Master of Theology

This 12-hour emphasis is designed to equip students for the teaching ministry in a variety of educational contexts, including grade schools, institutions of higher education, and other formal and non-formal educational institutions. Elements of foundational education training, which include the exploration of learning theory, the practice of curriculum and course design and the investigation of prominent educational models, are combined with courses related to the students’ interests to equip them for leadership in a variety of educational environments. (Note: Most college, universities, and seminaries require an earned doctorate in the teaching discipline. Most seminaries and graduate schools also require an MDiv degree or, in some cases, the ThM/STM degree for admission to doctoral programs).

This emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by focusing on acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for defending Christianity against its various opponents. In so doing, it equips students to respond effectively to intellectual challenges to their faith in a variety of ministerial settings. Courses in this emphasis will be selected in consultation with the department of theological studies.

This emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by concentrating on the geographical, cultural, and archaeological background to the Scriptures and the contribution such make to a proper understanding and application of the Bible.

This emphasis is designed to equip students for the task of Bible translation. Most courses in this emphasis are offered by the Dallas International University (DIU). DIU is located at the International Linguistic Center in south Dallas and is associated with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Because of the unique nature of the Bible translation ministry and the needs of translators on the field, 18 semester hours of courses are required to complete the Bible Translation emphasis. 

This emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by focusing on the development of a biblical theology. Biblical theology is that exegetical and synthetic study of a biblical text, texts, or section of the Bible that seeks to determine the theological meaning of that portion as it was written and then to explain what that theology means for today. 

This 15-hour emphasis seeks to develop skill in the teaching role of educators at the K–12 and higher education levels. This will be accomplished with selective, but advanced exploration of learning theory, designing course syllabi and other materials, and investigating several prominent Christian school models. Skills will be further developed and honed through modular courses that build on previous study with a view to simulated practice and laboratory experience.

This emphasis is designed to enhance ministry with people affected by disability through theological, biblical, and practical understanding. The study equips the student to constructively engage the issues and implications of ministering with persons affected by disability.

This emphasis is designed to equip students for ministry in schools or other educational institutions. Elements of foundational education training are combined with courses related to the student’s ability to equip students for leadership in an educational institution at the elementary, secondary, or higher level.

This 12-hour emphasis is designed to equip students for educational ministry and leadership in a local church or parachurch ministry organization. It includes training in foundational education and courses related to the student’s ability to design, direct, supervise, and evaluate various aspects of a ministry program.

This 12-hour emphasis is designed to equip students to do the work of evangelism and to develop disciples. It combines advanced courses taught in Bible Exposition, Theological Studies, Pastoral Ministries, Christian Education, and World Missions and Intercultural Studies departments.

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by concentrating on developing expositional skills (understanding and application) by studying specific biblical books.

This option is designed to provide a more generalized ministry preparation course of study for students whose ministry goals are less settled, who want to incorporate elements from multiple courses in various departments, or whose specialized ministry goals are not addressed by the above ministry emphases. Courses and the internship in this emphasis will be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor based on the student’s unique ministry experience and goals. Students considering this emphasis should consult with the faculty advisor before taking electives

This 9-hour emphasis broadens skills necessary for advanced work in Hebrew exegesis through introduction to cognate Semitic languages, further development of Hebrew reading ability, and an emphasis on research methods.

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by helping students to advance in their understanding and practice of a proper approach to the application of Scripture.

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by focusing on the development of the Christian faith through historical study of its classic sources. This study equips the student to communicate faithfully the teachings of Scripture in continuity with historic orthodoxy in various ministerial settings. 

This 9-hour emphasis, designed to prepare students for pastoral ministry that is centered on biblical exposition, helps students develop their personal preaching styles across multiple biblical genres. Courses in this emphasis will be selected in consultation with the Department of Pastoral Ministries.

This 13-hour emphasis is designed to equip students for evangelistic, church planting, discipleship, and educational ministries in intercultural situations in North America and abroad. It provides training in cultural adaptation, effective mission strategies, religious and cultural contexts, and leadership development. Students may consult with WMIS department professors to construct the most appropriate courses for the ministry context they anticipate. 

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance the student’s ability to provide organizational leadership in a variety of ministry settings by offering additional training in areas such as leadership dynamics, change and resistance in leadership, personal and organizational leadership development, and team leadership.

This 12-hour emphasis is designed to equip students to serve the Lord in media arts related positions as worship pastors, artists, writers, musicians, directors, and producers in a variety of vocational contexts. Students with an emphasis in the Department of Media Arts and Worship must complete MW102 Media Arts Apprenticeship in place of the ThM Ministry Formation Internship. Courses in this emphasis will be selected in consultation with the Department of Media Arts and Worship.

This 9-hour emphasis deals with selected topics related to multi-ethnic communities, whether in city centers, suburbs, or rural areas. It provides an opportunity for students to focus on leadership development, ethical responsibility, and scripturally-based ministry in diverse communities.

This 15-hour emphasis is designed to equip women to understand women as an audience and learners and how to teach, lead, mentor, shepherd, and care for women in a variety of contexts. The Ministry with Women emphasis falls under the oversight of the Department of Educational Ministries and Leadership.

This 12-hour emphasis is designed to prepare students to serve the body of Christ in a variety of church, parachurch, or academic ministries through additional studies in exegesis and other New Testament disciplines, such as textual criticism, lexical, historical, and literary analysis, use of interpretive tools, exegetical problem-solving, New Testament introduction, grammar, and syntax. 

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by refining skills for Bible interpretation and exposition. It focuses on interpreting the Hebrew text, use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, theological and spiritual formation, and engaging contemporary culture.

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to equip students for effective Christian counseling in a nonprofessional environment. Individuals interested in exploring nuances of pastoral counseling, pastoral care, and marriage and family ministry will be served well by this area of emphasis.

This emphasis, designed to equip students for the multiple challenges of pastoral ministry in the local church, provides students with pastoral theology and a broad exposure to diverse pastoral skills. Courses in this emphasis will be selected in consultation with the Department of Pastoral Ministries.

This 9-hour emphasis focuses on developing and articulating a distinctively Christian philosophy. In so doing, it equips students to engage constructively the broader philosophical milieu in which they find themselves and to use philosophical reflection to serve Christ and His church. 

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance the student’s ability to guide others in spiritual formation in a variety of ministry settings by offering additional training in areas such as spiritual formation in historical perspective, spiritual formation in contemporary culture, and the practice of the spiritual disciplines.

This 9-hour emphasis is designed to enhance ministry by focusing on articulating the evangelical Christian faith through systematic study of its sources. This study equips the student to constructively engage the issues and implications of theology in various ministerial settings. 

This 9-hour emphasis deals with particular issues arising from urban, culturally diverse ministry. It provides an opportunity for students to focus either on a single ethnic community or multi-ethnic, socioeconomically diverse context.