Master of Theological Studies

(M.T.S)

Introduction

Beeson Divinity School focuses on preparing persons for full-time Christian ministry.  Thus, its primary master’s degree is the MDiv.  However, Beeson also wishes to help a select group of laypersons gain a general knowledge of the Bible and Theology that will enrich their future service of our Lord.  For these students we offer the Master of Theological Studies degree.    

Criteria for M.T.S. Candidates

Enrollment in the M.T.S. program is limited to 15 percent of the student body. Applicants must state in writing that they are not seeking to prepare for traditional church ministry. The faculty of Beeson Divinity School has designed the M.T.S. degree program for the following types of students:

1.  Laypeople who want to broaden and deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.

2.  Individuals in non-church careers who want their work to be guided by a deep understanding of the mission of the church in the world.

3.  Certain international students, who are urged to consider the two-year M.T.S. degree program to reduce the time they will be away from their homes and families.

Core Courses

These classes, which constitute 22 hours of the 60 hours required for graduation, must be taken by students entering in a fall semester in their first two semesters and summer school and by students entering in a spring semester in their first three semesters and summer school. This core of courses is a pre-requisite for several subsequent classes. Students may not take courses numbered 502 (e.g. DVHD 502) prior to taking the 501 course in the same subject (e.g. DVHD 501).

DVSF 501 Spiritual Formation (2)*

DVBF 501 Biblical Interpretation (2)*

DVBF 502 Old Testament Theology (3)

DVBF 503 New Testament Theology (3)

DVHD 501 Patristic and Medieval History and Doctrine (3)

DVHD 502 Reformation History and Doctrine (3)

DVNT 511 Introduction to New Testament Greek (3)

DVNT 512 Greek Syntax and Translation (3)

*Required in first semester regardless of semester of entry. 

Biblical Studies: Biblical Interpretation, Theology, and Language (23 Credits)

DVBF 501 Biblical Interpretation (2)

DVBF 502 Old Testament Theology (3)

DVBF 503 New Testament Theology (3)

DVOT 521 / 522 Exposition Book Study or DVOT 731 / 732 Exegesis Book Study (3)

AND One of two tracks: 

Track 1

DVNT 511 Introduction to New Testament Greek (3)

DVNT 512 Greek Syntax and Translation (3)

DVNT 616 Greek Exegesis Practicum (3)

DVNT 731 or 732 Greek Exegesis Book Study (3)

OR

Track 2

DVNT 511 Introduction to New Testament Greek (3)

DVNT 512 Greek Syntax and Translation (3)

DVOT 511 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (3)

DVOT 512 Hebrew Syntax and Translation (3)

Historical and Doctrinal Studies (15 Credits)

DVHD 501 Patristic and Medieval History and Doctrine (3)

DVHD 502 Reformation History and Doctrine (3)

DVHD 601 Modern History and Doctrine (3)

DVHD 602 Twentieth-Century History and Doctrine (3)

DVET 701 Christian Ethics (3)

Spiritual Formation and Missions Studies (6 Credits)

DVSF 501 Spiritual Formation (2)

DVSF 600-level Spiritual Formation Elective (2)

DVMS 503, 504, 505, or 506 Christian Missions Elective (2)

 Electives (16 Credits)

 *Ministry courses may only be taken with the permission of the M.T.S. director.

Total for M.T.S. Degree (60 Credits)