Master of Theology (ThM)

Curriculum

Take Classes Online and in 8 Locations
Take the classes you need where it's most convienient for you.

Twelve Hours of Credit for Ministry
Earn seminary credit serving the people you love.

Over 30 Degree Emphases
Customized degree options based on your gifts and calling.

We Teach All 66 Books
From Genesis to Revelation, including Nahum.

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 ThM are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary. There is an eight year time limit on completing the ThM program.

Transfer of Credits

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

Spiritual Formation

Because Dallas Seminary values character and spiritual maturity, ThM students are required to register for and participate in Spiritual Formation groups each of their first four consecutive fall and spring semesters at either the Dallas campus or Houston Campus.

In the Spiritual Formation curriculum, small groups of six to eight students focus on identity, community, integrity, and ministry. The groups also provide an atmosphere for prayer, fellowship, and the integration of learning with ministry. Students participate with the same group during four consecutive semesters; therefore, they should arrange their schedules so they meet on the same day and at the same time each semester. Spiritual Formation is a noncredit, transcripted experience. The prerequisite for all required Servant Leadership Internships is the first semester of SF100 Spiritual Formation.

Ministry Residency

Up to 12 Hours of Credit

DTS believes that preparation for ministry takes place both in the classroom and in the field of service. It is vital to link theory and practice. Instead of learning only in the isolation of the classroom, DTS supports learning happening within the community of faith as the student ministers in a ministry context and reflects on that experience. ThM students now have the option of completing either the twelve credit hour Ministry Residency or a three credit hour Servant Leadership Internship.

Ministry Residency Servant Leadership Internship

DTS Graduate Stories

Degree Overview

Course Descriptions

ThM 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 ThM Ministry Emphases?

Customization. Flexibility. Variety. The newly redesigned ThM 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 ThM student. How does my current Track align with the new ThM 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 ThM 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 9 hours 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 2-hour internship, will I need to complete a third hour of internship if I change to a Ministry Emphasis?

Yes, and this is a great opportunity for you! The third 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 ThM? Can I graduate with a partial portfolio?

To graduate from the ThM 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 ThM 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 ThM may not be best because a large portion of the ThM 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” ThM Beyond the 90hr core, there is 6 hours related to research and internship, and another 24 hours of free electives that are highly customizable. Of the 24 hours of free electives, 9 hours 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 ThM students.

Details

Scholarships will be awarded to incoming ThM 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. Students have two calendar years (four consecutive fall/spring semesters) to complete the SF100 spiritual formation requirement. Students who register for SF100 need to keep in mind that the course is a four-semester-long course that will meet at the same day and time each of the four semesters. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department for more information.
2. RS101 will be offered during the same class session as NT113 each semester. Therefore students should plan to register for RS101 and NT113 concurrently. The remainder of the 3-hour research component of the Th.M. degree program will consist of either RS102 (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.
3. Students have 24 hours of electives beyond the 96-hour core Th.M. curriculum from which they select a ministry emphasis as well as other elective courses based on vocational intent and interest. Regardless of emphasis, students must take at least 9 hours of the 24 elective hours in the Ministries and Communications division. In many cases, all or part of these 9 hours will have already been taken within the emphasis, but if not, the student must take them within the remainder of the 24-hour elective pool. Emphasis courses are chosen in consultation with an academic department. 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.
4. Students have one calendar year (three consecutive semesters) to complete the SL105 Master of Theology internship. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department for more information.

Three Year Plan

1. Students have two calendar years (four consecutive fall/spring semesters) to complete the SF100 spiritual formation requirement. Students who register for SF100 need to keep in mind that the course is a four-semester-long course that will meet at the same day and time each of the four semesters. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department for more information.
2. RS101 will be offered during the same class session as NT113 each semester. Therefore students should plan to register for RS101 and NT113 concurrently. The remainder of the 3-hour research component of the Th.M. degree program will consist of either RS102 (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.
3. Students have 24 hours of electives beyond the 96-hour core Th.M. curriculum from which they select a ministry emphasis as well as other elective courses based on vocational intent and interest. Regardless of emphasis, students must take at least 9 hours of the 24 elective hours in the Ministries and Communications division. In many cases, all or part of these 9 hours will have already been taken within the emphasis, but if not, the student must take them within the remainder of the 24-hour elective pool. Emphasis courses are chosen in consultation with an academic department. 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.
4. Students have one calendar year (three consecutive semesters) to complete the SL105 Master of Theology internship. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department for more information.