Comparing a Traditional MDiv to a DTS ThM

Many seminaries offer a 3-year Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, and they allow students to earn a Master of Theology (ThM) by studying for an additional year. 

Dallas Theological Seminary has merged this model into our unique 4-year Master of Theology (ThM) degree that offers students all the essential theological courses offered in a three-year curriculum with additional emphasis in systematic theology, Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis, Greek and New Testament exegesis, and Bible exposition. In addition, students can use up to 29 hours to create a customized emphasis in areas like apologetics, urban studies, women’s ministry, or Jesus studies.

Students can also earn up to 12 hours serving at a church or ministry through a residency internship. Students who have earned a 3-year MDiv at another institution can still come to DTS for an additional year of study, but at DTS this degree is called a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) rather than a ThM.

Online and Distance Studies  

In addition to the ThM program, DTS offers several 2-year theology degrees such as the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) which can be completed via distance education through a combination of online courses, a 12-hour ministry residency internship, and weeklong intensives at one of our eight locations. DTS also offers many fully online seminary programs, including the Certificate of Graduate Studies (30 hours), the Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (36 hours), and the Master of Arts in Christian Studies (60 hours).

* DTS does not offer a traditional MDiv degree and this page explains DTS’s unique degree offerings.