Master of Theology (Th.M.)

Overview

The Master of Theology degree is designed to produce competent Bible expositors who are qualified to serve God effectively as pastors, missionaries, or leaders in other areas of vocational Christian ministry.

DTS's Th.M. degree offers 30% more Bible, Theology, and languages than a typical M.Div. degree, and it allows you to customize your training to where God has called you.

Curriculum

Core	91
Biblical Exposition	21
Theological Studies	24
Languages (Greek and Hebrew)	27
Ministry & Communication	19
Custom	29
Internship	3
Thesis (or RS102)	2
Ministry & Communication Electives	9
Emphasis Electives (based on your choice of Th.M. Emphasis)	15
	120

Program Goals

Educational Goals

To enable students to:

• verbalize a general knowledge of the Bible, including a synthetic understanding of the major books
• evidence an understanding of the historical development of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology, and an ability to support their theological views and apply them to contemporary issues
• demonstrate ability to exegete the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible
• evidence an understanding of the educational program of the local church and an awareness of the worldwide mission of the church.

Spiritual Goal

To enable students to evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Ministry Goals

To enable students to:

• communicate the Bible effectively
• demonstrate skills in various ministries
• lead a local church or other group by means of biblical exposition, leadership skills, evangelism, and service.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for the Th.M. program are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary.

Transfer of Credits

Transfer credit of up to 60 semester hours is allowed toward the Th.M. degree from accredited graduate theological schools. (See Admissions for more information.)

Spiritual Formation

Because Dallas Seminary values character and spiritual maturity, Th.M. and M.A./CE students are required to register for and participate in Spiritual Formation groups each of their first four semesters of study. Extension students must contact the Spiritual Formation director regarding fulfillment of their Spiritual Formation requirements. In the Spiritual Formation curriculum small groups (six to eight students) focus on identity, community, integrity, and ministry. The groups also provide an atmosphere for prayer, fellowship, career assessment, and integration of learning with ministry. Additionally, the groups act as the small group component of all required internships. As courses should be taken consecutively, students are encouraged to arrange their schedules so they may stay in the same group each semester. Spiritual Formation is a noncredit, transcripted experience. The prerequisite for all required internships is SF101 Spiritual Formation I (Identity).

Additional Spiritual Formation courses focusing on leadership may be taken as electives.

Notable Th.M. Graduates

Degree Overview

Core	91
Biblical Exposition	21
Theological Studies	24
Languages (Greek and Hebrew)	27
Ministry & Communication	19
Custom	29
Internship	3
Thesis (or RS102)	2
Ministry & Communication Electives	9
Emphasis Electives (based on your choice of Th.M. Emphasis)	15
Total	120

Course Descriptions

Bible Core

No.	Name	Hours
BE101	Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics	3
BE102	Old Testament History I	3
BE103	Old Testament History II and Poetry	2
BE104	Old Testament Prophets	3
BE105	The Gospels	2
BE106	Acts and Pauline Epistles	3
BE107	Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation	3
BE109	Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles	3
		22

Theology Core

No.	Name	Hours
ST101	Introduction to Theology	3
ST102	Trinitarianism	3
ST103	Angelology, Anthropology, and Sin	3
ST104	Soteriology	3
ST105	Sanctification and Ecclesiology	3
ST106	Eschatology	3
		18

M.A./CE Ministry & Communication Courses

No.	Name	Hours
	Electives	12
CE101	Educational Process of the Church	3
CE102	History and Philosophy of C.E.	3
CE103	Teaching Process	2
CE104	Audiovisual Presentations	1
PM101	Spiritual Life	2
SL165	Christian Education Internship	2
		25

Th.M. Ministry Emphases

Each student in the Master of Theology program selects a Ministry Emphasis from the following list. In addition to the 96-hour core curriculum (which includes a 3-hour Servant Leadership Internship that involves the production of a professional portfolio), students will customize the remaining 24 elective hours with respect to their ministry goals and areas of interest. Regardless of their Ministry Emphasis, students will take at least 9 of their 24 credit hours in the Ministries and Communications division. Students will consult with the coordinator of the Ministry Emphasis within the department in which the emphasis is overseen. The requirements for each emphasis will vary based on student backgrounds and interests, but each department may require certain courses and hours for the emphases supervised by that department. Academic advising for all Ministry Emphases begins in the Advising Center. For more details and course descriptions, check out our full catalog.

Ministry Emphases Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages to the new Th.M. Ministry Emphases?

Customization. Flexibility. Variety. The newly redesigned Th.M. provides you with the freedom to craft your degree to your gifts, skills, and vision for ministry. Additionally, the ministry emphases provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate competency in a specific area, which should help the student in job placement or further training.

I'm a current Th.M. student. How does my current Track align with the new Th.M. Ministry Emphases?

We have many options from which you can choose! You can view all the options, along with their descriptions and course requirements, by downloading the Th.M. Ministry Emphases document. You will likely find something that aligns with your current Track, and remember, you can select General Studies (for the most flexibility) or two Emphases (for the most specificity) if you wish.

I selected an interdisciplinary track, can I complete two Emphases?

Yes! Your 9hrs of Ministries & Communication, internship, thesis/RS102 paper, and portfolio will count toward both Emphases; you need simply complete each of the Emphasis-specific course requirements.

What is a ministry portfolio?

