First Steps as a DTS Student

Welcome to the DTS family! We’re excited that you’re taking your first steps as a new student. Below are items you will need to complete before and during your first semester. Please plan to prioritize (1) setting up your DTS Account (@dallasseminary.edu) and (2) registering for classes.

Items to Complete Before the Start of Your First Semester

Set Up Your DTS Account

When you were accepted, you should receive an email within 3 business days granting you access to your yourname@dallasseminary.edu email. If you have not received an email about your new account within 3 business days, please contact the DTS IT Team at: helpdesk@dts.edu or 214-887-5230.

Setup Your @dallasseminary.edu Account

Important Websites to Bookmark

  • www.dts.edu – our main school website.
  • portal.dts.edu – student portal for registration, applying for scholarships, paying your bill, finding important dates, and more
  • library.dts.edu – search books at DTS libraries or online and to download templates for DTS papers
  • online.dts.edu – find all of your course materials (videos, submit assignments) on this web page
  • DTS Technology – find information about wifi and online requirements here
  • Logos Bible Software – See the tab below labeled “Set Up Logos Bible Software.”

We’re excited for you to take your first classes! Most master’s students will need to register for introductory courses like BE5101 and ST5101 in their first semester.

Reach out to your Admissions Counselor for input on your first semester classes. After your first semester, your Academic Advisor will walk you through the remainder of your degree program.

Below are some tools to help you plan your first semester:

Register Online

Registration Deadlines for Masters and PhD Students

  • April 1 – Summer Courses
  • July 1 – Fall Courses
  • November 1 – Spring and Winter Courses

If you are accepted after these dates, you have a 2-week window to register for courses without incurring a late fee or other delays.

If you need any help selecting a course, contact your Admissions Counselor. If you need help registering, please contact: registrar@dts.edu or 214-887-5350.

DTS donors make more than $5 million in scholarship dollars available every year which helps ensure that very few students need to take out student loans.

Apply for Need-based Scholarships

US Students

The requirements for need-based scholarships for US students are:

  • Be in one of the following degree programs:
    ThM, MABC, MACP, MAJS, MAAE, MACE, MACL, MAIS, MAMW, MABEL, MACS, MA, DMin, EdD, DEdMin, or PhD.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.5
  • Employment preferred
  • Dallas and Online students need to take 9+ hours, Houston and Washington, DC students need to take 6+ hours

The deadlines for need-based scholarships for new US students are:

  • May 1 for Fall courses
  • November 1 for Spring courses

Additional Resources

International Students

If you are an international student studying in the US on a visa, you will need to prove funding for your first year of studies in the United States as part of the visa process. Once you have started taking classes in the United States, you may then apply for scholarships for your second year of studies. More information will be communicated to you during the visa process.

This is a required 6-week course designed to help first year master’s level students reflect upon their current reality and develop a plan to meet potential challenges, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to complete their studies at DTS.

This course is best done prior to enrolling in classes or during the student’s first semester. This course is free to enroll in but all assignments are required for completion credit.

Register for Seminary Readiness

Set Up Your Logos Account

Any enrolled DTS student taking a course for credit will be given access to Logos Bible Software before the beginning of their first course. First, DTS will have your Logos account created. Once the account is ready, you will receive notification via email from Faithlife. In most cases, your new Logos account will be associated with the personal email you have on file with DTS. 

Once you receive notification from Faithlife, click the button below to begin using Logos.   

Setup Your Logos Account

All new students are encouraged to complete the Getting Started with Logos course before classes begin.  

Additional training opportunities and detailed information about Logos for DTS students can be found at www.dts.edu/logos.   

If you have questions, contact Chris McMaster at cmcmaster@dts.edu.    

Register for New Student Orientation

 

DTS-Dallas 

Fall 2023 Logos Training

Stay tuned for more information
Fall 2023 New Student Welcome Dinner
Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-Houston 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay tuned for more information

 

DTS-Atlanta 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

DTS Atlanta will host a virtual session. Details will be sent to those who register on the link below.

