Master of Arts (MA-OT, MA-NT, MA-TS)

The Master of Arts degree with majors in Old Testament, New Testament, or Theological Studies is designed for persons anticipating advanced research.

Contact Information

Dallas Location:

1st Floor of Walvoord Student Center

Dallas Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm (Central)

General Advising Number:

214-887-5080

General Advising Email:

advising@dts.edu

Degree Overview

Total Hours	60 credit hours (if students are eligible for Advanced Standing)
Degree Time Limit	7 years from first DTS class
Real-time courses	0 courses required* (Not all courses available OL or RV)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)	10 hours per academic year

• 0-20 Hours • 21-45 Hours • 46-60 Hours

• After Graduation

0-20 Credit Hours

Refer to the degree plan for your entering catalog as an overall guide and the specific courses required in each major.
Students should plan to relocate to Dallas given the number of upper-level electives required in each major.
The Accelerated Advanced Standing courses are offered in the following semesters:
- Fall – AS5101, AS5103, and AS5105 (Odd)
- Spring – AS5102, AS5104, and AS5106 (Even)
Register for Spiritual Formation (SF5100 – campus; SF5110 – Online).
- SF5110 Mentored Spiritual Formation requires an application process and will take some time to complete.
- For questions about Spiritual Formation, please email: sf@dts.edu
Register for core courses: ST5101, AS5101, Greek or Hebrew, Elective in Major.
Familiarize yourself with the Academic Success Resource Center for various tools and links to assist with your courses.
Meet with the department chair or other faculty in your major to discuss possible electives in upcoming semesters with your ministerial goals and academic interests.
Meet with their Academic Advisor to review overall degree requirements.

21-45 Credit Hours

How do I select open electives?

What areas of knowledge do you wish to acquire?
What ministry skills do you need to develop or sharpen?
The DTS course schedule page will provide you with a list of courses available.
- If you click “info” next to a course, you can see the course description and option to download the syllabus to understand what the course involves.
- There is also an option to “search courses” if students are looking for a specific course.
Academic advisors are available to help you identify possible electives specifically geared to equip you in your present and future ministry.

What should I write my Thesis on?

This will depend on what academic topic and interests have surfaced during your courses, been confirmed through your courses, or you might consider pursuing in doctoral studies. Students should select electives that clarify their Thesis topic, which may be best narrowed down through an Independent Study or a course in another discipline. If students take a course outside his/her major, then a course substitution form will be required.

46-60 Credit Hours

How do I register for the Thesis?

The Thesis is a year-long process and will take time to complete the Thesis registration form. Students should work closely with their major department on the selected topic, timeline, and approving the Thesis registration document for registration.

How do I schedule my comprehensive exams?

Master of Arts students are required to demonstrate competency in their major through a comprehensive exams. Students can contact their department major for information, study guide, and scheduling the exam.

What is required for Graduation?

Students must submit the Admission to Candidacy Application (including all references) by the deadline listed for each semester on the Graduation Information page.
Confirm the Graduation Date listed in the system corresponds to your plan with your Academic Advisor and/or Registrar’s Office. (Update graduation date here)
Review/Confirm upcoming semester plans with an academic advisor to ensure all degree requirements are met.
Students should indicate their plans to participate in spring Commencement using the Commencement Ceremony Participation application during the available dates and after being approved for Candidacy.

After Graduation

Master’s level students keep their current Logos Bible Software package. Future Logos updates or upgrades are the responsibility of each person and not done through DTS.

DTS graduates have three options for further training:

Self-paced learning through Online Videos – All online courses and lectures are available for graduates to access through the Alumni portal. No application is required.
Alumni nondegree – Graduates may take additional DTS courses as a nondegree student, either for audit or credit at a reduced rate. If students take courses for Alumni nondegree credit and want to use the course(s) toward another Master’s degree, then the student will need to pay the difference of tuition between the Alumni rate and current tuition rate.
Pursue an additional DTS degree – Graduates may return to DTS to pursue a second Master’s degree. Graduates must reapply through Admissions and previous DTS credits are reevaluated and remaining requirements are evaluated upon readmission.