Locations offering the MACS degree program are Dallas with the full program available, Hous-
ton with the full program available, DC with the full program available, Extensions with the full
program available, Online with the full program available,
Hours required for this degree are 62, This degree is currently offered in
English, Chinese, and
Spanish,
Master of Arts (Christian Studies)
(MACS).
The MACS is offered in English, Chinese, and Spanish with some customized requirements. The program can be completed
entirely online in English and Spanish. Most of the courses in the Chinese-language MACS can be completed online,
but some will need to be completed in a residential (face-to-face) format in Dallas, Houston, or Hong Kong. Please visit
dts.edu/chinese or contact the Chinese Studies ofce for more information on completing the MACS in Chinese.
Goals
All students in the MACS program will be able to:
• demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including a synthetic understanding of the major books;
• evidence an understanding of the historical development of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology,
and an ability to support their theological views and apply them to contemporary issues;
• communicate biblical and theological knowledge to a contemporary audience;
• evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit;
• evidence an interest and involvement in the local church or other ministries with which they are associated; and
• minister within a local church or other group by means of leadership skills, evangelism, and service.
In addition to the above goals, students in the Chinese-language version of the MACS will also be able to:
• design an effective strategy for Chinese ministry.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements and application procedures for the MACS are the same as for all programs of study at the
seminary (please refer to the Admission section of this catalog for more information). Students generally will not be
admitted into this degree program without goals consistent with the ministries for which the program is designed to
equip them.
The Master of Arts (Christian Studies) degree program is designed
to provide a graduate-level biblical and theological foundation for
various kinds of Christian service. This degree is designed primarily
for lay leaders who desire training for more effective ministry
within their church or organization. The MACS may also provide
supplemental training for those engaged in parachurch ministries
or those in support positions with missions agencies or churches.
Those who are seeking fuller preparation for a vocationally specic
ministry should apply for admission to one of the seminary's
professional degrees.
Locations:
h
Dallas
h
Houston
h
DC
h
Extensions
h
Online
Hours: 62 Languages: •
English
• Chinese • Spanish
PURPOSE
:
There is a circle graph placed here that shows a representation of the
hours with Biblical Studies at 24, Systematic Theology at 18, Spiritual
Formation and Research at 5, and English/Spanish/Chinese Courses at
15 for a total of 62 hours,
English/Spanish/Chinese Courses, are required
for 15 hours,
MACS in English and Spanish, for 15 hours,
Consisting of,
HT5200, History of Doctrine, for 3 hours,
Approved Communication Course, for 3 hours,
Please note that
Options for English-language students include
EML5105, EML5450, WM5210, WM5540, or an approved PM
communication course. Spanish-language students should take
EML5101,
Electives, for 9 hours,
Please note that English-language students must take at least one
elective course from the Division of Ministries and Communication.
The remaining 6 to 7 credit hours of electives may be used for courses
from any division,
MACS in Chinese, for 15 hours,
Consisting of,
EML5101, Designing and Leading Effective Ministries, for
3 hours,
PM5120, Basics in Biblical Communication, for 3 hours,
Please note that
EML5105 or an approved EML communication
course may be substituted,
WM5340, Ministry in Chinese Contexts, for 2 hours,
WM5545, Chinese Historical and Theological Trends, for 3
hours,
Open Electives, for 4 hours,
For a Total of 62 required hours for the MACS degree,
The following is a chart of MACS course requirements,
Biblical Studies courses, are required for 24 hours,
Consisting of,
BE5101, Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics, for 3 hours,
BE5102, Old Testament History 1, for 3 hours,
BE5103, Old Testament History 2 and Poetry, for 2 hours,
BE5104, Old Testament Prophets, for 3 hours,
BE5105, The Gospels, for 2 hours,
BE5106, Acts and Pauline Epistles, for 3 hours,
BE5107, Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation, for 3 hours,
BE5109, Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles, for 3 hours,
NT5110, New Testament Introduction, for 2 hours,
Systematic Theology courses, are required for 18 hours,
Consisting of,
ST5101, Theological Method and Bibliology, for 3 hours,
ST5102, Trinitarianism, for 3 hours,
ST5103, Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology, for 3 hours,
ST5104, Soteriology, for 3 hours,
ST5105, SancticationandEcclesiology,for3hours,
ST5106, Eschatology, for 3 hours,
Spiritual Formation and Research courses, are required
for 5 hours,
Consisting of,
PM5101, Christian Life and Witness, for 3 hours,
RS5101, Orientation and Research Methods, for 1 hour,
RS5103, Summative Research Project, for 1 hour,
Spiritual Formation,
TOTAL Core Requirements, 47hours,
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
Transfer of Credit
Transfer of up to 30 hours of credit is allowed toward
the MACS program from accredited graduate programs
in related elds of study. Students must have earned a
grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) for a course to be
considered for transfer.
