Master of Sacred Theology

STM Goals

Students in the STM program will:

• Demonstrate the ability to exegete the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible
• Communicate the truth of Scripture clearly and accurately
• Critically evaluate a scholarly issue within their chosen area of study.

Spiritual Goals

To enable students to evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Ministry Goals

To enable students to:

• communicate the Bible effectively
• demonstrate skills in various ministries
• lead a local church or other group by means of biblical exposition, leadership skills, evangelism, and service; and
• be prepared for advanced theological education

Admission requirements and application procedures for the STM program are the same as for all programs of study at the seminary (please refer to the Admission section of this catalog for more information), with three exceptions: (1) STM applicants must have attained accredited college and seminary degrees or their respective academic and theological equivalents; (2)
transcripts of this work must show a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0; and (3) applicants must provide a research paper (in English) previously written at the master’s level that shows an acceptable level of competency in research and writing.

Each applicant’s evaluation for admission to the STM program will include a review of the applicant’s completed MDiv (or equivalent) coursework to ensure the appropriate breadth of preparation necessary to pursue the STM degree. Identified deficiencies must be completed in addition to the standard program requirements.

All STM students must demonstrate exegetical proficiency in Greek and Hebrew. Students who do not have the appropriate Hebrew and Greek courses at the MDiv level will also be required to take the prerequisite Hebrew and Greek courses as necessary (OT5101–OT5102, NT5101–NT5103).

Students who have had Hebrew or Greek at the MDiv level will need to pass a Hebrew or Greek proficiency exam before enrolling in OT5103 or NT5103. Failure to pass the exams will require the student to enroll in first year language courses. Prerequisite courses in Hebrew or Greek, if required, will not count toward the 32-hour requirement for the STM degree.

The STM degree normally requires 32 credit hours of coursework. Students pursuing this degree will individually customize their program for their intended ministry goals by selecting courses from one of the following departments of choice (selected in conjunction with an academic advisor): Bible Exposition, Counseling Ministries, Educational Ministries and Leadership, Historical Theology, Media Arts and Worship, Missiology and Intercultural Ministries, Old Testament, New Testament, Pastoral Ministries, or Systematic

Theology. Students intending to apply for the PhD program at DTS should consult with the PhD Studies office regarding course selection in the STM. For information about the maximum amount of transfer credit available for the degree, see the Graduate Transfer Information page.

The STM requires students to take advanced and/or specialized courses in their area of emphasis that may not be available by video conference and are thus offered only on the Dallas campus. In most cases, it will be necessary for STM students to be enrolled in a minimum of three terms of study, which can include the summer term.

All work leading to the STM degree must be completed within six years from the time of matriculation. Extension requires approval by the Credits Committee. Reinstatement in the program after withdrawal requires action by the Admissions Committee and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Candidates for the STM degree must have completed the required 32 credit hours of coursework with a grade point average of at least 2.5 and must evidence, to the satisfaction of the faculty, ability and acceptability in Christian ministry, proven Christian character, and adherence to the core doctrinal statement.

Diplomas will not be released, transcripts issued, or placement assistance provided unless all financial obligations to the seminary and/or student loan program are current.