Academic Information

COURSE CREDITS

Course credits at EAST are based on the semester credit-hour system. Each credit represents approximately 15 hours of classroom work and 25-30 hours of homework and out-of-classroom involvement. Courses are generally either two credits or three credits. With effect from 1 July 2013, EAST is on the semester system for residential school. The course credits are based on semester credit hours.

STUDENT DESIGNATIONS

Students at EAST have one of the following designations:

1. Program Students. Program students have completed the admissions process and been accepted into a program of study (Grad Dip, BA, MA, MDiv).

• Full-time Program Students enrol for a minimum of ten (10) and a maximum of 18 credits per semester.
• Part-time Program Students enrol for nine (9) or fewer credits per semester. Part-time program students must coordinate with the Registrar to ensure that they take all prerequisite classes in the proper sequence.

2. Visiting Students. Visiting students have not been accepted into a program of study at EAST. Visiting students may audit courses or take them for credit. This allows an individual to be part of the EAST community without making a commitment to a degree program. As their schedules allow, visiting students may actively participate in Chapel and school-wide activities.

Visiting students can take a maximum of fifteen (15) credits prior to applying for admission to a BA, Grad Dip, MA, or MDiv program. Those wishing to enter the PIM Certificate program may only take six (6) semester credits as a visiting student prior to applying for admission. There are no visiting students in the EFS program.

Visiting students can enrol for all courses offered at EAST except those with prerequisites not yet completed, Internship, Field Practicum, and Mentoring Group. If visiting students have successfully completed the maximum allowable semester credits but do not wish to enter a program, they may continue as visiting students but are limited to auditing courses.

3. EFS Students. English for Seminarian (EFS) students have completed the EFS application process and have been accepted into an intensive English language program. EFS includes active participation in Chapel, Mentoring Group, and all school-wide activities.
4. PIM Students. Partners in Ministry (PIM) students have completed the admission process and been accepted into a PIM certificate program. As their schedules allow, PIM students participate in Chapel and school-wide activities.

 

COURSE REGISTRATION

Students need to register for courses each semester. Students are advised to follow their academic plan if they wish to graduate within the time allotted for their program.

Course registration includes a registration fee. A late fee will be assessed for those who register after the close of registration (or preregistration in the case of continuing students).

If a student wishes to make course-related changes after the start of the semester, he/she should follow the procedures related to the type of change needed (see later sections on Adding a Course, Dropping a Course, Change of Course Status, and Withdrawal from a Course). All course changes after the start of the semester include a change fee.

 

ACADEMIC LOAD

Minimum load for full-time students is ten credits per semester. The maximum load is 18 credits per semester (including internships during the break) for all full time students. Students taking language courses or those wishing to take a lighter load during the semester may wish to take one or more intensive courses during the school holidays. A student may enrol for a maximum of five credits during the school holidays. Exceptions are allowed by permission of the Academic Dean.

 

TIME LIMITS ON DEGREE PROGRAMS

 The time limits for completion of the various programs are as follows:

1. Seven years for the Master of Divinity degree and the Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree.
2. Five years for the Master of Arts degrees.
3. Four years for the Graduate Diploma.

The time limitation begins when the student matriculates (begins studies after having been accepted into a specific degree program). Students desiring to complete their programs of studies within the stipulated time should follow the sequencing of classes offered by the school as much as possible. The time limitation for completion of degree programs also includes leave of absence from studies (see Leave of Absence section).

 

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

 Students are expected to spend 1½-2 hours doing homework assignments for each hour spent in class. Biblical language courses require approximately 2 hours of homework for every hour in class.

Course assignments are expected to be handed in punctually as determined by each Lecturer in their respective courses. Assignments which are handed in late, without receiving prior approval from the Lecturer, may receive a late grade. For further information about course assignment policies, consult the Student Handbook.

 

ADDING OR DROPPING A COURSE (EITHER CREDIT OR AUDIT)

Once a semester or intensive course begins, if a student wants to add or drop either a credit or audit class, he/she needs to complete a Course Change Form.  The student needs to obtain the required signatures and submit the form to the Registrar. There is a fee of S$15 for every course added or dropped after the closing date for registration for the upcoming semester or intensive courses.

 

	ADD A COURSE FOR CREDIT	ADD A COURSE FOR AUDIT	REFUND
Semester Course  Program Students	Can add a course for credit up to end of second full weekFee of $15 per course	Can add an audit course up to the end of the second full weekFee of $15 per course	100% refund if dropped in first week 50% refund if dropped up to end of second week
Intensive Course  Program Students	Can add a course for credit before 20% of the course is completedFee of $15 per course	Can add a course for audit before 20% of the course is completedFee of $15 per course	100% refund if dropped before the second class day 50% refund if dropped before the third class day
Visiting Students	Same as above except late fee  may apply	Same as above except late fee may apply	Same as above for regular and intensive courses.

