Great Plains Baptist Divinity School and College

Frequently Asked Questions from Prostpective Students

What Is A School Year?

Our Divinity School operates on a Trimester System. The Fall Semester is from September to December; The Winter Semester is from January to April; The Summer Semester is from May to August. A student may begin at any semester and continue until completing the required studies.

Where Do Students Attend Church?

GPBDS is a ministry of Empire Baptist Temple, where all students attend and Dr. Ron Tottingham is pastor. All students are expected to be actively involved in the church's activities as a part of their education and training.

Is The School Accredited?

We are not accredited. We have been approved by the Department of Defense for training military reserve officers (chaplains). Since 1988 some of our graduates have become military chaplains and many have been accepted by accredited schools.

What About School Housing?

Our students obtain their own housing and some single students share their housing. The School has no food service and no dormitories.

What About Sioux Falls Employment?

In 1992 Money Magazine listed Sioux Falls as the number one place in America to live and from then to now several other studies have listed us as one of the top ten places in the US to live for various excellent reasons. Sioux Falls is a growing city of 135,000 with very low unemployment and our students have never had difficulty in getting jobs. Most have a job in less than one week after arriving here. Wages here are compatible with the cost of living.