English Programs

Non English Programs

Steps to Apply

If you are an international student please visit our International Admissions page.

  1. Use the links above to start and submit an application.
  2. Request references (see below).
  3. Send in transcripts (see below).

What Happens Next?

Once all of your items are received, the Admissions Committee will evaluate your application. In many cases, this process takes less than three weeks, and you can check the status of your application any time.

When Should I Apply?

We encourage applicants to apply four to eight months before the anticipated enrollment date, but no earlier than 15 months before that date. International applicants should submit all documents no later than three months before the start of their study. (Applications, except those for international students, may be submitted after the stated deadlines, but will be considered and processed only as time allows.) For more information, check our important dates.

Here are the masters programs application deadlines:

  • Fall semester – July 1
  • Winter or Spring semester – November 1
  • Summer session – April 1

What Materials Do I Need?

A nonrefundable fee of $75 must accompany the application.

For the full application, the following credentials must be submitted:

  1. References
    1. Three (3) Character references. In your application you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who know you well (at least one year) but who are not related to you (including in-laws).
      1. The first should be a pastor. If you attend a large church, this reference can come from an associate/staff pastor or a ministry leader who has spiritual oversight in your life.
      2. The second must be a supervisor (work/professional supervisor, ministry supervisor, etc.).
      3. The third can be anyone who knows you well.
    2. One (1) Church reference. In your application you will be asked to provide the name and email address of a church official who can confirm your membership or regular participation in good standing.

      Note: This is in addition to the reference from a pastor.
  2. Official Transcripts
    The Admissions Committee requires official transcripts from every school at which you earned 12 credit hours or more.
    1. Institutions Located in the United States
      We accept two types of official transcripts:
      1. Paper copies sent by the school’s registrar in a sealed envelope. Paper copies can be sent to:  DTS Admissions Office 3909 Swiss AveDallas, TX 75204; and
      2. Electronic copies sent directly by the institution. You can have your official transcripts sent electronically through a third-party service (e.g. eScript) to: [email protected].

        Note: We are not able to accept faxed transcripts as official.
    2. Institutions Located outside of the United States
      To be considered official, international transcripts must be sent by postal mail directly from your institution(s) or emailed directly from your school to [email protected]. Additionally, your transcripts must be in English and include all individual grades that you have received.* The Admissions Committee requires an official transcript from every school at which you earned 12 credit hours or more.**

      If your school(s) is mailing a physical copy of your transcripts to DTS, please ask them to mail transcripts to:

      DTS Admissions Office
      3909 Swiss Ave
      Dallas, TX 75204

      * If you are unable to obtain an English translation from your institution, you will need to provide a certified translation from a professional translation service such as University Language Services. If a school is located outside of the United States, DTS recommends utilizing World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or SpanTran. DTS will also recognize electronic transcripts sent directly from a verifiable email address of the institution's Registrar.
      ** If the transcript does not indicate the degree you earned and the date, this information should be shown on an attached document, such as a copy of a diploma.
  3. Demonstration of English proficiency
    Applicants for whom (1) English is not their native or birth language or (2) who were not born in the United States of America must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. View more information about this requirement.
  4. Assessment test scores
    Scores from the GRE are required as evidence of academic aptitude when: (1) the pre-seminary academic record is weak (a cumulative GPA of less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale), or (2) the applicant does not hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Note: Only the Verbal and Analytical scores are considered for admissions purposes.

    Note: If you do not have a completed bachelor’s degree, please contact the Admissions Office prior to applying.

How We Evaluate

As an applicant, you will be evaluated on the basis of (1) your academic records, (2) the extent and quality of involvement in Christian service, (3) your apparent gifts and potential for placement into Christian ministry, and (4) the assessment of your references.

Admission is not approved until barriers to future ministry placement have been dealt with, including not only emotional, financial and personal stability, but also issues of character, behavior and lifestyle. Applications are evaluated on receipt of all necessary information.

Completed application files are reviewed by a faculty committee, and if approved, applicants are notified in writing of their approved application.

Applying for Financial Aid

Applicants can apply for financial aid once an application for admission has been submitted. International applicants desiring consideration for financial aid (available for the fall semester only) must submit a completed application for admission—including a TOEFL score—by January 15. In general, because of the very limited availability of financial aid, international applications are encouraged to explore alternate means of financial support.

Clery Act Reporting

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the DTS website contains security policies, safety practices, and crime statistics for the most recent three-year period available. You may access this information here. A written copy is available on request by emailing Campus Police.