Register Here for Atlanta’s New Student Orientation

 

DTS-DC 

9:30 am – 2:00 pm – New Student Orientation

Burke Community Church, Auditorium — 9900 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, VA  22015

  • We will be joined by special guest Voltaire Cacal, Director of International Students & Global Ministries, who will be extending a grand Texas welcome. New students will also have the privilege of hearing a short message from our Dean, Dr. Rodney Orr. In addition to this, our Academic Advisors will be giving some helpful advice on how to launch into seminary well.
  • Lunch will be served as well and this is a great chance to meet fellow students who will be your travelling companions on this seminary journey.

Register Here DTS-DC New Student Orientation

 

DTS-Fort Worth 

8:30 am – 10:00 am — New Student Breakfast

Christ Chapel Bible Church: The Link Building, 2nd Floor North Classroom —  3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Register Here for Fort Worth’s New Student Breakfast

10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Christ Chapel Bible Church: The Link Building, 2nd Floor South Classroom —  3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Register Here for Fort Worth Logos Basics Training

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm — Logos Advanced Training

Christ Chapel Bible Church: The Link Building, 2nd Floor South Classroom —  3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Register Here for Fort Worth Logos Advanced Training

 

DTS-Online 

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm — Online New Student Orientation

If you missed the online orientation, you can watch it by clicking on the link below:

New Student Orientation Online Meeting (Recorded)

Register Your Vehicle (Dallas Campus Only)

DTS Dallas vehicle registration is now open for the 2022-23 school year. Please register your vehicle now for the Spring Semester. If you will have a vehicle on campus during the 2022-23 school year, you must fill out the online registration form.

Once your form is submitted, students can pick up their decals at the Student Life office located in the Bailey Student Center. Please allow 3 to 4 days processing before you pick up your parking pass.

Please register below:

Register Here

 

Register for a Student ID Card

Please click on the following link below to order a Student ID Card. Student ID Card’s will be completed by the third week of classes. Once they are ready, an email will be sent and students can pick-up their ID Card at the front desk of the Student Life Office located in the Bailey Student Center.

Register Here

Sign-up for Text-Alerts and Right Now Media

Omnialert 

Omnilert is the DTS Alerts System that sends out SMS messages related to campus closings, emergencies, events and deadlines.

https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/health-safety/campus-safety/omnilert-text-alert-system/

Right Now Media

All students at Dallas Theological Seminary receive a free membership to RightNow Media. RightNow Media has over 15,000 Bible study videos from over 250 top Christian publishers and ministries. RightNow Media has studies for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. 

To sign up for your free account, go to https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/DTS (Links to an external site.) 

OR you can just text RIGHTNOW DTS (not case sensitive) to 41411 and a link will be sent to your phone.

Set Up Your DTS Account

When you were accepted, you should receive an email within 3 business days granting you access to your yourname@dallasseminary.edu email. If you have not received an email about your new account within 3 business days, please contact the DTS IT Team at: helpdesk@dts.edu or 214-887-5230.

Setup Your @dallasseminary.edu Account

Important Websites to Bookmark

  • www.dts.edu – our main school website.
  • portal.dts.edu – student portal for registration, applying for scholarships, paying your bill, finding important dates, and more
  • library.dts.edu – search books at DTS libraries or online and to download templates for DTS papers
  • online.dts.edu – find all of your course materials (videos, submit assignments) on this web page
  • DTS Technology – find information about wifi and online requirements here
  • Logos Bible Software – See the tab below labeled “Set Up Logos Bible Software.”

We’re excited for you to take your first classes! Most master’s students will need to register for introductory courses like BE5101 and ST5101 in their first semester.

Reach out to your Admissions Counselor for input on your first semester classes. After your first semester, your Academic Advisor will walk you through the remainder of your degree program.

Below are some tools to help you plan your first semester:

Register Online

Registration Deadlines for Masters and PhD Students

  • April 1 – Summer Courses
  • July 1 – Fall Courses
  • November 1 – Spring and Winter Courses

If you are accepted after these dates, you have a 2-week window to register for courses without incurring a late fee or other delays.

