A History of Dallas Theological Seminary

Founding and Growth

Dr. Chafer teaching

In the fall of 1924 the first student body of Dallas Theological Seminary met to study under the noted Bible teacher, Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer. This class of thirteen students was the result of Dr. Chafer’s burden and vision to found a seminary that would emphasize expository preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.

In 1935 the Seminary pioneered the four-year Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree, which is a year longer than the three-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) offered at most other seminaries. The Th.M. gives all the essential theological courses offered in a three-year curriculum with additional emphasis in systematic theology, Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis, Greek and New Testament exegesis, and Bible exposition.

In 1974 the Seminary instituted the two-year Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Biblical Studies for students whose ministries would not require the in-depth language training of the Th.M. program. The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree was begun in 1980 to provide further pastoral training for seminary graduates to meet the changing demands of ministry. In 1982 the Seminary began the M.A. in Christian Education so students could receive specialized training for Christian ministries. In 1987 the M.A. program in Cross-cultural Ministries was inaugurated to give specialized missions training. In 1993 the Seminary launched a three-year M.A. in Biblical Counseling and a two-year M.A. in Biblical Exegesis and Linguistics. The latter program is offered jointly with the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics located in south Dallas.

Outstanding leadership and scholarly expertise have characterized the Seminary’s presidents: Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer (1924–52), Dr. John F. Walvoord (1952–86), Dr. Donald K. Campbell (1986–94), and Dr. Charles R. Swindoll (1994-2001), and Dr. Mark L. Bailey (2001–).

Throughout the Seminary’s history it has steadfastly maintained its allegiance to biblical truth. A Doctrinal Statement articulates the beliefs of Dallas Seminary, and each year the faculty and members of the boards reaffirm their agreement with this statement.

Historical Milestones

2010

Dedication of the Miller Prayer Chapel

2009

"Marriage and Family" D.Min. cohort established
Knoxville initiative begun
Certificate of Graduate Studies completion program for non-graduate alumni begun

2008

Washington Hall single-student apartment complex completed
"Women in Ministry" D.Min. cohort established

2006

First online course in Chinese offered

2005

Campbell Academic Center renovated
Master of Arts in Media and Communication (M.A./MC) degree program begun
Approval by ATS to offer the full Th.M. and M.A./CE programs in Houston

2004

Online education program begun
Approval by ATS to offer the full M.A.(BS) degree at Atlanta and Austin extensions
D.Min. program in Spanish offered through SETECA
Chafer Chapel renovated

2003

Reaffirmation of accreditation with both SACS and ATS for 10 years

2002

Swiss Tower student apartment complex completed

2001

Mark Bailey became fifth president

1999

Reaffirmation of Accreditation with ATS for 10 years
Atlanta and Austin extension programs begun

1994

Charles Swindoll became fourth president
Tampa extension program established
Accredited by Association of Theological Schools

1993

Houston and Chattanooga extension programs established
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling begun
Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis and Linguistics program begun
Th.D. nomenclature changed to Ph.D.

1992

Christian Education in D.Min. program begun

1991

Certificate of Graduate Studies program started

1990

Joined Association of Theological Schools

1988

San Antonio extension program established

1987

Master of Arts in Cross-cultural Ministries program begun

1986

Donald Campbell became third president
Center for Christian Leadership established

1981

Master of Arts in Christian Education program started

1980

Doctor of Ministry program started

1970

Summer School program launched
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program begun

1969

Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Name changed to Dallas Theological Seminary

1960

Mosher Library erected

1953

Chafer Chapel construction completed

1952

John F. Walvoord became second president

1936

Name changed to Dallas Theological Seminary and
Graduate School of Theology

1935

Master of Theology (Th.M.) program started

1934

First issue of Bibliotheca Sacra published on campus

1927

Davidson Hall, first permanent building, erected
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) degree program initiated

1926

Current campus site purchased

1925

Doctrinal statement officially adopted

1924

Evangelical Theological College established
Lewis Sperry Chafer became first president