Degree Programs

Dr. John Coe lecturing in front of the chalkboard

Masters Programs

  • Master of Divinity (M. Div)
    The program designed to foster the purposes for which the seminary was established—preparation for the propagation of the faith. This purpose entails an accurate knowledge of the Word of God, the source of faith and the effective means of its communication. The course of study is therefore designed around these two basic foci.
  • Master of Arts
    The Master of Arts degree is for individuals who sense the calling of God to positions of Christian leadership for which the Master of Divinity or other professional degrees are not typically expected or required. A Master of Arts degree from Talbot School of Theology will prepare you for the following opportunities:
    • Bible Exposition
      This emphasis provides an academic study of Scripture in order to prepare the graduate for teaching the Bible in a church/parachurch setting or provide a foundation for further graduate studies.
    • Old Testament
      The M.A. with an emphasis in Old Testament is designed primarily for students whith a specific interest in Old Testament studies, and those who desire to go on for Ph.D. work in Old Testament.
    • New Testament
      The emphasis in New Testament is designed primarily for students whith a specific interest in New Testament studies, and those who desire to go on for Ph.D. work in New Testament.
    • Theology
      The emphasis in theology provides students with a solid academic theological foundation for church ministry, or advanced graduate work in Theology or Biblical Studies.
    • Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
      The M.A. emphasis in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics develops skilled thinkers who clearly articulate to a modern culture the reasons for belief in the Christian faith. The curriculum trains students to use philosophy and ethics in evangelism and discipleship ministries, as well as grounding those who seek this degree as a preparation for further studies in philosophy, ethics, religious studies, law, political science and theology.
    • Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified
      This emphasis is designed for students who desire a flexible academic degree centered around their specific interests and goals. It provides a variety of options for pursuing courses in a variety of other emphases.
    • Spiritual Formation
      This emphasis program is designed as a personal growth and academic degree. It is an intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation, designed to equip men and women for the ministry of discipleship and spiritual formation in general, in the local church, and for further academic training in spiritual formation. The program is designed entirely around promoting growth in the believer’s inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word.
  • Master of Arts in Christian Education
    The program designed to develop and equip experienced church and parachurch servant-leaders in mind, character, and ability to serve God and further His kingdom through biblically based educational ministries, according to a particular area of specialization.
  • Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership
    The program, with emphases in Pastoral Care & Counseling and Women's Ministries, is designed as a professional program for specialized ministry. It has been developed for those whose calling to Christian service is to positions of leadership for which the Master of Divinity or other professional degrees are not normally required.
  • Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care
    The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care is designed as a personal growth, academic and professional program for specialized ministry. It is an intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation, developed to equip men and women for the ministry of discipleship, spiritual direction, formation and soul care in the local church and for further academic training in spiritual formation.
  • Master of Theology (Th.M.)
    The program is a challenging post-graduate degree program designed to equip students with specialized academic knowledge and advanced professional skills in one of the theological disciplines. The program is of special interest to students who aspire to teach — whether in the church, a Bible college or seminary, an extension center, or in a cross-cultural setting. This is in accord with both A.T.S. (the Association of Theological Schools) and A.A.B.C. (the American Association of Bible Colleges) which consider the Th.M. degree the minimum educational credential for teaching biblical and theological subjects at accredited seminaries and Bible schools. The program also provides an excellent preparation for those who anticipate further study at the Ph.D. and Th.D. level.

Doctoral Programs

  • Ph.D. & Ed.D. in Educational Studies
    The program, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is designed for men and women to enhance their leadership roles in a variety of educational ministries within God's Kingdom — the local church, educational institutions, parachurch, and ministry organizations throughout the world. Students come to the program already having completed a graduate degree and significant ministry experience in the field of educational ministry.
  • Doctor of Ministry
    The Doctor of Ministry degree is the highest professional degree for pastoral and ministry leaders. "The purpose of the professional doctorate is to equip one for a high level of excellence in the practice of Ministry" (Association of Theological Schools, Standards for Accrediting). The program gives you the opportunity to achieve high levels of excellence and competence in ministry.

Certificate Programs

  • Certificate in Biblical Studies
    The program is designed with two specific needs in mind. The first is for persons who seek a year of study in preparation for lay service with an overseas mission agency, or for more effective lay involvement in the life of their local congregation. It also serves as a "trial year in seminary" for persons who wish to test their gifts and skills with a view toward possible further preparation for full-time Christian ministry. Certificate course work may later be applied toward a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.
  • Certificate in Spiritual Formation
    The program is an introductory yet intensive, integrative program designed to assist individuals in their personal growth, provide some training in lay ministry of spiritual formation in the local church and give the student opportunity to understand their giftedness in order to determine whether the Lord is calling them to more training and preparation for ministry. The program is designed entirely around promoting growth in the believer's inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word, spiritual formation and soul care.