The Advising Center wants to help you make informed decisions as you progress toward graduation. Please select your degree from the menu to the left for degree-specific resources and tips.
| Degree | Total Hours | Fully Online (RV or LS) | Real-Time Courses | Degree Plans |
| Master of Theology (ThM) | 120 | 16† | ThM 2020-21 | |
| MA in Biblical Counseling (MABC) | 90 | 10† | MABC 2020-21 | |
| MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care (MACP) | 79 | Yes | 4 | MACP 2020-21 |
| MA in Apologetics and Evangelism (MAAE) | 69 | Yes | 4 | MAAE 2020-21 |
| MA in Christian Education (MACE) | 66 | Yes | 4 | MACE 2020-21 |
| MA in Christian Leadership (MACL) | 66 | Yes | 4 | MACL 2020-21 |
| MA in Cross-Cultural Ministries (MACM) | 64 | Yes | 4 | MACM 2020-21 |
| MA in Media Arts and Worship (MAMW) | 66 | Yes | 4 | MAMW 2020-21 |
| Master of Arts (TS, OT, NT majors) (MA) | 60 | * | MA 2020-21 | |
| MA (Biblical Linguistics) (MABEL) | 62 | * | MABEL 2019-20 | |
| MA (Christian Studies) (MACS) | 62 | 0 | MACS 2020-21 | |
| Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (MBTS) | 36 | 0 | MBTS 2020-21 | |
| Master of Sacred Theology (STM) | 32** | * | STM Degree Worksheet (2020/2021) | |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) | 30 | 0 |
† The ThM requires 48 hours (i.e. 16 3-hour courses) of real-time courses and the MABC requires 30 hours (i.e.10 3-hour courses). ThM and MABC students may need more courses than the number listed above to meet the credit hours required for their degree.
* These degrees require advanced and specialized courses that may not be available by video conference and only offered on-campus. Students should plan to relocate near the Dallas campus (MABEL and MA) or near a DTS campus for the specific electives selected in the student’s major (STM).
** The STM hours reflects students demonstrating proficiency in Greek and Hebrew. Additional hours may be required.
| Course Types | Definition | Course Sections |
| Real-Time Courses | ||
| In-Person | Courses where professors and students physically meet in a location.
| Campuses: Dallas, Houston, DC Extensions or Mobile Locations: AR, AU, EU, GA, GB, HK, IN, NA, NC, NP, SA, PGI/PI, PL, PX, WL Immersive Studies: MW52** Ministry Residency: EML5801 & EML5802 |
| Video Conference (Online) | Courses with weekly video conferencing sessions between professors and students. | RV or LS (Previously: VC, VA, VG, etc.) |
| Directed Learning Courses | ||
| Traditional Online | Courses mostly composed of pre-recorded online videos and forum interaction (may have limited video conferencing sessions) | OL |
| Independent Studies | Students work one-on-one with a faculty member remotely or on-campus. | **5901 |
| Special Topics | Students participating in special conferences, training, or programs. | **5905 |
| Internship or Apprenticeship | Students integrate their classroom training with ministry experience. | INT5*** or MW5102 |
| Spiritual Formation (Credit) | Students meet with a mentor or fellow students focusing on identity, community, integrity, and fidelity. | SF5201-5204 or SF5215, SF5220, SF5225, SF5230 |
| Research Courses | Students research and write on a topic relevant to their degree, academic interests, or ministry direction. | EML5950, RS5101, RS5102, RS5103, or **5902 (Thesis) |
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