General Studies Current Students

Doss Bhaskar (S.T.M. student) - The S.T.M. will help me participate in the area in which I am interested—world missions, which is the heart beat in today's ministry. It also shapes and directs me to trust the Lord and hit the mark.

John Garcia (C.G.S. student) - I am enrolled in the C.G.S. because I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I have enjoyed learning from the godly teachers at DTS and think that it will help me narrow down an area of interest to study in the future.

John Myers (M.A.[BS] student) - I chose the M.A.[BS] because it lays a solid foundation for ministry. DTS professors open my eyes every class. They totally change my understanding. As a first time church planter, I wonder how I could ever do ministry without it.

Sandi Altstaetter (C.G.S. student) - I did not attend a Christian college and therefore had no formal Bible or theological training. I was looking to "complete" what was lacking in my purely secular education. The C.G.S. program at Dallas Seminary offered me the perfect opportunity to take many courses in theology and Bible—courses that don't just prepare me for a career, but for life.

I have greatly enjoyed the huge freedom and variety of class options in the C.G.S. program. It can be highly personalized to each individual's interests and goals. During my 2nd semester at DTS, I took a historical theology class and found that I loved it. I have since filled up all my elective hours with historical theology!

Beyond that, I have found the faculty at DTS to be not just solid theologians or expositors of scripture—they are expositors of life. The wisdom about "living" that the professors weave through their teaching has often led me to a paradigm shift in my goals and priorities. The faculty's love for and involvement with the students has shown me the precious value of the people in my sphere of influence.

I presently teach music in a Christian elementary school.  I plan to continue this profession upon completing seminary, but I already see how the Biblical and theological foundation, as well as the interaction with the godly faculty at DTS has profoundly shaped the way I relate to students and incorporate Biblical worldviews into my teaching.

Brenda Eaton (M.A.[BS] student) - I was not looking for a full time professional job, but wanted to enhance my ministry opportunities and lay a better foundation for teaching the Word. That’s why I chose this layman’s master’s degree. My favorite classes have been the Bible exposition classes, expository preaching class, and the classes on leading and developing women’s ministry. Being able to take electives with this degree have allowed me to focus on my passions—missions and women’s ministry. I have thoroughly enjoyed these classes because they apply directly to my ministry in the church.

Furthermore, the degree has prepared me and given me confidence for public speaking— with great tools for study and teaching the Word to women—to better serve on the mission committee through the church, and to be an administrator and director/leader for women’s ministry. The evangelism class and introduction to world missions has made me aware of my personal lack of outreach to the lost, and has encouraged me to share the gospel and place myself in strategic places to be with lost people. I thoroughly recommend this degree plan and would do it again if I was starting over right now. It has been perfect for me.

Todd Cepica (M.A.[BS] student) - As an elder at a small Bible church, I decided to pursue the M.A.[BS] to become better equipped in shepherding our church family. Not only has this degree fulfilled my desire to be equipped for the work of ministry, but it has also deepened my love and devotion to others. The instruction I have received has taught me the truths of Scripture and their application to my life, while also promoting an attitude of humility and quiet confidence as I live them out.

Kelly Frankiewicz (C.G.S. student) - I began the C.G.S. with intention of declaring a degree program at the end of my first year. I have loved the freedom of class choice as a C.G.S. student, yet I am directing my choices toward both exploring what new areas for which the Lord may desire me to prepare and toward maintaining an appropriate degree goal curriculum. The Bible exposition classes have provided an excellent step by step approach to the experience and practice of biblical analysis while requiring a biblically accurate understanding of salvation. The pastoral ministries courses in spiritual life and evangelism have pressed me to be genuine and purposeful in the practical outworking of my faith, both in my own spiritual disciplines and in sharing salvation with others. The biblical counseling class reaffirmed and expanded work I have already done as a hospital chaplain. I have been thrilled with each of my classes and professors at DTS. I regard my hours spent here as a cherished gifts from God.