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Master of Arts in Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies prepares servant leaders for Christian ministry by providing a broad foundation in biblical, historical, theological, hermeneutical, and practical ministry studies. The Master of Arts in Theological Studies provides students who are preparing for careers in ministry and those seeking advanced understandings of the foundations of Christian faith the opportunity to combine classical graduate theological education with practical ministry training. Concentrations in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Leadership allow students the opportunity to adjust academic experiences to meet differing personal ministry needs.

In addition to previously stated admission requirements, the following program-specific requirements must be met:

  • Evidence that the student is a Christian and is compatible with DBU’s mission by proven conduct in accordance with Christian standards set forth in the Bible, announced intent, and by church involvement.

  • Church Membership Requirement (for admission into the EDD in Educational Leadership—all concentrations, PHD in Leadership Studies’ Ministry Concentration, Master’s Ministry Degrees, and Advanced Ministry Certificate Programs): Within the last 12 months, the applicant must have been an active member of a Christian church that holds Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who holds solely the Old Testament and the New Testament as sacred Scripture.

REQUISITES

  • Old Testament Survey

  • New Testament Survey

Requisites may be met with equivalent courses from another institution or from a passing grade on the GSOM Old Testament and New Testament equivalency exams and do not count toward degree completion. 

Graduate School of Ministry Portfolio

Dallas Baptist University’s Ministry Degree Programs seek to provide an academic experience that enables all candidates to engage and impact Christian Ministries of the 21st century. The Portfolio is designed to be an individualized collection of documents that represent the candidate’s preparation for future ministry positions, demonstrating the candidate’s ongoing knowledge, skills, and ministry experiences.   

The Graduate School of Ministry provides candidates the opportunity for self-reflection through the compilation of documents in an electronic Portfolio. Documents in the Portfolio may include Signature Assignments, Resume, and Philosophy of Ministry among others.  

Throughout the program, the candidate will collect designated documents and upload them to the Portfolio within Blackboard. The Portfolio will be used to assess development as the candidate proceeds through their designated ministry program.  It is the candidate’s responsibility to meet with their GSOM Program Director to discuss the Portfolio required documents prior to graduation.

course

Credit hours

Core Courses

24

MINS 5302 - Ministry Research and Writing Across Media

MINS 5303 - Foundations of Spiritual Life

MINS 6305 - Ministry Mentorship (S-L)

THEO 5307 - Old Testament Literature and Interpretation

THEO 5308 - New Testament Literature and Interpretation

THEO 5313 - Applied Hermeneutics

THEO 6305 - Christian History and Heritage

THEO 6306 - Systematic Theology

Concentration Options

12

Biblical Studies

Select any four 5000 or 6000-level THEO Scripture courses listed below:

THEO 5310 - The Gospels

THEO 5321 - Early Life and Letters of Paul

THEO 5322 - Later Life and Letters of Paul

THEO 5336 - The General Epistles

THEO 5360 - Special Topics in Religion

THEO 6303 - Biblical Greek Linguistics and Exegetical Tools

THEO 6322 - Old Testament Readings: Pentateuch

THEO 6323 - Old Testament Readings: Prophets

THEO 6324 - Old Testament Readings: Psalms & Wisdom Literature

THEO 6333 - New Testament Readings: Synoptic Gospels

THEO 6334 - New Testament Readings: Johannine Literature

THEO 6335 - New Testament Readings: Pauline Epistles

THEO 6336 - New Testament Readings: The General Epistles

THEO 6337 - Advanced Research in Biblical and Theological Studies

Pastoral Leadership

Select any four courses listed below:

MACC 6301 - Introduction to Christian Counseling

MACM 5301 - Foundations in Christian Ministry

MACM 6309 - Pastoral Care

THEO 6360 - Biblical Preaching

THEO 6361 - Pastoral Theology and Ministry Practices

Total Credit Hours Required

36

(S-L)=Course(s) with field-based service-learning component.

Refer to individual course descriptions for course requisites.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Find course descriptions by category under the Graduate Course Descriptions section in the navigation panel.