Residential Requirements
Although the MACS can be completed entirely online,
all of the courses are also offered on the main Dallas
campus. Most of the courses are also available at the
seminary’s extension sites.
Not all of the MACS courses are offered in a live face-to-
face format in Chinese. Some are offered live at the
Dallas and Houston campuses, and 30 hours can be
completed in face-to-face courses in Chinese at the
seminary’s extension in Hong Kong. For more information
on course availability in Chinese, please contact the
Chinese Studies ofce.
Regardless of the mode of delivery (online or in face-to-
face classes in Dallas or at an approved extension), at
least fty percent of the coursework required for the
degree must be earned through DTS.
All work toward the MACS degree must be completed
within seven years from the time of initial matriculation.
Extension of this time limit requires the approval of the
Credits Committee. Reinstatement to the degree after
withdrawal requires action by the Admissions Committee
and may subject the student to additional requirements
for the degree.
Course Requirements
Sixty-two credit hours of coursework are required as a
minimum for graduation. Students may pursue this degree
on a year-round basis or during summers. By taking
about 12 hours of coursework each year or summer, students
can complete the program in ve years or ve summers
depending on scheduling needs.
1 EML5105 or an approved EML communication course may be substituted.
2 Options for English-language students include EML5105, EML5450,
WM5210, WM5540, or an approved PM communication course.
Spanish-language students should take EML5101.
3 English-language students must take at least one elective course from the
Division of Ministries and Communication. The remaining 6–7 credit hours
of electives may be used for courses from any division.
62
hours
24
5
15
18
complete up to
100%
online
B
i
b
l
i
c
a
l
S
t
u
d
i
e
s
S
y
s
t
e
m
a
t
i
c
T
h
e
o
l
o
g
y
English/Spanish/Chinese Courses 15
MACS in English and Spanish 15
HT5200 History of Doctrine 3
Approved Communication Course
2
3
Electives
3
9
MACS in Chinese 15
EML5101 Designing and Leading Effective
Ministries 3
PM5120 Basics in Biblical Communication
1
3
WM5340 Ministry in Chinese Contexts 2
WM5545 Chinese Historical and Theological Trends 3
Open Electives 4
Total 62
S
p
i
r
i
t
u
a
l
Biblical Studies 24
BE5101 Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics 3
BE5102 Old Testament History I 3
BE5103 Old Testament History II and Poetry 2
BE5104 Old Testament Prophets 3
BE5105 The Gospels 2
BE5106 Acts and Pauline Epistles 3
BE5107 Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation 3
BE5109 Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles 3
NT5110 New Testament Introduction 2
Systematic Theology 18
ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology 3
ST5102 Trinitarianism 3
ST5103 Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology 3
ST5104 Soteriology 3
ST5105 SancticationandEcclesiology 3
ST5106 Eschatology 3
Spiritual Formation and Research 5
PM5101 Christian Life and Witness 3
RS5101 Orientation and Research Methods 1
RS5103 Summative Research Project 1
Spiritual Formation 0
TOTAL Core Requirements 47
E
n
g
l
i
s
h
/
S
p
a
n
i
s
h
/
C
h
i
n
e
s
e
F
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n
C
o
u
r
s
e
s
a
n
d
R
e
s
e
a
r
c
h
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
Students who intend to complete the
requirements for the MACS online but
do not have prior experience with online
courses are encouraged not to take
more than one course their rst
online term.
All students in the MACS, regardless
of language, are required to take
24 hours of prescribed Biblical
Studies courses, 18 hours of prescribed
Theological Studies courses, 3 hours in
the Christian Life and Witness course,
3 hours in an approved communication
course, and 2 hours in research for a total
of 50 core hours.