If you need any help selecting a course, contact your Admissions Counselor. If you need help registering, please contact: registrar@dts.edu or 214-887-5350.

DTS donors make more than $5 million in scholarship dollars available every year which helps ensure that very few students need to take out student loans.

Apply for Need-based Scholarships

US Students

The requirements for need-based scholarships for US students are:

  • Be in one of the following degree programs:
    ThM, MABC, MACP, MAJS, MAAE, MACE, MACL, MAIS, MAMW, MABEL, MACS, MA, DMin, EdD, DEdMin, or PhD.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.5
  • Employment preferred
  • Dallas and Online students need to take 9+ hours, Houston and Washington, DC students need to take 6+ hours

The deadlines for need-based scholarships for new US students are:

  • May 1 for Fall courses
  • November 1 for Spring courses

Additional Resources

International Students

If you are an international student studying in the US on a visa, you will need to prove funding for your first year of studies in the United States as part of the visa process. Once you have started taking classes in the United States, you may then apply for scholarships for your second year of studies. More information will be communicated to you during the visa process.

This is a required 6-week course designed to help first year master’s level students reflect upon their current reality and develop a plan to meet potential challenges, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to complete their studies at DTS.

This course is best done prior to enrolling in classes or during the student’s first semester. This course is free to enroll in but all assignments are required for completion credit.

Register for Seminary Readiness

Set Up Your Logos Account

Any enrolled DTS student taking a course for credit will be given access to Logos Bible Software before the beginning of their first course. First, DTS will have your Logos account created. Once the account is ready, you will receive notification via email from Faithlife. In most cases, your new Logos account will be associated with the personal email you have on file with DTS. 

Once you receive notification from Faithlife, click the button below to begin using Logos.   

Setup Your Logos Account

All new students are encouraged to complete the Getting Started with Logos course before classes begin.  

Additional training opportunities and detailed information about Logos for DTS students can be found at www.dts.edu/logos.   

If you have questions, contact Chris McMaster at cmcmaster@dts.edu.    

Register for New Student Orientation

 

DTS-Dallas 

Fall 2023 Logos Training

Stay tuned for more information
Fall 2023 New Student Welcome Dinner
Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-Houston 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-Atlanta 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-DC 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-Fort Worth 

Fall 2023 New Student Breakfast

Stay Tuned for more information

 

DTS-Online 

Online New Student Orientation

If you missed the Spring 2023 online orientation, you can watch it by clicking on the link below:

New Student Orientation Online Meeting (Recorded)

Register Your Vehicle (Dallas Campus Only)

DTS Dallas vehicle registration is now open for the 2022-23 school year. Please register your vehicle now for the Spring Semester. If you will have a vehicle on campus during the 2022-23 school year, you must fill out the online registration form.

Once your form is submitted, students can pick up their decals at the Student Life office located in the Bailey Student Center. Please allow 3 to 4 days processing before you pick up your parking pass.

Please register below:

Register Here

 

Register for a Student ID Card

Please click on the following link below to order a Student ID Card. Student ID Card’s will be completed by the third week of classes. Once they are ready, an email will be sent and students can pick-up their ID Card at the front desk of the Student Life Office located in the Bailey Student Center.

Register Here

Sign-up for Text-Alerts and Right Now Media

Omnialert 

Omnilert is the DTS Alerts System that sends out SMS messages related to campus closings, emergencies, events and deadlines.

https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/health-safety/campus-safety/omnilert-text-alert-system/

Right Now Media

All students at Dallas Theological Seminary receive a free membership to RightNow Media. RightNow Media has over 15,000 Bible study videos from over 250 top Christian publishers and ministries. RightNow Media has studies for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. 

To sign up for your free account, go to https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/DTS (Links to an external site.) 

OR you can just text RIGHTNOW DTS (not case sensitive) to 41411 and a link will be sent to your phone.

