Graduate Students

Graduate Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 2026

Residence halls open to all students	8/3/26
Graduate Semester Begins	8/10/26
Fall Term 1 Begins	8/10/26
Term 1 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	8/13/26
Semester Courses Drop/Add Final Date	8/16/26
Labor Day	9/7/26
Fall Graduation Application Deadline	9/8/26
Last day to drop Fall Term 1 courses without failing grade	9/8/26
Last day to remove Incomplete Grades from Previous Semester	9/11/26
Last day to appeal grade of previous semester	9/11/26
Fall Missions Conference	9/21 - 9/23
Fall Term 1 Ends	10/2/26
Last day to drop Semester courses without failing grade	10/2/26
Fall Term 2 Begins	10/5/26
Term 2 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	10/8/26
Last day to drop Fall Term 2 courses without failing grade	10/30/26
Thanksgiving Break	11/23 - 11/27
Semester Exams	11/30 - 12/3
Fall Term 2 Ends	12/2/26
Spring Graduation Application Deadline	12/4/26
Fall Graduation	12/4/26
Last day to move out of residence dorms	12/5/26

Fall Advising Calendar

Open Advising for Fall Term 2 Begins	9/14/26
Open Advising for Spring Term 3 Begins	10/12/26

Fall Financial Aid Calendar

Priority Filing Deadline for Returning Students	6/1/26
Priority Filing Deadline for New Students	7/1/26
Graduate Payment Plan Required	8/12/26
Anticipated Fall Disbursement 1	8/27/26
Deadline for Fall FAFSA/Student Loan Requests	11/20/26
Anticipated Fall Disbursement 2	12/2/26

January Term 2027

Administrative Offices Open	1/4/27
Registration for all students	1/4/27
January Term	1/4 - 1/9

Spring Semester 2027

Residence halls open to all students	1/4/27
Graduate Semester Begins	1/11/27
Spring Term 3 Begins	1/11/27
Term 3 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	1/13/27
Semester Courses Drop/Add Final Date	1/18/27
MLK Day	1/18/27
Last day to drop Spring Term 3 courses without failing grade	2/5/27
Last day to remove Incomplete Grades from Previous Semester	2/5/27
Last day to appeal grade of previous semester	2/5/27
Spring Term 3 Ends	3/5/27
Last day to drop Semester courses without failing grade	3/5/27
Spring Term 4 Begins	3/8/27
Term 4 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	3/10/27
Spring Break (for Semester Courses Only)	3/15 - 3/19
Last day to drop Spring Term 4 courses without failing grade	4/2/27
Spring Term 4 Ends	4/30/27
Semester Exams	5/3 - 5/5
Spring Graduation	5/7/27
Last day to move out of residence dorms	5/8/27

Spring Advising Calendar

Open Advising for Spring Term 4 begins	2/8/27
Open Advising for Summer Term 5 begins	3/22/27

Spring Financial Aid Calendar

Priority Filing Deadline for New Students	12/1/26
Graduate Payment Plan Required	1/13/27
Anticipated Spring Disbursement 1	1/29/27
Deadline for Spring FAFSA / Student Loan Requests	4/23/27
Anticipated Spring Disbursement 2	4/28/27

Summer Semester 2027

Registration - All Students	5/3/27
Summer Term 5 Begins	5/3/27
Term 5 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	5/5/27
Graduate Summer Semester Begins	5/10/27
Last day to drop Summer Term 5 courses without failing grade	5/21/27
Memorial Day	5/31/27
Summer Term 6 Begins	6/14/27
Term 6 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	6/16/27
Summer Term 5 Ends	6/25/27
Independence Day Observed	7/5/27
Last day to drop Summer Term 6 courses without failing grade	7/9/27
Graduate Semester Exams	7/26 - 7/29
Summer Term 6 Ends	8/6/27

Summer Financial Aid Calendar

Graduate Payment Plan Required	5/5/27
Deadline for Spring FAFSA / Student Loan Requests	6/11/27
Anticipated Summer Disbursement	6/16/27

Graduate Admission Requirements

Baptist University of Florida welcomes deeply dedicated Christians regardless of age, sex, race, or national origin. Baptist University of Florida does not require the signed affirmation of Christian faith and service for online and commuter students in non-theology and non-worship leadership degree programs and non-degree seeking students. However, the university reserves the right to restrict or deny admission to any applicant for reasons determined to be in the best interest of the school by the officers thereof.

As the following criteria indicates, the Baptist University of Florida practices a comprehensive approach in admission policy. All criteria will be considered by the admissions committee in determining each applicant’s admission to the university.

