Fast Answers About the Lay Institute

What is the Lay Institute?

Founded in 1974, the Lay Institute at DTS (formerly the Center for Biblical Studies or CBS) provides biblical and theological education (16 and older) in the north Texas community. This is accomplished through biblical, theological, spiritual life and ministry skill courses.

What is the Lay Institute’s purpose?

The Lay Institute helps Christian adults grow in their personal knowledge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As students grow, the Lay Institute equips them for faithful service in their church, family, and occupational settings.

Who teaches the Lay Institute’s courses?

The Lay Institute recruits its faculty from graduate-level seminary students enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary. After years of ministry, the Lay Institute program at DTS has developed more than 700 teachers; many of them have contributed to the proclamation of the Gospel and the growth of the church all over the world.

When do Lay Institute classes meet?

Lay Institute courses meet on Monday or Tuesday evenings during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. At times, Saturday seminars will be offered.

Fall and Spring Semester Schedules

Ten-week courses run for 1 hour/night. Six week courses run for 1.5 hours per night.

1st course:	6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
15-minute break before the 2nd course:	7:45 to 8:00 p.m.
2nd course:	8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
6-week course:	6:45 to 8:15 p.m.

During the spring semester, the Lay Institute will close the week of spring break.

Summer Semester Schedule

During the 6-week long summer semester, Lay Institute courses meet for two 50-minute sessions each evening. Students may enroll in one course per evening.

1st class hour of the course:	6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
15-minute break before the 2nd class hour:	7:45 to 8:00 p.m.
2nd class hour:	8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

During the summer semester, the Lay Institute will close the week of Independence Day.

Where do Lay Institute classes meet?

Most Lay Institute classes meet in the Campbell Academic Center on the campus of DTS near downtown Dallas.

Where should I park at DTS?

After 5 p.m., Lay Institute students may park in any of the well-lighted parking lots on Apple Street (between Live Oak and Swiss Avenue). Follow the orange Lay Institute traffic cones to the Campbell Academic Center (CAC).

DTS Campus Police require parking permits. Pick-up your permit the first day of class from the registration table or from the police kiosk and display it in the dash of your car each evening of the course.

What is the Lay Institute’s relationship to Dallas Theological Seminary?

The Lay Institute is a non-accredited continuing education ministry of Dallas Theological Seminary to adults (17 years and older) living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area of north Texas. The Lay Institute provides courses designed to enhance and enrich the student’s personal faith and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prospective students wishing to train for professional ministry or to enroll in graduate-level theological education at Dallas Theological Seminary should contact the seminary’s Admissions Department.

When can I register for Lay Institute courses?

Registration opens:

Fall Semester:	August 15
Spring Semester:	January 15
Summer Semester:	May 15

How much will I pay for Lay Institute courses?

Tuition is $40 for the first course and $30 for each course thereafter. It is payable the first day of class. The Lay Institute accepts cash, checks, credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover), and debit cards. Make checks payable to “DTS.” Please avoid mailing cash.

How do I register for Lay Institute courses?

Students may register through one of these three convenient options: online, by mail or fax, or in person. Go to the Registration Process webpage to review these options.

Will I receive confirmation that you have received my registration?

By registering online, you will receive an automated e-mail confirming your registration. Otherwise, please call the Lay Institute office (214-841-3779) for confirmation.

When is the latest that I can register?

You can register as late as the start of the second session of the course. During the fall and spring semesters, the 2nd session of each course meets the 2nd week of the course. During the summer semester, the 2nd class session begins at 8:00 p.m. the first day of class.

What if I change my mind about my registration?

Students may drop or add courses through the 2nd class session. For dropped courses, the Lay Institute will refund paid tuition less $5 through the 2nd class session.