The Master of Divinity with a Concentration in Evangelism, Missions, or Islamic Studies is predicated on a Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent. The Southwestern M.Div. prepares students for the broadest range of Christian ministries. Students receive training in classical theological disciplines such as Old Testament, New Testament, church history and historical theology, systematic theology, ethics, and philosophy, as well as applied disciplines such as pastoral ministry, preaching, evangelism, and missions. The M.Div. is the only approved first master's degree for a student preparing for a pastoral or preaching ministry, as well as any other ministry largely comprised of biblical teaching.
The Master of Divinity with a concentration in International Church Planting provides a solid foundation of classical studies and a missions focus on church planting. This concentration equips students to start and develop churches abroad. This unique degree allows students to complete their course of study while serving off-campus. The church planting experience occurs under the auspices of the IMB's International Service Corps (2 years) or career apprentice program (3 years). The first-hand ministry experience acquired off-campus aids in fulfilling requirements for IMB missionary candidates.
The Master of Divinity with a concentration in North American Church Planting provides a solid foundation of classical studies and specific training in church planting. The degree equips students to start and develop effective churches in the many contexts of North America. This outstanding degree allows students to complete their course of study while serving off-campus as a church starter. The church planting experience occurs under the auspices of a partnership between the North American Mission Board and Baptist state conventions cooperating with the Southern Baptist Convention. Often, the planter deploys under the Nehemiah Project for Church Planting, a two-year mentored field experience with specific support components designed to ensure maximum learning and success in planting a new church.
The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies seeks to prepare cross-cultural ministers who desire specialized preparation in the area of Islamic Studies.
The Master of Arts in Missiology is a specialized degree plan which allows students to integrate their theological preparation with direct missionary service.
The Master of Theology allows students to gain a high level of competency in one major area of study after completion of the Master of Divinity. The majors offered in the Roy Fish School of Evangelism and Missions are evangelism, missions, and Islamic Studies. The degree, including a thesis, must be completed within three years.
The Doctor of Ministry is designed to enhance the understanding and practice of ministry in the areas of evangelism and missions for those currently engaged in positions of ministerial leadership.
The Doctor of Philosophy prepares persons of exceptional ability and promise to serve as teachers in specialized areas of evangelism and missions. Graduates also serve as pastors, chaplains, denominational leaders, administrators, editors, and authors in the United States and abroad.