Set Up Your DTS Account

When you were accepted, you should receive an email within 3 business days granting you access to your yourname@dallasseminary.edu email. If you have not received an email about your new account within 3 business days, please contact the DTS IT Team at: helpdesk@dts.edu or 214-887-5230.

Setup Your @dallasseminary.edu Account

Important Websites to Bookmark

  • www.dts.edu – our main school website.
  • portal.dts.edu – student portal for registration, applying for scholarships, paying your bill, finding important dates, and more
  • library.dts.edu – search books at DTS libraries or online and to download templates for DTS papers
  • online.dts.edu – find all of your course materials (videos, submit assignments) on this web page
  • DTS Technology – find information about wifi and online requirements here
  • Logos Bible Software – See the tab below labeled “Set Up Logos Bible Software.”

We’re excited for you to take your first classes! Most master’s students will need to register for introductory courses like BE5101 and ST5101 in their first semester.

Reach out to your Admissions Counselor for input on your first semester classes. After your first semester, your Academic Advisor will walk you through the remainder of your degree program.

Below are some tools to help you plan your first semester:

Register Online

Registration Deadlines for Masters and PhD Students

  • April 1 – Summer Courses
  • July 1 – Fall Courses
  • November 1 – Spring and Winter Courses

If you are accepted after these dates, you have a 2-week window to register for courses without incurring a late fee or other delays.

If you need any help selecting a course, contact your Admissions Counselor. If you need help registering, please contact: registrar@dts.edu or 214-887-5350.

DTS donors make more than $5 million in scholarship dollars available every year which helps ensure that very few students need to take out student loans.

Apply for Need-based Scholarships

US Students

The requirements for need-based scholarships for US students are:

  • Be in one of the following degree programs:
    ThM, MABC, MACP, MAJS, MAAE, MACE, MACL, MAIS, MAMW, MABEL, MACS, MA, DMin, EdD, DEdMin, or PhD.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.5
  • Employment preferred
  • Dallas and Online students need to take 9+ hours, Houston and Washington, DC students need to take 6+ hours

The deadlines for need-based scholarships for new US students are:

  • May 1 for Fall courses
  • November 1 for Spring courses

Additional Resources

International Students

If you are an international student studying in the US on a visa, you will need to prove funding for your first year of studies in the United States as part of the visa process. Once you have started taking classes in the United States, you may then apply for scholarships for your second year of studies. More information will be communicated to you during the visa process.

This is a required 6-week course designed to help first year master’s level students reflect upon their current reality and develop a plan to meet potential challenges, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to complete their studies at DTS.

This course is best done prior to enrolling in classes or during the student’s first semester. This course is free to enroll in but all assignments are required for completion credit.

Register for Seminary Readiness

Set Up Your Logos Account

Any enrolled DTS student taking a course for credit will be given access to Logos Bible Software before the beginning of their first course. First, DTS will have your Logos account created. Once the account is ready, you will receive notification via email from Faithlife. In most cases, your new Logos account will be associated with the personal email you have on file with DTS. 

Once you receive notification from Faithlife, click the button below to begin using Logos.   

Setup Your Logos Account

All new students are encouraged to complete the Getting Started with Logos course before classes begin.  

Additional training opportunities and detailed information about Logos for DTS students can be found at www.dts.edu/logos.   

If you have questions, contact Chris McMaster at cmcmaster@dts.edu.    

Register for New Student Orientation

 

DTS-Dallas 

Fall 2023 Logos Training

Stay tuned for more information
Fall 2023 New Student Welcome Dinner
Stay tuned for more information

 

DTS-Houston 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay tuned for more information

 

DTS-Atlanta 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay tuned for more information

 

DTS-DC 

Fall 2023New Student Orientation

Stay tuned for more information

DTS-Fort Worth 

Fall 2023 New Student Orientation

Stay tuned for more information

DTS-Online 
Online New Student Orientation

If you missed the Spring 2023 online orientation, you can watch it by clicking on the link below:

New Student Orientation Online Meeting (Recorded)

Register Your Vehicle (Dallas Campus Only)

DTS Dallas vehicle registration is now open for the 2022-23 school year. Please register your vehicle now for the Spring Semester. If you will have a vehicle on campus during the 2022-23 school year, you must fill out the online registration form.