 

Adding a Course for Credit or Audit. (See chart above) Visiting students who add courses after the close of registration will also have to pay a late registration surcharge. Students are not required to pay the add fee if EAST cancels a given course which results in the student needing to add another course.

A student adding a course after the close of registration is responsible to take the initiative to obtain the course syllabus if the course has already started. Students taking the course for credit are responsible to meet with the Lecturer and make arrangements to submit any late homework due before the student’s addition of the class.

 

Dropping a Course and Tuition Refund. (See chart above) There is a S$15 fee for every course dropped after the closing dates for registration for each semester. Students are not required to pay the fee for dropping a course if EAST cancels that class and also qualify for a tuition refund if the course is cancelled.

 

CHANGE OF COURSE STATUS

When a semester or intensive course begins, if a student wants to change his/her course status from credit to audit or vice versa, he/she needs to complete a Course Change Form. The student needs to obtain the required signatures and submit the form to the Registrar.

There is a set fee for all course class changes made after the closing dates for registration for each semester (see “Financial Information” section for specifics).

	CHANGE FROM AUDIT TO CREDIT	CHANGE FROM CREDIT TO AUDIT
Semester Course  Program Students	Can change from audit  to credit up to end of second full weekStudent must obtain permission from the Lecturer first Fee of $15 per course Pay tuition difference	Can change from credit to audit up to end of secondfull week Fee of $15 per course 100% of tuition difference refunded if dropped in first week 50% of tuition difference refunded if dropped in second week
Intensive Course  Program Students	Can change from audit to credit before the third day of an intensive classStudent must obtain permission from the Lecturer first Fee of $15 per course Pay tuition difference	Can change from credit to audit before the third day of an intensive classFee of $15 per course 100% of tuition difference refunded if dropped before the second class day 50%  of tuition difference refunded if dropped before the third class day
Visiting Students	Same as above	Same as above

 

Change from Audit to Credit. (See chart above) The student must obtain permission from the Lecturer prior to submitting the Course Change Form. The student is responsible to coordinate with the Lecturer the submission of all course assignments, readings, and quizzes/exams, which were due during while the student audited the course.

 Change from Credit to Audit. (See chart above)

 

WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE

Withdrawal involves dropping a regular course after the 2nd week of classes and prior to 6^th week or after the start of the 3rd day of an intensive (block) course but before 50% of the intensive class is completed.  A student cannot withdraw after 50% of a course has been completed.

After a student withdraws from a course, a “W” for “Withdrawal” will appear on a student’s transcript. A “W” does not add to or remove any marks from the Grade Point Average (GPA). “W” will be removed if/when the class is re-taken.

Students who do not withdraw from a course by the deadline stated above will receive a grade based on work submitted. All grades, including “D” (“Poor”) or “F” (“Fail”), will appear on the student’s transcript and will affect the student’s grade point average.

 

GRADES AND GRADING SCALE

Students will receive a grade for each course taken for credit. Grades are determined by homework, papers, class work, field work, quizzes, and final examinations. The grade scale is as follows:

 

Approximate equivalent %	Grade	Grade-Point	Remarks
97-100%	A+	4.0	Excellent quality work
93-96%	A	4.0
90-92%	A-	3.7
87-89%	B+	3.3	Good quality work
83-86%	B	3.0
80-82%	B-	2.7
77-79%	C+	2.3	Minimal quality work
73-76%	C	2.0
70-72%	C-	1.7
67-69%	D+	1.3	Poor quality work (Course must be repeated for all students except PIM)
63-66%	D	1.0
60-62%	D-	0.7
59% & below	F	0	Failure to do minimal work
–	P	–	CREDIT
–	NC	–	NO CREDIT
–	W	–	WITHDRAW
–	I	–	INCOMPLETE

 

The following criteria determine course credit:

• A grade of at least a C- (or P for Mentoring Group) is necessary to receive credit towards a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• A grade of at least a D- or P is necessary to receive credit towards a Partners-in- Ministry certificate.
• If a student is unable to complete his/her course work by the end of the semester due to death or sickness in the immediate family, an “Incomplete” (I) will be given.

