Theological Studies, M.T.S.

Purpose

The Master of Theological Studies degree program is designed to provide a basic understanding of the theological disciplines as a foundation for further graduate study, for enhancement of lay leadership roles or for personal enrichment. The degree requirements are designed to ensure some breadth of exposure to the various disciplines of theological study, while at the same time allowing each student to fashion a plan of study that serves her or his particular interests and goals.

Requirements for Admission

The number of new students to be admitted each year is determined by policies of selection established by the faculty. The following considerations are decisive:

1. Seriousness of purpose, emotional stability and likelihood of satisfactory performance in the degree program and of responsible membership in the Perkins and Southern Methodist University community.
2. Presence of and potential for growth in those emotional, moral and spiritual qualities requisite for the profession of ministry and the absence of patterns of personal behavior tending to be seriously disabling to ministry.
3. Academic ability as shown by a minimum GPA of 2.750 (on a 4.000 scale) in a well-balanced curriculum. Normally, an applicant must hold the B.A. or equivalent degree from a college or university which is accredited by one or more of the organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (chea.org). An applicant with a degree from an unaccredited school may be considered if the case is exceptional. It is particularly important that the student have an adequate liberal arts preparation. In keeping with the recommendations of the Association of Theological Schools concerning pretheological studies, the following 60 hours of liberal arts coursework are highly recommended for admission to the M.Div. degree program:
   1. Three credit hours of philosophy (preferably historical or introductory courses or logic).
   2. Twelve credit hours of English (especially courses that include grammar, composition and creative writing).
   3. Three credit hours of history.
   4. Three credit hours of social science.
   5. Thirty-nine additional hours of liberal arts.

The following are considered highly desirable for admission to the M.Div. degree program:

• Three credit hours of a natural science or mathematics.
• Six credit hours of a foreign language.
• Six credit hours in religion (such as Bible, church history, history of religions, theology or ethics).

4. A reasonable program of financial support that will enable the student to be devoted properly to the main business of his or her theological training.

Persons who have already graduated from college or who are considering the ministry as a second career are given special consideration by the admissions committee, especially with regard to the adequacy of their pretheological curriculum.

Beyond the evidence of ability furnished by transcripts, applicants may be asked to demonstrate their preparation for theological study by adequate performance on either the GRE graduate school entry exam or the Miller Analogies Test.

To supplement the data furnished by transcripts, letters of reference and other written material, a personal interview with the director of student services or with a person designated by the director may be required of the applicant.

Requirements for Graduation

The requirements for graduation are that the student must complete 48 credit hours of approved coursework, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000.

Course Requirements

The course requirements totaling 48 credit hours are as follows: