Master of Biblical and Theological Studies

Students in the MBTS program will:

• Evidence a general knowledge of Christian theology, including an ability to support their theological views
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including an understanding of the message and arguments of specific books of the Bible
• Display Christlikeness in their pursuit of knowledge and relationships within the seminary community
• Demonstrate the personal and spiritual discipline necessary for sustained Christian service
• Apply insights from their seminary studies to their life and ministry

Admission requirements and application procedures for the MBTS are the same as for all programs of study at the seminary. Please refer to the Admission section of this catalog for more information. Because the MBTS provides only a foundational level of biblical and theological education, it is not designed to prepare students for pastoral, teaching, or other vocational ministries. Therefore, individuals desiring this type of training should apply to one of the seminary’s ministry MA programs or the ThM.

Transfer of up to 12 hours of credit is allowed toward the MBTS program from accredited graduate theological schools. Students must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) for a course to be considered in transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the registrar’s office for information on eligibility for transfer credit.

While the MBTS can be completed entirely online, all of the courses are also offered as classroom courses on the main Dallas campus and at all of the seminary’s extension campuses. This is to enhance the learning objectives of certain subjects that may be better achieved through a live interactive setting as well as for those who prefer a traditional face-to-face format.

Although the MBTS can be completed entirely online, the courses are also offered on the Dallas campus and at the seminary’s extension sites. Regardless of mode of delivery (online, or in face-to-face courses on campus, or at an approved extension), at least 24 hours of the coursework required for the degree must be earned through DTS.

Thirty-six credit hours of coursework are required as a minimum for graduation. Of those hours, 9 are prescribed in Bible Exposition courses, 9 are prescribed in Theological Studies courses, and 6 are prescribed in Ministries and Communication courses. The remaining 12 hours comprise open electives in courses of interest to the student. No thesis is required.

The program normally requires a minimum of two years of study, though some exceptions to the two-year limit may apply, allowing some students to finish the program in as little as one year. Students may pursue this degree on a year-round basis or during summers. By taking only 3 credit hours per term (fall, spring, summer), students can still complete the program in four years. All work leading to the MBTS must be completed within six years from the time of matriculation. Extension of this limit requires the approval of the Credits Committee. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires action by the Admissions Committee and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.