The graduate program will require the completion of an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, OR a minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal Reasoning score of 150 (revised scoring), or a minimum Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score of 425 or 80th percentile. Along with the completion of an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree, each graduate program also has additional admission requirements.

Graduate Application for Admission

Submitting the application form is the first step for entrance into the graduate program at Baptist University of Florida. The application can be completed online at http://www.buf.edu/apply.

Once all information is received, the applicant’s file will go before the admissions committee for approval. The Admissions Office will inform the applicant of the admissions committee’s action. If an applicant fails to register for classes within one year of approval, he/she will be required to reapply and supply updated information. The university reserves right to perform a background check and/or credit check on any and all applicants. All applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office at any time if they have any questions. All forms used for the admissions process can be found on the university website at https://admissions.buf.edu/.

Regular Admission

Students in Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, and Worship Leadership fields of instruction will submit a signed affirmation of Christian faith and service.
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO) applicants must possess an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree in psychology. Applicants who possess an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree in another field of study must complete 18 hours of specified leveling courses before beginning graduate coursework.
Master of Education (MEd) applications must have a passing score on the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or take the GRE (see requirements above for scores).
1. Students who have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher learning outside of the USA are exempt from submitting official GKT scores.
Applicants will submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
1. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted in lieu of official transcripts for admission of students who have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher learning outside of the USA. The student will have 8 weeks to obtain official transcripts from non-US institutions. In these first 8 weeks, the student must demonstrate good academic performance by maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA. At the end of the first 8 week period, continued enrollment will be determined by the Admissions Office.
Applicants will submit an official document demonstrating legal residential status within the USA if the student is not a US-citizen.
Applicants will provide a written statement explaining any conviction of a felony.

Doctor of Ministry

Students who desire to apply for admission to the D. Min. program must have earned an institutionally accredited master’s degree (M.Div., MACE., or M.A.) consisting of no fewer than 45 credit hours, including at least twelve hours in biblical or theological studies, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Those holding an MTS degree are required to complete nine additional hours of selected graduate-level courses toward the D. Min. concentration in consultation with the program coordinator. The D. Min. in Expository Preaching requires a 72-hour Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. The M.Div. degree or its equivalent must be obtained from an accredited institution and include the completion of six hours of either Hebrew or Greek, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5

Education Specialist

Applicants must meet all university requirements for admission. In addition to the university requirements, the applicant must submit an official transcript indicating successful completion of a master’s degree program from an accredited institution.

Doctor of Education

Students who desire to apply for admission into the Ed.D. program must have earned an institutionally accredited master’s degree totaling no fewer than 45 hours, with at least a B average or 3.0 GPA. A student with an M.A. with less than 45 hours needs additional selected graduate-level courses toward the Ed.D. concentration by consultation with the program coordinator.

Readmission

BUF graduates and/or former students who do not attend for two or more regular (fall or spring) semesters must reapply by submitting to the Office of Admissions an application for readmission and any transcripts from any institutions of higher education attended since leaving BUF. Those re-entering after a year’s absence (two regular semesters) are required to graduate under the new catalog at the time of re-enrollment.

International Students

International students are non-U.S. citizens who seek or hold an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. They must be physically present for residential or hybrid programs and are required to provide proof of legal residency in the U.S. as part of their admission process.

How To Apply

Apply at apply.buf.edu. All admissions correspondence, including academic records, financial documents, examination results, and translations, should be sent to the Office of Admissions at admissions@buf.edu. Baptist University of Florida, 5400 College Drive, Graceville, Florida 32440, USA. All correspondence must include the applicant’s return mailing address and email address.

When To Apply

The Office of Admissions recommends that applicants outside the U.S. apply to BUF six to nine months before their desired date of entrance. This allows sufficient time for correspondence, evaluation of all necessary documents, and the resolution of financial and immigration matters.

Admission Requirements

The international application process is designed for all non-U.S. citizens. To be considered for admission, all international applicants must meet the same admission requirements as all degree-seeking students.

Application Materials Required

Academic Records: An official and complete transcript (academic record) of all secondary school studies, along with official results of any state or national examinations taken while in the USA, must be provided. An official transcript of all studies from every institution of higher education attended beyond the secondary school level must also be submitted if completed in the USA. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for secondary schools and colleges if completed outside the USA. These records must include all examination grades, degrees, and certificates held by the applicant.

NOTE: The student is responsible for requesting an evaluation of any foreign credentials. Applications to BUF require a proper translation of foreign transcripts.

Campus Studies

International students will enroll in courses on the Graceville or Orlando campus. Those in specific graduate STEM-related hybrid programs approved by SEVIS may complete a three-day residency on the Miami campus.

