MA in Christian Studies (MACS)

Purpose

The program leading to the Master of Arts degree with a major in Christian Studies (MACS) is designed to provide a graduate-level biblical and theological foundation for various kinds of Christian service. This degree is designed primarily for lay leaders who desire training for more effective ministry within their church or organization. The MACS may also provide supplemental training for those engaged in parachurch ministries or those in support positions with missions agencies or churches. Those who are seeking full preparation for vocational ministry should apply for admission to one of the professional degree programs.

The MACS is offered in English, Chinese, and Spanish with some customized requirements. The program can be completed entirely online in English. Most of the courses in the Chinese-language MACS can be completed online, but some will need to be completed in residential (majority face-to-face) format in Dallas, Houston, or Hong Kong. See www.dts.edu/Chinese or contact the Chinese Studies office for more information on completing the MACS in Chinese.

a基督教研究碩士學位 (Master of Arts [Christian Studies]) 乃是以基督教研究為主修的中文學位 課程,其設計主旨是為各種華人基督教事工,無論是在教會或是基督教機構事奉人員 奠定碩士程度的聖經和神學根基。雖然本學位大多數課程可以通過網絡完成,但有一 些課程的要求需在傳統課堂裡完成。所有關於基督教研究碩士學位的詳情資料都可以 在本目錄中或者直接上網 www.dts.edu/chinese 查詢。也可以與我們的中文入學部同工聯 絡洽詢。

El programa de Maestría de Artes en Estudios Cristianos (MAEC) está designado para proveer fundamentos bíblicos y teológicos a un nivel de posgrado para diferentes tipos de servicio Cristiano. Este programa esta designado primeramente para líderes cristianos que desean prepararse para un ministerio más efectivo con su iglesia u organización. El MAEC también ofrece entrenamiento suplementario para aquellos que estén involucrados en ministerios fuera de la iglesia o aquellos que tengan diversos puestos en ministerios paraeclesiásticos o iglesias. Para más información acerca del Programa MAEC visite www.dts.edu/espanol.

Program Goals

All students in the MACS program will be able to:

• demonstrate 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;
• communicate biblical and theological knowledge to a contemporary audience;
  
• evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit;
• evidence an interest and involvement in the local church or other ministries with which they are associated; and
• minister within a local church or other group by means of leadership skills, evangelism, and service.

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 and
• communicate biblical and theological knowledge to a contemporary Chinese audience.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for the MACS are the same as for all programs of study at the seminary (see the Admission section of this catalog). 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.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer of up to 31 hours of credit is allowed toward the MACS program from accredited graduate programs in related fields of study. Students must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) for a course to be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at Dallas Theological Seminary and transferred to another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the registrar’s office for information on eligibility for transfer credit.

Residential Requirements

While the MACS can be completed entirely online, all of the courses are also offered as classroom courses on the main Dallas campus. Most of the courses are also available at the seminary’s extension campuses. This is to enhance the learning objectives of certain subjects that may be better achieved through a live interactive setting as well as for those who prefer a traditional face-to-face format.

Not all of the MACS courses are offered in a live face-to-face format in Chinese. Some are offered live at the Dallas and Houston campuses, and 30 hours can be completed in face-to-face courses in Chinese at the seminary’s extension in Hong Kong. For more information on course availability in Chinese, contact the office of Chinese Studies.

Regardless of the mode of delivery (online or in face-to-face classes in Dallas or at an approved extension), at least fifty percent of the course work 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 approval of the Credits Committee. Reinstatement to the degree after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Spiritual Formation

Because DTS values Christlike character and spiritual maturity, MACS students are required to register for and participate in Spiritual Formation (SF) groups each of their first four consecutive fall and spring semesters at the Dallas, Houston, or Washington DC Campus. Online MACS students or those who are not planning to move to Dallas or Houston for four consecutive semesters must contact the Spiritual Formation office and apply for an alternative program for completing their Spiritual Formation requirements.

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

Because students participate with the same group during four consecutive semesters, they should plan their schedules so they may meet on the same day and at the same time each semester. SF is a noncredit, transcripted experience. The prerequisite for all required internships is SF5100 Spiritual Formation (or an approved SF substitute).

Students in the Chinese-language MACS must contact the Chinese Studies Department concerning how to meet their Spiritual Formation requirement.

Accelerated MACS

Students entering the English MACS with a strong background in Bible or theology from an approved Christian university, Bible college, or parachurch ministry may apply for the accelerated program during the admissions process. In place of core courses in the MACS curriculum, accelerated participants take four advanced standing courses (AS5103–5106). This results in a curricular reduction of up to 12 credit hours. The accelerated program is limited to students taking courses on the Dallas campus.

For more information about the accelerated program visit www.dts.edu/advancedstanding.