Spiritual Formation
Because DTS values Christlike character and spiritual
maturity, MACS students are required to register
for and participate in Spiritual Formation groups
for four consecutive fall and spring terms at the Dallas,
Houston, or Washington, DC, locations. (Students who are
not planning to move to Dallas, Houston, or Washington,
DC, for four consecutive fall and spring terms must contact
the Spiritual Formation ofce concerning how to meet
their Spiritual Formation requirement.)
In the Spiritual Formation curriculum, small groups
of ve to seven students focus on identity, community,
integrity, and delity. The groups also provide an
atmosphere for prayer, fellowship, and the integration
of learning with life and ministry.
Because students participate with the same group during
four consecutive fall and spring terms, they should plan
their schedules so that they may meet on the same day
and at the same time each term. Spiritual Formation is
a noncredit, transcripted experience. Students in the
Chinese-language MACS must contact the Chinese Studies
ofce concerning how to meet their Spiritual Formation
requirement.
Accelerated MACS
Students entering the English MACS with a strong back-
ground in Bible or theology from an approved Christian
university, Bible college, or parachurch ministry may
apply for the accelerated program during the admissions
process. In place of core courses in the MACS curriculum,
accelerated participants take four advanced standing
courses (AS5103–5106). This results in a curricular
reduction of up to 12 credit hours. The accelerated program
is limited to students taking courses on the Dallas campus.
For more information about the accelerated program,
please visit dts.edu/advancedstanding.
PleasenotethatStudentsstudyingattheHoustonandWashington,DC,locationsshouldcontacttheircampus-specicacademicadvisorforscheduleplanningand
course availability,
English and Spanish
curriculum
,
TheMACSrequirestheequivalentoftwoyearsoffull-timestudy.Whilestudentshaveuptosevenyearstocompletethedegree,thiscurriculumchartreects
how students in the English- and Spanish-language versions of the program can complete the MACS in two years.
FIRST YEAR,
BIBLICAL STUDIES COURSES,
BE5101, Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5102, Old Testament History 1, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5103, Old Testament History 2 and Poetry, 2 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
BE5105, The Gospels, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5109, Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
NT5110, New Testament Introduction, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES,
ST5101, Theological Method and Bibliology, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
ST5102, Trinitarianism, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH COURSES,
RS5101, Orientation and Research Methods, 1 hour, offered Fall, offered Online,
PM5101, Christian Life and Witness, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COURSES,
SF5100-1, Spiritual Formation, offered Fall only,
Please note that
Completion of SF5100 Spiritual Formation requires two calendar years. Students who register for SF5100 need to keep in mind
thatthecourseisafour-term-longcoursethatwillmeetatthesamedayandtimeeachofthefourterms.TherstSpiritualFormationclassisonlyofferedin
the fall term. Please see the Spiritual Formation section of this catalog for more information.
SF5100-2, Spiritual Formation, offered Spring only,
Electives,
6 hours,
Please note that
English-language students must take at least one elective course from the Division of Ministries and Communication. The remain-
ing 6 to 7 credit hours of electives may be used for courses from any division,
FIRST YEAR HOURS TOTAL 31,
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
CURRICULUM (MASTER OF ARTS [CHRISTIAN STUDIES])
The following table represents the required curriculum for the Master of Arts (Christian Studies). Students should create an individualized plan of study in light
of their current realities and future ministry plans in consultation with an academic advisor. The prerequisites and corequisites for each course may be found in
theCourseDescriptionssectionofthiscatalog.Thetermsduringwhichcoursesareofferedvarybylocation,andtheplanprovidedbelowpertainsspecicallyto
Dallas-campus course offerings. Online courses are typically offered each fall, spring, and summer term. Courses may be cancelled or offered in alternate terms as
needed. Required courses are regularly offered during summer terms in intensive or hybrid formats. Please refer to dts.edu/schedule for the most updated list of
available course offerings.