1. If the student has not made up the course work within 30 days of the last day of final exams, after receiving an extension from the Dean of Academics, the “I” will be changed to either
2. A passing grade calculated considering zero marks for the missing work or
3. An “F” if the grade would not be a passing grade.
4. All extensions for course work up to noon of Friday of Final Exam Week will be given at the discretion of the Lecturer of the course.
5. All extensions for course work after noon of Friday of Final Exam Week will come only from the Dean of Academics.
6. Valid reasons for extensions beyond Final Exam Week include sickness, death in the family, or similar extenuating circumstances. Extensions are not granted because of personal vacation, procrastination, or ministry.

• As a general rule, all course work (assignments, projects, exams, etc.) must be completed by noon on Friday of Final Exam Week. Any course work not submitted will receive a zero. There are exceptions to the general rule above:

• At the end of a semester, the Lecturer will determine the grades for each student. Missing assignments will be given a zero unless the Dean of Academics has given the student an extension. If an extension has been granted, the Lecturer will record an “I” (Incomplete) for the grade. Otherwise, the grade will be determined by the grading scale used by the Lecturer.

 

ACADEMIC PROBATION

New students who previously attended and/or graduated from a school which does not have internationally recognized accreditation will be accepted into a program on academic probation for their first semester. BA students on academic probation must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.3 and Grad Dip, MA, and MDiv students on academic probation must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50. If a student on probation cannot meet this standard, he/she will be asked to leave the program.

Students are placed on academic probation by the Registrar at the end of any semester when their cumulative average falls below the required Grade Point Average (GPA) for their program. Students on academic probation have two semesters to raise the GPA to the minimum standard for their program of study. If a student fails to do so, he or she will be asked to leave the program. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for any semester will be asked to leave the program.

 

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

It is possible for a student who completed theological studies prior to attending EAST to receive credit either by transfer or Advanced Standing. The student may attempt to validate courses taken prior to ten years which may not qualify for transfer credit or Advanced Standing.

If student wishes to be considered for either transfer of credit or Advanced Standing, all transcripts (including IBS and SALT) must be submitted along with the admissions application. Decisions regarding transfer of credit or Advanced Standing will be determined by the Dean of Academics and communicated by the last day of Add/Drop of that semester. If a student wishes to attempt to validate one or more courses an application must be submitted to the Registrar prior to the start of EAST Aleph.

1. Coursework Completed at EAST Extension Centres

Credits earned at EAST extension centres (such as EAST-approved IBS or SALT courses) within the ten years prior to matriculation are considered as EAST courses rather than transfer credits. These are included on the transcript. Courses completed more than ten years earlier will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2. Transfer of Credit. Transfer of credit towards a degree program on an equivalent level (Bachelor’s to Bachelor’s or Master’s to Master’s) may be accepted from other Bible Colleges, seminaries, and graduate theological schools. These schools must have internationally recognized accreditation where work parallels that of courses in the EAST curriculum or where courses legitimately fit into student’s degree program at EAST.

 

Transfer of credit is determined by the Dean of Academics. All courses considered for transfer must have been completed within the previous ten years and have a final grade of “B-” or higher. Courses completed more than ten years earlier will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Transferred credits having fewer credit hours than EAST courses will be given the value at which the courses were taken but those having more credit hours than EAST courses will only be given the value at which EAST offers them.

A student (except those entering a Graduate Diploma) may transfer up to a maximum of 50% of the total credits of the program for which he/she is applying. A student entering a Graduate Diploma may transfer up to a maximum of 30% of the total credits of the program. All credits transferred will be noted on the transcript but will not be counted towards the student’s final GPA at EAST.

Credits earned through Institute of Biblical Studies (IBS) or School of Applied Leadership and Theology (SALT) which were not EAST extension courses are transferable provided they meet three criteria. Generally, (1) the classes must have been completed within the ten years prior to matriculation, (2) the student earned a grade of “B-” or higher, and (3) the courses were taught by a Lecturer with a ThM degree or higher.  Courses completed more than ten years earlier will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Credits earned in a Bachelor’s degree program are not transferrable into a Master’s degree program at EAST. However, those who have a theological Bachelor’s degree (such as BTh or BACM) from an accredited institution may receive Advanced Standing towards a Master’s Degree. For additional details see “Advanced Standing” section below.

In order to transfer credit, an official transcript must be sent as part of the admissions process to the EAST Admissions Officer directly from the institution(s) which the student attended. A photocopy provided by the student is not considered an official transcript. The student may also be required to provide a Prospectus/Catalogue, syllabus, or course notes from the previous institution if deemed necessary.

Students from non-accredited theological institutions cannot transfer credit but may apply for course validation (see “Validation” section below). Credit will not be accepted for transfer if a student has been dismissed from that institution.