Once your form is submitted, students can pick up their decals at the Student Life office located in the Bailey Student Center. Please allow 3 to 4 days processing before you pick up your parking pass.

Please register below:

Register Here

 

Register for a Student ID Card

Please click on the following link below to order a Student ID Card. Student ID Card’s will be completed by the third week of classes. Once they are ready, an email will be sent and students can pick-up their ID Card at the front desk of the Student Life Office located in the Bailey Student Center.

Register Here

Sign-up for Text-Alerts and Right Now Media

Omnialert 

Omnilert is the DTS Alerts System that sends out SMS messages related to campus closings, emergencies, events and deadlines.

https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/health-safety/campus-safety/omnilert-text-alert-system/

Right Now Media

All students at Dallas Theological Seminary receive a free membership to RightNow Media. RightNow Media has over 15,000 Bible study videos from over 250 top Christian publishers and ministries. RightNow Media has studies for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. 

To sign up for your free account, go to https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/DTS (Links to an external site.) 

OR you can just text RIGHTNOW DTS (not case sensitive) to 41411 and a link will be sent to your phone.

Items to Complete by the End of Your First Semester

The Test of Biblical and Theological Knowledge (TBTK) is taken by all incoming students and by all graduating students. The purpose of this assessment is for the faculty to get a sense of the overall biblical and theological knowledge of an incoming or graduating class. The seminary does not look at an individual student’s score on this assessment, only the overall average of the incoming or graduating class. 

This test is a closed Bible, closed book assessment that is to be taken by yourself without any help. The test is not to be copied, imaged, photographed, or otherwise reproduced.

This test is 150 questions, 75 Bible and 75 Theology. There is a time limit of 75 minutes which starts once you proceed. This gives you an average of 30 seconds per question.

All new students will receive a Canvas course invitation link through their @dalllasseminary email before the start of their first semester. Please accept the TBTK course invitation and take the test before the end of your first semester.

DTS is committed to maintaining an environment conductive to learning for all students and a professional workplace for its employees. As such we take active measures against discriminatory harassment and sexual harassment, including any type of violence or misconduct.

Our entire policy can be read at www.dts.edu/title-ix you can also download it here – Fall 2019 Final Title IX Abuse & Discrimination brochure 2019.pdf 

DTS and Ministry Safe have partnered to offer Child Protection Training. This proactive education seeks to equip current students and DTS alumni with a clear understanding of child sexual abuse, sexual abusers, effective preventative protocols, a compassionate model of care addressing the needs of abuse survivors, and an appropriate response to abuse allegations arising in church and ministry environments.

To register, go to https://safetysystem.ministrysafe.com/register/dts

You will be asked some basic info to get you registered on the Ministry Safe training site:

Under Employee/Volunteer, select “volunteer”
Under Type of Training, select “Sexual Abuse Awareness Training (2018)”
Once you complete the Ministry Safe training (which will take you about an hour to complete), there is a brief quiz on the Ministry Safe training website. After you complete this quiz with a passing score, you will receive a certificate on the Ministry Safe training website.

Your final step is to upload this certificate and email it to studentlife@dts.edu.

Note: If you have previously completed Ministry Safe at your church or your place of service, you can simply upload a copy of your certificate from your previous training and send it to the above email address.

Student Life at DTS

The mission of the Division of Student Life to encourage each student toward the holistic and healthy integration of his or her social, cultural, spiritual, physical, and emotional spheres by providing services pertinent to those areas. Below is a panel of some key staff members within the Division of Student Life you will encounter during your studies.

Panelist from left to right: Dr. Herman Baxter (Dean of Students), Voltaire Cacal (Assistant Dean of Students, Advisor for Men Students, Director of International Students), Rebecca Jowers (Assistant Dean of Students, Advisor for Women Students), Robert Duckworth (Director of Counseling Services), Pastor Joe Allen (Campus Pastor).