1
FIRST YEAR
HOURS FALL SPRING ONLINE
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BE5101 Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics 3 h h h
BE5102 Old Testament History I 3 h h
BE5103 Old Testament History II and Poetry 2 h h
BE5105 The Gospels 2 h h
BE5109 Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles 3 h h
NT5110 New Testament Introduction 2 h h
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology 3 h h h
ST5102 Trinitarianism 3 h h
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH
RS5101 Orientation and Research Methods 1 h h
PM5101 Christian Life and Witness 3 h h h
INTERDEPARTMENTAL
SF5100-1 Spiritual Formation
3
h
SF5100-2 Spiritual Formation h
Electives
4
6
FIRST YEAR HOURS 31
ENGLISH AND SPANISH CURRICULUM
2
English and Spanish Curriculum,
TheMACSrequirestheequivalentoftwoyearsoffull-timestudy.Whilestudentshaveuptosevenyearstocompletethedegree,thiscurriculumchartreects
how students in the English- and Spanish-language versions of the program can complete the MACS in two years,
SECOND YEAR,
BIBLICAL STUDIES COURSES,
BE5104, Old Testament Prophets, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
BE5106, Acts and Pauline Epistles, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
BE5107, Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES,
ST5103, Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
ST5104, Soteriology, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
ST5105,SancticationandEcclesiology,3hours,offeredFall,offeredOnline,
ST5106, Eschatology, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
HT5200, History of Doctrine, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH COURSES,
RS5103, Summative Research Project, 1 hour, offered Online only,
Communication Course, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
Please note that
The following courses are approved to meet the communication course requirement for English-language students: EML5105 Teaching Process and
Media Presentations; EML5450 Women Teaching Women; WM5210 Intercultural Communication; WM5540 Applied Biblical Contextualization; or an approved PM
communication course. Spanish-language students must take EML5101 Designing and Leading Effective Ministries..
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COURSES,
SF5100-3, Spiritual Formation,
offered Fall only,
Please note that
Completion of SF5100 Spiritual Formation requires two calendar years. Students who register for SF5100 need to keep in mind that the
courseisafour-term-longcoursethatwillmeetatthesamedayandtimeeachofthefourterms.TherstSpiritualFormationclassisonlyofferedinthefallterm.
Please see the Spiritual Formation section of this catalog for more information.
SF5100-4, Spiritual Formation, offered Spring only,
Elective,
3 hours,
Please note that
English-language students must take at least one elective course from the Division of Ministries and Communication. The remaining 6 to 7
credit hours of electives may be used for courses from any division.
SECOND YEAR HOURS TOTAL 31,
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BE5104 Old Testament Prophets 3 h h
BE5106 Acts and Pauline Epistles 3 h h
BE5107 Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation 3 h h
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
ST5103 Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology 3 h h
ST5104 Soteriology 3 h h
ST5105SancticationandEcclesiology 3 h h
ST5106 Eschatology 3 h h
HT5200 History of Doctrine 3 h h
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH
RS5103 Summative Research Project 1 h
Communication Course
5
3 h h h
INTERDEPARTMENTAL
SF5100-3 Spiritual Formation
3
h
SF5100-4 Spiritual Formation h
Elective
4
3
SECOND YEAR HOURS 31
SECOND YEAR
HOURS FALL SPRING ONLINE
1
StudentsstudyingattheHoustonandWashington,DC,locationsshouldcontacttheircampus-specicacademicadvisorforscheduleplanningandcourseavailability.
2TheMACSrequirestheequivalentoftwoyearsoffull-timestudy.Whilestudentshaveuptosevenyearstocompletethedegree,thiscurriculumchartreectshow
students in the English- and Spanish-language versions of the program can complete the MACS in two years.
3 Completion of SF5100 Spiritual Formation requires two calendar years. Students who register for SF5100 need to keep in mind that the course is a four-term-long
coursethatwillmeetatthesamedayandtimeeachofthefourterms.TherstSpiritualFormationclassisonlyofferedinthefallterm.PleaseseetheSpiritual
Formation section of this catalog for more information.
4 English-language students must take at least one elective course from the Division of Ministries and Communication. The remaining 6–7 credit hours of electives
may be used for courses from any division.
5
The following courses are approved to meet the communication course requirement for English-language students: EML5105 Teaching Process and Media Presentations;
EML5450 Women Teaching Women; WM5210 Intercultural Communication; WM5540 Applied Biblical Contextualization; or an approved PM communication course.
Spanish-language students must take EML5101 Designing and Leading Effective Ministries..
Chinese Curriculum,
Please note that
The MACS requires the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Although students have up to seven years to complete the de-
gree,thiscurriculumchartreectshowstudentsintheChinese-languageversionoftheprogramcancompletetheMACSintwoyears.
