The Southwestern MDiv 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. In addition, students may use elective hours to pursue concentrations in any school at Southwestern in accordance with their ministry goals and academic interests. The MDiv 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 Advanced Master of Divinity degree allows students to build upon undergraduate theological training by taking elective courses in place of the introductory courses in the regular Master of Divinity curriculum. This flexible degree ranges from 74 to 86 hours.
The Master of Arts in Lay Ministry provides theological education for lay people, equipping them for competent lay ministry to the church and community.
The Southwestern MATh is a graduate-level degree offering advanced work in the classical theological disciplines. The 50-hour degree builds upon 30 or more hours of prerequisites completed at the undergraduate level.
Students may use elective hours in the degree to complete a thesis. Students who choose not to write a thesis may use elective hours to pursue a concentration.
For additional information contact:
Dr. Mark Taylor
Associate Dean for Master’s Programs
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 22696
Fort Worth, TX 76122
email: math@swbts.edu
The Southwestern ThM is the most advanced theological degree at the master’s level. The degree allows students to gain a high level of competency in one major area of study after completion of the Master of Divinity. The Southwestern ThM enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies and further mastery of a specialized discipline.
The Southwestern ThM consists of a 24-hour curriculum:
A student may complete a 26-hour, non-thesis track ThM by taking two additional advanced master’s electives.
Students who complete the Southwestern ThM may apply up to 10 hours toward the Southwestern PhD (Graduate Research Seminar, PhD Reading Seminars, and the thesis may substitute for a research seminar).
Majors available in the School of Theology are:
The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to enhance the practice of ministry for those who are currently engaged in positions of ministerial leadership.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares persons of exceptional ability and promise to serve as teachers in specialized areas of theology, and as pastors, chaplains, denominational leaders, administrators, editors and authors in the United States and abroad.