Students enrolled at EAST who wish to take credit courses elsewhere and transfer the credit to EAST must obtain prior written approval from the Registrar.

 Questions regarding transfer of credits should be directed to the Dean of Academics.

3. Advanced Standing. Advanced standing is available for individuals who successfully completed a theological Bachelor’s degree (such as BTh or BACM) within ten years of matriculation at EAST from an institution with internationally recognized accreditation. Individuals meeting these criteria may request consideration for Advanced Standing towards a Grad Dip, MA, or MDiv degree. Advanced Standing also applies to EAST graduates who completed a BACM and wish to enter a Grad Dip, MA, or MDiv at EAST. Courses completed more than ten years earlier will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

A maximum of 30 semester credits for courses with a grade of “B-” or higher may be considered as Advanced Standing towards a MA or MDiv program. A maximum of ten (10) semester credits for courses with a grade of “B-” or higher may be considered as Advanced Standing towards a Graduate Diploma. These courses either need to parallel courses offered in the individual’s proposed program of study at EAST or legitimately fit into the program of study.

All Advanced Standing credits will be noted on the student’s transcript. However, they will not be counted towards the student’s final GPA at EAST.

In order to obtain Advanced Standing, an official transcript must be sent as part of the admissions process to the EAST Admissions Officer directly from the institution(s) which the student attended. A photocopy of the transcript submitted by the student is not considered an official transcript. The student may also be required to provide a Prospectus/Catalogue, syllabus, or course notes from the previous institution if deemed necessary. Advanced Standing for courses is determined by the Dean of Academics.

4. Validation of Prior Coursework. Validation allows a student an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in a subject so the student does not need to repeat similar course material. Instead, the student will substitute another subject in the same area which would expand his/her knowledge. A maximum of five (5) credits may be validated for a Grad Dip and a maximum of fifteen (15) credits for all other programs.

A student may apply to validate a required EAST course which is similar in content to a course he/she took at another theological school, IBS, or SALT or a subject in which he or she has demonstrated mastery and used more than five years in a ministry setting. The student must submit a written request to validate a course to the Registrar.

The Registrar will arrange with the course Lecturer for the student to take the course exam (or equivalent assessment). There is a $60 non-refundable fee per validation exam or equivalent assessment. For some courses the student may also need to document use of the subject material in various settings and/or identify resources read on the subject.

If the student earns a grade of “B-” or above on the exam or equivalent assessment, he/she will be notified that the course has been successfully validated. This allows the student to substitute an equivalent number elective hours in the same department as the validated course but does not give credit for the validated course or reduce curriculum requirements. Validated courses will be included on the transcript but no grade will be listed as validated courses do not count towards a student’s GPA or curriculum requirements.

If the student does not earn a grade of “B-” or above on the exam or equivalent assessment, he/she will need to take the required EAST course.

EAST alumni who seek a second degree would not need to validate a course by exam. However, only courses with a grade of “B-” or above would be considered for validation. Generally the Dean of Academics would identify which courses could be validated. The student would then substitute an equivalent number of elective hours in the same department as the validated course(s).

 

CHANGE OF DEGREE PROGRAM

Prior to graduation, if a student wishes to change his/her degree program, he/she must complete a Program Change Form, submit it to the Registrar, and pay the S$30 reclassification fee. Before making a change of program, the student should consider the implications related to this change and the possibility that this may extend the length of study as some courses already completed may not count towards the graduation requirements of the new program.

 

DOUBLE DEGREES

It is possible for a person to earn two degrees from EAST. The fundamental principle is that the person must complete all the requirements of both degrees. It is possible for some credits earned for one to also apply toward the second degree. All EAST graduates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission to another EAST degree program. (For information about admission process when applying to enter a second degree, see “Admissions” section of this Prospectus.)

BACM + MA or MDiv. The person must complete all requirements of both degrees. See specific details below. An individual can only earn a BACM plus one Master’s degree from EAST.

	BACM	MA	MDiv
Core & Emphasis Courses	All core and emphasis courses to be completed	May receive up to a maximum of 30 credits Advanced Standing and validate up to 15 credits	May receive up to a maximum of 30 credits Advanced Standing and validate up to 15 credits
Mentoring Group	Completed as required	Two additional semesters of Mentoring Group	Four additional semesters of Mentoring Group
Cross-Cultural Team Internship 1 & 2	Completed as required	If not completed prior degree, to be completed for MA.If completed for prior degree, MA students (except MAICS) complete three additional LF credits. MAICS students complete three additional IS credits.	If not completed for prior degree, to be completed for MDiv.If completed for prior degree, MDivCM and MDivTE complete three additional LF credits. MDivICS students complete three additional IS credits.
Field Practicum 1 & 2	Completed as required	Two additional semesters of Field Practicum	Two additional semesters of Field Practicum.
Emphasis Practicum 1 & 2	N/A	N/A	Completed as required

 

MA + MA or MDiv. A minimum of 100 semester credits are required for an MA plus a second MA while 120 semester credits are required for an MA plus a MDiv. Although a person may have at least 100 credits for the two MA’s or 120 credits for the MA plus MDiv, it will usually take more than that to meet all the requirements of both degrees. An individual can only earn a MA plus one additional Masters’ degree from EAST.