First Year,
Biblical Studies Courses,
BE5101 Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5102 Old Testament History 1, Courses, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5103 Old Testament History 2 and Poetry, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5105 The Gospels, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
BE5109 Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
NT5110 New Testament Introduction, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
Theological Studies Courses,
ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
ST5102 Trinitarianism, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
Ministry and Research Courses,
EML5101 Designing and Leading Effective Ministries, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
RS5101 Orientation and Research Methods, 1 hour, offered Fall, offered Online,
PM5101 Christian Life and Witness, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
WM5340 Ministry in Chinese Contexts, 2 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
Interdepartmental Courses,
SF5110-1 Spiritual Formation,
offered Fall only,
Please note that
Students in the Chinese-language MACS will take SF5110 Spiritual Formation over two consecutive terms, though alternative
modelsmaybeapproved.PleasecontacttheChineseStudiesofceformoreinformationonmeetingthisrequirement,
SF5110-2 Spiritual Formation, offered Spring only,
Elective, 2 hours,
First Year Hours Total 32,
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
FIRST YEAR
HOURS FALL SPRING ONLINE
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BE5101 Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics 3 h h h
BE5102 Old Testament History I 3 h h
BE5103 Old Testament History II and Poetry 2 h h
BE5105 The Gospels 2 h h
BE5109 Ruth, Psalms, Jonah, and Selected Epistles 3 h h
NT5110 New Testament Introduction 2 h h
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology 3 h h
ST5102 Trinitarianism 3 h h
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH
EML5101 Designing and Leading Effective Ministries 3 h h h
RS5101 Orientation and Research Methods 1 h h
PM5101 Christian Life and Witness 3 h h h
WM5340 Ministry in Chinese Contexts 2 h h
INTERDEPARTMENTAL
SF5110-1 Spiritual Formation
3
0 h
SF5110-2 Spiritual Formation 0 h
Elective 2
FIRST YEAR HOURS 32
CHINESE CURRICULUM
2
Chinese Curriculum,
Please note that
The MACS requires the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Although students have up to seven years to complete the de-
gree,thiscurriculumchartreectshowstudentsintheChinese-languageversionoftheprogramcancompletetheMACSintwoyears,
Second Year,
Biblical Studies Courses,
BE5104, Old Testament Prophets, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
BE5106, Acts and Pauline Epistles, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
BE5107, Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
Theological Studies Courses,
ST5103, Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
ST5104, Soteriology, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
ST5105,SancticationandEcclesiology,3hours,offeredFall,offeredOnline,
ST5106, Eschatology, 3 hours, offered Spring, offered Online,
Ministry and Research Courses,
RS5103, Summative Research Project, 1 hour, offered online only,
WM5545, Chinese Historical and Theological Trends, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Online,
Communication Course, 3 hours, offered Fall, offered Spring, offered Online,
Please note that
The following courses are approved to meet the communication course requirement: PM5120 Basics of Biblical Communica-
tion (3 hours) or EML5105 Teaching Process and Media Presentations (3 hours). For more information, please contact the Chinese Studies
ofce,
Elective, 2 hours,
Second Year Hours Total 30
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (MACS)
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BE5104 Old Testament Prophets 3 h h
BE5106 Acts and Pauline Epistles 3 h h
BE5107 Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation 3 h h
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
ST5103 Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology 3 h h
ST5104 Soteriology 3 h h
ST5105SancticationandEcclesiology 3 h h
ST5106 Eschatology 3 h h
MINISTRY AND RESEARCH
RS5103 Summative Research Project 1 h
WM5545 Chinese Historical and Theological Trends 3 h h
Communication Course
4
3 h h h
Elective 2
SECOND YEAR HOURS 30
SECOND YEAR
HOURS FALL SPRING ONLINE
1StudentsstudyingattheHoustonandWashington,DC,locationsshouldcontacttheircampus-specicacademicadvisorforscheduleplanning
and course availability.
2 The MACS requires the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Although students have up to seven years to complete the degree, this curriculum
chartreectshowstudentsintheChinese-languageversionoftheprogramcancompletetheMACSintwoyears.
3 Students in the Chinese-language MACS will take SF5110 Spiritual Formation over two consecutive terms, though alternative models may be
approved.PleasecontacttheChineseStudiesofceformoreinformationonmeetingthisrequirement.
4 The following courses are approved to meet the communication course requirement: PM5120 Basics of Biblical Communication (3 hours) or
EML5105TeachingProcessandMediaPresentations(3hours).Formoreinformation,pleasecontacttheChineseStudiesofce.