.
History
At the turn of the 20th century, America’s western frontiers needed trained ministers of the Gospel. Benajah Harvey Carroll led Texas Baptists to establish The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Waco, officially chartered on March 14, 1908, after having begun initially as part of Baylor University in 1905. At that time, Carroll was the most influential leader in the Southern Baptist Convention. His vision for the new seminary was so compelling that seminary trustees elected him as first president.
Visit Campus
Come see the Seminary Hill campus in Fort Worth, TX, for yourself. We’d love to take you on a campus tour or invite you to one of our Preview Days.
Accreditation
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The seminary is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1103, Telephone: 412.788.6505). Comprehensive information on Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s ATS designations can be accessed through the ATS list of member schools.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Each of these accrediting bodies stands ready to respond to accreditation related issues. All other inquiries about Southwestern should be directed to the seminary at 817.923.1921.
Got Questions?
We’re here to answer them. Reach out to our Admissions Team and we’ll be in touch by phone, text, or email.