	First MA	Second MA	MDiv
Core & Emphasis Courses	All core and emphasis courses to be completed	May transfer up to a maximum of 50% of the credits and validate up to 15 credits	May transfer up to a maximum of 50% of the credits and validate up to 15 credits
Mentoring Group	Completed as required	Two additional semesters of Mentoring Group	Four additional semesters of Mentoring Group
Cross-Cultural Team Internship 1 & 2	Completed as required	If not completed for prior degree, to be completed for MA.If completed for prior degree, All MA’s (except MAICS) complete three additional LF credits. MAICS students complete three additional IS credits.	If not completed prior degree, to be completed for MDiv.If completed for prior degree, all MDiv’s (except MDivICS) complete three additional LF credits. MDivICS students complete three additional IS credits.
Field Practicum 1 & 2	Completed as required	Two additional semesters of Field Practicum	Two additional semesters of Field Practicum
Emphasis Practicum 1 & 2	N/A	N/A	Completed as required

 

CONTINUATION AND GRADUATION

At the end of each academic year, students are assessed in three areas: character, academics, and ministry skills. This assessment involves a self-assessment as well as assessment by the faculty. If deficiencies are found, appropriate action will be taken to help the student address these. Upon approval, the student may continue into the next academic year. Students graduating from EAST must not only meet an academic standard but also demonstrate strong Christian character and prescribed ministry skills.

To graduate from any Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree program, a student must hold a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher. Graduating from a Bachelor’s degree program requires a GPA of 2.3 or higher.

Students will remain in good standing with the school if they conduct themselves with spiritual and moral integrity, maintain the required GPA, and meet their financial obligations to the school. The administration reserves the right to dismiss any student whose academic, spiritual, moral, or financial integrity is unsatisfactory. Students are responsible to meet graduation requirements stated in the Prospectus at the time of their acceptance.

 

DEGREE CONFERRAL

Degrees are conferred at the commencement service. Graduating students who have completed all academic, character, and ministry requirements except three (3) credits can participate in the commencement ceremony provided they have made arrangements to complete the final course within two months of the commencement ceremony. They will receive the diploma upon successful completion of the course. Generally students with more than 3 credits outstanding will receive their degree at the following commencement service.

 

EXTENDED ABSENCE

If a student plans not to enrol for studies for one or more semesters, the student must apply for a leave of absence. The student should submit a Leave of Absence Form to the Registrar. The Registrar will acknowledge receipt of the form and indicate the length of approved leave of absence. Depending on the situation, the Registrar may grant a leave of absence up to a total of two years to an MDiv student and one year for a Grad Diploma, BA, or MA student.

After a leave of absence within the approved time limits, if the student wishes to resume studies, he/she should submit a letter to the Registrar two weeks prior to the start of a new semester. In the letter, the student should indicate that he/she wishes to resume studies and attach a copy of the original Leave of Absence Form. The time limitation for degree completion includes the time away from EAST for a leave of absence.

If a student is absent for more than 24 months, the student is automatically considered as having withdrawn from studies. If at a later date, the student wishes to resume studies at EAST, he/she should contact the Admissions Office, submit a new Application Form, and pay the readmission application fee. The individual will meet with an Admissions Committee who will make a decision about the individual’s readmission to the same or a different degree program. Since a significant amount of time has passed, the student may be subject to graduation requirements which differ from those at the time of initial admission.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT DATA

EAST is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the student’s personal information. Subject to approval by the Registrar and/or Principal, faculty, and staff may review the student’s file and academic record when legitimate interests require it. The school does not supply directory information to commercial concerns for the purpose as mailing lists. EAST undertakes not to divulge any of the student’s personal information to any third party outside EAST without the written consent of the student.

The confidentiality undertaking has the following exceptions: 1) Appropriate information will be released to medical personnel when the health of the student or others would be endangered by the withholding of information; 2) Specific data is given to the relevant authorities for government related matters or accreditation purposes.