Throughout your studies and especially during your internship, you will be collecting ministry "artifacts" (class projects, videos of you teaching or preaching, reference letters, lesson plans, your resume, etc.) based on your internship learning goals and your Ministry Emphasis area. Each of the new Ministry Emphasis areas has a specific list of desired artifacts, but you will have a great deal of freedom in how you present these artifacts. For most students, this will be on a personal website. The Spiritual Formation and Leadership Department will work with you craft a unique portfolio in your Ministry Emphasis (or Emphases). This portfolio will actually be something that you take with you as you talk with churches and ministries about future placement.

If I have already completed a 2hr internship, will I need to complete a 3rd hour of internship if I change to a Ministry Emphasis?

Yes, and this is a great opportunity for you! The 3rd hour will revolve around the development of an online portfolio in your area of Emphasis. This is an exciting new element to the ThM that will benefit both your learning and your future ministry. The portfolio will consist of "artifacts" from your classes and your previous internship experiences that demonstrate your competency for ministry. The Spiritual Formation and Leadership Department will work with you craft a unique portfolio in your Ministry Emphasis (or Emphases). This portfolio will actually be something that you take with you as you talk with churches and ministries about future placement.

What if I am part way through my Th.M.? Can I graduate with a partial portfolio?

To graduate from the Th.M. program with an Emphasis, you will need a complete portfolio. However, we understand that you may be well into your studies already. We will work with you to evaluate where you are in the process and what you will need to complete this requirement of the revised Th.M. Be sure to get in touch with SFL sooner than later.

I have not completed an internship or elective hours, what is my next step?

Contact the Advising Center for an appointment to discuss the Emphasis best suited for you. Come by and see us on the first floor of WSC (past the mailboxes), call us (214-841-3608), or email at advising@dts.edu.

What if I do not want to change to the new Ministry Emphasis?

For some, migrating to the new Th.M. may not be best because a large portion of the Th.M. has been completed. However, we still strongly encourage you to come discuss your options with an Academic Advisor and how we might best help.

I want to be in General Studies. What is required of me?

To have fun and love your studies! But, seriously, the General Studies Ministry Emphasis permits students to “build your own” Th.M. Beyond the 90hr core, there is 6hrs related to research and internship, and another 24hrs of free electives that are highly customizable. Of the 24hrs of free electives, 9hrs need to come from the Ministries and Communication division (PM, BC, CE, WM, SFL).

Who is my Ministry Emphasis coordinator? When do I meet with him or her?

Your Ministry Emphasis coordinator is assigned when you select a Ministry Emphasis. If you wish to switch from General Studies into a specific Emphasis, simply go to your CampusNet page and select “Ministry Emphasis Change" under Forms and Information to start the process. We’ll help you with each step.

Full Scholarships for Th.M. Students

DTS has been blessed with the incredible opportunity to offer a very limited number of full-tuition scholarships for incoming Th.M. students.

Details

Scholarships will be awarded to incoming Th.M. applicants for the Dallas campus who have demonstrated excellent scholastic achievement, committed Christian service, and ministry potential. The strength of the application and the Admissions Committee's evaluation play a central role in the selection of the award recipients.

The scholarships will be credited to the student’s account (as a semester-by-semester award) at the time of registration and will be applied toward tuition and fees.

Requirements

You must apply for admission and be approved prior to applying for the scholarship, so don't delay! Applicants must have been fully approved by the Admissions Committee by April 15 for consideration. Selection of the award recipients will be made by May 1 for the upcoming Fall semester. (Please note that International Students have separate scholarship opportunities and are not eligible for these specialized scholarships.)

We would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you, so email Team Admissions or call (800-3-Dallas) anytime!

Four Year Plan

1. RS 101 will be offered during the same class session as NT113 each semester. Therefore students should plan to register for RS 101 and NT113 concurrently. The remainder of the 3-hour research component of the Th.M. degree program will consist of either RS 102 (2 hours) or a thesis (2 hours). Those planning on writing a thesis should register for the thesis in the fall semester of the fourth year (or the year of graduation). Students writing a thesis are advised to begin the process of topic selection the year before the year of graduation.
2. Students have the option of completing their Servant Leadership Internship in a two-consecutive-semester format or a three-consecutive semester format. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department section of this catalog for more information.
3. Open elective hours range from 7 hours (for those in the Interdisciplinary Studies track) to 13 hours (for those in the Pastoral Ministries track). The 17-hour tracks will leave 10 hours free for electives. Students in the Th.M. program may also take up to an additional (over and above the 120 hours required for the degree) five courses for credit for a modest fee to cover the cost of materials. Students may start taking the free classes any time during their program of study, but may take no more than one free class in any term.

Three Year Plan

1. RS 101 will be offered during the same class session as NT113 each semester. Therefore students should plan to register for RS 101 and NT113 concurrently. The remainder of the 3-hour research component of the Th.M. degree program will consist of either RS 102 (2 hours) or a thesis (2 hours). Those planning on writing a thesis should register for the thesis in the fall semester of the fourth year (or the year of graduation). Students writing a thesis are advised to begin the process of topic selection the year before the year of graduation.
2. Students have the option of completing their Servant Leadership Internship in a two-consecutive-semester format or a three-consecutive semester format. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department section of this catalog for more information.
3. Ministry track requirements range from 14 hours (Pastoral Ministries track) to 20 hours (Interdisciplinary Studies track). Each track requires a 2-hour Servant Leadership Internship. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department section of this catalog for more information.
4. Open elective hours range from 7 hours (for those in the Interdisciplinary Studies track) to 13 hours (for those in the Pastoral Ministries track). The 17-hour tracks will leave 10 hours free for electives. Students in the Th.M. program may also take up to an additional (over and above the 120 hours required for the degree) five courses for credit for a modest fee to cover the cost of materials. Students may start taking the free classes any time during their program of study, but may take no more than one free class in any term.