Saint Luke's College of Theology

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules

This section documents the Florida statutes and administrative rules that govern the structure and operation of Saint Luke's College of Theology. It is included as a reference for the Board of Directors, legal counsel, institutional records, and any prospective student or member of the public who wishes to understand the legal basis under which the College operates.

The Religious Exemption

Saint Luke's College of Theology operates under the religious exemption provided by Florida Statute §1005.06(1)(f). Under this provision, a religious college may operate without governmental oversight if it annually verifies by sworn affidavit that it meets five conditions:

  1. The name of the institution includes a religious modifier or the name of a religious patriarch, saint, person, or symbol of the church.
  2. The institution offers only educational programs that prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the categories of ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, or social work.
  3. The titles of degrees issued by the institution cannot be confused with secular degree titles.
  4. The duration of all degree programs is consistent with the standards of the Commission for Independent Education.
  5. The institution's consumer practices are consistent with those required by §1005.04, Florida Statutes.

§1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes

Duration Standards

The religious exemption incorporates one standard from the Commission for Independent Education: program duration. The applicable minimum is established in Florida Administrative Code Rule 6E-2.004:

The Master of Christian Catechesis is 24 semester credit hours and meets this standard.

Rule 6E-2.004(q)(1) and (q)(2), Florida Administrative Code

The First Professional Degree

The Master of Christian Catechesis is a first professional degree as defined in Florida Administrative Code Rule 6E-1.003(34): "the first degree signifying completion of the minimum academic requirements for practice of a profession." The definition states that a first professional degree "may be a master's or doctoral degree."

Catechesis is the first professional ministry the early Church created, predating the formalized priesthood, the ecumenical councils, and the creeds. It is a recognized professional practice across Christian denominations, with established ministerial offices and a documented history extending to the earliest documents of the faith. No standardized academic credential has previously existed for the professional practice of catechesis at any level. The MCC fills that role.

Rule 6E-2.004(q)(2) provides that a bachelor's degree is "normally" a prerequisite for a master's degree program, "unless the master's degree is a first professional degree." The MCC meets this exception. In keeping with the regulatory framework, the College requires every MCC applicant to demonstrate a documented foundation through one of four admissions paths:

  1. The Traditional Path: a conferred bachelor's degree (Rule 6E-2.004(4)(q), standard graduate entry).
  2. The Professional Path: five or more years of documented professional ministry or teaching experience, submitted via the College's Documented Equivalency process (Rule 6E-2.004(4)(q), first professional degree exception for practitioners).
  3. The Internal Ladder: completion of the Professional Diploma in Biblical Foundations conferred by this institution (Rule 6E-2.004(4)(l), sequenced instruction).
  4. The Combined Path: any combination of postsecondary education and professional ministry or teaching experience totaling a minimum of four years, submitted via the College's Documented Equivalency process (Rule 6E-2.004(4)(q), admissions via documented equivalency).

All applicants must also hold a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent) and be at least eighteen years of age.

Rule 6E-1.003(34) and Rule 6E-2.004(q)(2), Florida Administrative Code

Scope of the Exemption

The religious exemption at §1005.06(1)(f) incorporates program duration standards from the Commission for Independent Education. It does not incorporate admission prerequisites, general education requirements, faculty qualifications standards, or other operational standards that apply to licensed institutions under Commission jurisdiction. Saint Luke's College of Theology is not under the jurisdiction of the Commission and is not required to obtain licensure.

§1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes

Credit Hour Definition

Saint Luke's College of Theology defines a semester credit hour consistent with Florida Administrative Code Rule 6E-1.003(55)(a):

A unit consisting of a minimum of fifteen hours of instruction appropriate to the level of credential sought, during a semester, plus a reasonable period of time outside of instruction for preparation.

Each MCC credit hour represents a minimum of fifteen hours of structured instructional engagement plus a reasonable period of additional preparation time.

Rule 6E-1.003(55)(a), Florida Administrative Code

Institutional Disclosures

Saint Luke's College of Theology operates under the religious exemption provided by Florida Statute §1005.06(1)(f). The College is not licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and is not accredited by any accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Credits and degrees earned at Saint Luke's College of Theology are religious in nature and carry religious modifiers or catechetical designations in their titles. Credits may not transfer to other institutions. Students should not assume that any other college, university, or seminary will accept credits or degrees earned at this institution. The College's programs are designed to prepare students for religious vocations and do not meet the requirements for secular professional licensure in any field.

The College does not participate in federal Title IV student financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans. Students are responsible for all tuition and fees as published in the current fee schedule.

In compliance with §1005.04, Florida Statutes, complete information regarding the College's programs, fees, refund policies, complaint procedures, and transferability of credits will be provided to prospective students in writing at least one week prior to enrollment or collection of any tuition.