Master of Arts in Christian Studies

Students in the MACS program will:

• Evidence a general knowledge of Christian theology, including an ability to support their theological views
• Evidence an understanding of the historical development of the major branches of systematic theology
• 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
• Communicate the Bible effectively

In addition, to the above goals, students in the Chinese-language version of the MACS will also be able to:

• In addition to the above goals, students in the Chinese language version of the MACS will also be able to design an effective strategy for Chinese ministry.

Admission requirements and application procedures for the MACS are the same as for all programs of study at the seminary. Students generally will not be admitted into this degree program without goals consistent with the ministries for which the program is designed to equip them.

The MACS can be completed entirely online in English and Spanish, but all of the courses are also offered on the main Dallas campus and at most of the seminary’s extension sites. Part of the courses in the Chinese language MACS can be completed through distance learning options, whether online or in a real-time video conferencing format. Please visit dts.edu/chinese or contact the Chinese Studies office for more information on completing the MACS in Chinese.

Regardless of the mode of delivery (online or in traditional courses in Dallas or at an approved extension), at least fifty percent of the coursework required for the
degree must be earned through DTS.

All work toward the MACS degree must be completed
within seven years from the time of initial matriculation. Extension of this time limit requires the approval of the Student Appeals Committee. Reinstatement to the degree after withdrawal requires action by the Admissions Committee and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

The mission of Spiritual Formation at DTS is helping servant-leaders pursue Christlikeness. Because DTS values Christlike character and spiritual maturity, MACS students are required to register for and participate in Spiritual Formation groups for two consecutive fall and spring semesters at the Dallas, Houston, Washington, DC, or Atlanta campuses. (Students who are not planning to be in residence in Dallas, Houston, or Washington, DC, for two consecutive fall and spring semesters must contact the Spiritual Formation Office for other options to meet their Spiritual Formation requirement.)

In the Spiritual Formation curriculum, small groups of four to five students focus on issues of identity, community, integrity, and fidelity. The groups provide an atmosphere for prayer, fellowship, and the integration of learning with life and ministry.

Because students participate with the same group during two consecutive semesters, they should plan their schedules so they may meet on the same day and at the same time each semester. Spiritual Formation is a noncredit, transcripted experience. Internship prerequisites include successful completion of SF5100.

Sixty-three credit hours of coursework are required as a minimum for graduation. Of those hours, 24 are in prescribed Bible Exposition courses, 21 are in prescribed Theological Studies courses, 6 hours are in Ministries and Communication courses, and the remaining 12 hours are electives in courses of interest to the student. No thesis is required.

For information about the maximum amount of transfer credit available for the degree, see the Graduate Transfer Information page.