Doctoral Studies in Higher Education: DTS and UNT

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is the most comprehensive graduate and research institution in the North Texas region. With an enrollment of approximately 25,000 students, it is among the five largest universities in Texas. The university is located in Denton, a city of 70,000 people. Which offers the atmosphere of a small college town located about 30 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The University of North Texas is classified as a Class 1 Doctoral-Granting Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and offers 123 master’s and 47 doctoral programs in nine colleges and schools. UNT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dallas Theological Seminary

Founded in 1924, Dallas Theological Seminary currently enrolls over 1,500 students from all 50 states and almost 40 countries. Located on 17 acres just east of downtown Dallas, the campus consists of 20 buildings, including two dormitories and three apartment complexes. DTS graduates teach the Bible in more than 50 denominations and numerous independent churches. Dallas Seminary is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Theological Schools.

A Unique Approach

In the summer of 1997, officials from the University of North Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary agreed to a cooperative program of doctoral studies in higher education. The program is jointly administered by the Higher Education Program at UNT and the Christian Education Department at DTS. The degree will be awarded by UNT. Dallas Theological Seminary faculty serve as minor professors on students’ doctoral committees.

Professional Development

If you are working in higher education and are interested in developing additional professional knowledge and skills, this program may be an excellent way to accomplish your goals. Contact Dr. James Thames or Dr. Ron Newsom.

The Program in Higher Education offers both the Ed.D. (A minimum of 60 hours) and Ph.D. (A minimum of 72 hours) degree with a major in Higher Education. Specific courses are selected to meet the student’s goals in consultation with a DTS minor professor and a UNT major professor.

Christian Education Opportunities

Graduate of the UNT doctoral program are employed as administrators and faculty in colleges and universities throughout the region, state, nation, and the world. The UNT/DTS cooperative doctoral program is particularly suited to the professional needs of those whose career interests and goals include service in institutions of religious supported higher education such as those in the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (AABS).

Options for Dallas Seminary Students

The collaboration allows DTS students enrolled in a master’s degree program to enter doctoral programs (either the Ph.D. or the Ed.D.) at the University of North Texas after completing 36 hours or master’s-level work at Dallas Theological Seminary. Students who have earned a master’s degree from DTS may complete 12 to 15 semester hours in a minor cognate area at DTS for their doctoral degree at UNT. These hours will be completed during the period of study for the doctorate at UNT.

Other Seminary Graduates

Students who have earned a master’s degree in theology or Christian education from an institution other than DTS and who wish to participate in this program may apply to a DTS “certificate” program of at least 30 hours in length and to the cognate program at UNT. Twelve to 15 semester hours of this “certificate programs,” with permission of the doctoral committee, may be applied to the UNT doctoral program as the minor or cognate field.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the Program in Higher Education.

For additional information contact:

Dr. Ron Newsom, Coordinator
The Program in Higher Education
College of Education
University of North Texas
P.O. Box 311337
Denton, TX 76203-1337
Phone 940-565-2722
Email: newsom@coefs.coe.unt.edu

Or

Dr. James Thames, PhD
Associate Academic Dean
Assistant Professor of Christian Education
Dallas Theological Seminary
3909 Swiss Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
Dir. Phone: 214-841-3678
Fax: 214-841-3565
Email: jthames@dts.edu