Understanding your Chapel Requirement as a Student

Please watch this video to review the chapel policy for Dallas Theological Seminary so you are familiar with the chapel requirements at https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/chapel/ 

Spiritual Formation

The mission of Spiritual Formation at Dallas Theological Seminary is “Helping servant-leaders pursue Christlikeness.”  This two-year small group program is required for the following degrees:

  • Master of Theology (ThM)
  • MA in (NT, OT, or TS major)
  • MA in Bible Exegesis and Linguistics (MABEL)
  • MA in Cross-Cultural Ministries (MACM)
  • MA in Christian Leadership (MACL)
  • MA in Christian Education (MACE)
  • MA in Media Arts and Worship (MAMW)
  • MA in Apologetics and Evangelism (MAAE)
  • MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care (MACP)
  • Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MACS)

Spiritual Formation begins each fall and continues for four consecutive semesters (Fall-Spring, Fall-Spring) during your residential studies on either the Dallas, Houston, or Washington DC campus. Students studying at Dallas, Houston, or Washington DC should begin Spiritual Formation their first fall semester.

MABEL students – Spiritual Formation is completed through SF5245 on the Dallas campus only. SF5245 begins each fall semester (see course schedule (Links to an external site.)). Please contact the Spiritual Formation office for more information (https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/spiritual-formation/ (Links to an external site.)).

Extension students – Students who do not plan to move to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, or Washington DC to complete their residential studies can request to complete Spiritual Formation through the SF5110 Mentored Spiritual Formation format. SF5110 is approved on a case-by-case basis, upon review of an application, and as space permits. See detailed information about SF5110 Mentored Spiritual Formation at https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/spiritual-formation/sf110-mentored-spiritual-formation/. (Links to an external site.)

MBTS students – Currently, Spiritual Formation is not a requirement for the MBTS degree, but any student who later reclassifies to a degree which requires Spiritual Formation will have to fulfill this requirement (even if it delays graduation). Although it is not a requirement, MBTS students are welcome and encouraged to opt into Spiritual Formation if their schedule allows for it.

MABC students – Currently, Spiritual Formation is not a requirement for the MABC degree, but any student who later reclassifies to a degree which requires Spiritual Formation will have to fulfill this requirement (even if it delays graduation). Although it is not a requirement, MABC students are welcome and encouraged to opt into Spiritual Formation if their schedule allows for it.

Spiritual Formation is a required course, so failure to satisfactorily complete this requirement will delay your graduation date.

For more information on the Spiritual Formation program, please visit:

https://students.dts.edu/studentlife/spiritual-formation/

Ministry Formation

The purpose of the Ministry Formation Department is to create and foster contextualized learning experiences that enable students to integrate courses and practice by partnering with the Holy Spirit, students, internship sites, and course work. For degrees that require an internship, students work with the Ministry Formation Department once prerequisites for the degree have been met.

Counseling Services

The mission of DTS Counseling Services is to provide mental health support services to the current students, faculty and staff of Dallas Theological Seminary. The first three sessions are offered free of charge and $25 per session thereafter, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 4:30. To find information about Counseling Services or to schedule an appointment, please click on the link below:

Disability Services

Dallas Theological Seminary works to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students with psychological, medical, physical, and learning disabilities. Students desiring or needing accommodations on the basis of such disabilities or of medical incidents such as hospitalization or severe injury are to email the Director of Disability Services.

If you are aware of a condition that may impact your studies, please contact the Director of Disability Services before the semester begins or at the onset of a crisis in order to have all relevant documentation on file for the semester. Please note:

  • Accommodations are not retroactive, and
  • New accommodation request forms are required for each class each semester, and should be submitted prior to the class starting.

While accommodations cannot fundamentally change the major aspects of core requirements of courses or your program, they can aid you in successfully completing your work.

For more information please click on the link below:

Academic Advising

Please watch this 4-minute video overview on Academic Advising at DTS. It is recommended that students meet with an advisor during your first or second semester and then at least once a year after this. You can find campus-specific degree information and other resources at https://students.dts.edu/advising