Graduate Credit Transfer from Other Institutions

Transfer Credit

Students will not normally be permitted to transfer more than 1/3 graduate semester hours into graduate programs.
Official transcripts from all colleges, graduate schools, or seminaries previously attended must be sent from their points of origin directly to the Office of the Registrar.
No course with a grade below “C” will transfer, and no course can be transferred from another institution unless it corresponds or matches a course in the current BUF catalog.
Courses in doctrine are not transferable from non-Baptist institutions.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the university or any other college or university of the student’s choice, and it is the responsibility of the student to confirm whether or not credits will be accepted by the college or university.

Student Life

See the Student Handbook for more information on Student Life.

Atmosphere

All university life focuses upon preparation for Christian living. Administration, faculty, staff, and students join together to exalt Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. Everyone makes a sincere effort to exemplify the highest of Christian principles whether on or off the campus.

Campus Life

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

The BUF student chapter of the AACC meets monthly to foster a learning environment in which students, professors, administration, and guest professionals in the field, meet to share ideas that promote a counseling theory and practice that is fully integrated with a Christian worldview.

Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)

BCM exists to foster collegiality and fellowship among students at BUF. It provides a variety of activities including worship, recreational events, special classes, and other major events. BCM is open to all BUF students.

Recreation

BUF also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities providing Christian fellowship and exercise for the university family. The Wellness Center offers opportunities for basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting. Outdoor recreational facilities include a soccer/flag football field and a disc golf course. For those who prefer competitive activity, intramural leagues include basketball, flag football, kickball, volleyball, and soccer.

Spiritual Enrichment

The university provides numerous special events throughout the year to enrich campus life and to further spiritual development. These include the Missions Conference and various musical programs and concerts.

Chapel services are conducted in the R. G. Lee Chapel two days each week and broadcast on Facebook Live. The programs vary, generally featuring a sermon by the president, a faculty member, or an invited speaker. Students and all other members of the campus community are expected to attend. These services, held Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the regular semester, are occasions of valuable spiritual fellowship and inspiration.

Impact 1:8

Housing

Single students, under 21 years of age, not commuting from home, must live in an on-campus residence hall for the first four semesters of attendance at BUF (not counting summer semesters).

For single men and single women, there are residence halls. Students who live in residence hall housing must follow the procedures outlined in the Housing contract.
They must check in with the Resident Assistant no later than the first day of class each semester and check out and move any day up until the last day of the semester.
Please check the BUF academic calendar in this catalog for specific dates. All students residing in campus housing are required to be enrolled in at least 12 hours each semester.

Baptist University of Florida offers two- and three-bedroom apartments for married couples and families.

For information about housing costs, see the financial section of the catalog. HOUSING INFO

Services

Advising

Baptist University of Florida provides academic advising for students enrolled in both degree and non-degree programs. Students are expected to schedule an appointment and meet with their advisor or an appropriate individual designated by the university. The purpose of such meetings is to assist students in planning a course of study that will result in the timely completion of a degree or other educational goals.

Students who do not plan a logical, orderly course of study appropriate to a given major are at risk of not completing their degrees or other educational goals on time. The university cannot assume responsibility for students who fail to plan accordingly.

Academic Support

Baptist University of Florida provides academic support in several forms. The Library is equipped with computers and related software for student use. Students needing assistance in writing skills may utilize the services of the staff and equipment in the Writing Center. Students who need tutorial services in other courses may request assistance from their professors and the Academic Provost.

Counseling

The university provides individual and guidance counseling services. For more information, contact the Student Life Office or the Dean of Women.

Employment Opportunities

The Business Office maintains a posting of available jobs for students and family members. There is also a link on the BUF website.

Food Service - Deese Center

The food service is located in the Deese Center, providing three meals each weekday and two meals on Saturday.

Izzy’s Isle

Izzy’s Isle Campus Store is located in the Frank Farris Student Center and offers a variety of memorabilia that students, alumni, faculty and staff, friends of the University, and prospective students may purchase that represent the spirit of BUF.

King’s Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro

King’s Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro is located in the Frank Faris Student Center and offers a variety of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks.

Ministry Referral

The Ministry Referral service provides resumes to churches and other ministries that are seeking staff members. Students and alumni seeking opportunities for ministry may make their file active in this registry: https://bufjobs.softr.app/

New Student Orientation

Participation in New Student Orientation is required of all students who are beginning their first semester at Baptist University of Florida. New Student Orientation provides essential information about university policies, campus facilities, and university life. Sessions include special times of fellowship and recreation with other students, faculty, and staff members. Attendance is mandatory. Orientation for online students is provided through Canvas.