Programs & Schedule

Master of Divinity and Diploma

The objective of the School is to train students to effectively teach and preach and to minister skillfully with the necessary tools to interpret the Scriptures. To see an example of the exegetical process we use at SDCS click here.While doing this, we want to make our training available at the lowest possible cost with the highest standard of teaching. In keeping with these objectives, the School's academic purpose is to grant: (1) a diploma to individuals who have not finished college, or (2) a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree to those who have completed college. Either of the above can be obtained by the completion of the School's three year curriculum with a total of 105 semester hours.

Upgrading to the Master of Divinity Degree

Students who have earned the Diploma in Biblical Studies may upgrade to the Master of Divinity Degree. To qualify for the change, the student must:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an approved college.

2. Submit an official transcript of the bachelor's degree.

3. Apply for the upgrade in writing, with an application fee.

4. Write and submit an approved integration thesis.

The integration thesis is a paper written by the student which demonstrates the student's integration of his theological and undergraduate learning.

Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology

Since there are students who want a limited number of courses and do not intend to enter the pastorate, a Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology (M.A.E.T.) is offered. The courses in this program are selected from the three-year program. Those seeking this degree must have earned an acceptable Bachelor's degree. This program may be completed three or four semesters. The student may concentrate on either New Testament Greek, Old Testament Hebrew or both. A minimum of three semesters must be taken in residence. This program requires a total of 56 semester hours of which the following are required:

· Essentials of New Testament Greek (Or Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew)

· Spring Greek Exegesis (Or Hebrew Exegesis)

· Spring Preaching and Teaching

· Greek Exegesis (Or Hebrew Exegesis)

· New Testament Survey (Or Old Testament Survey)

· A Thesis

No more than ten semester hours may be transferred into this program. A student who is seeking a M.A.E.T. must understand that this degree is not designed for those who seek to enter the pastorate.

M.A.E.T. Thesis

The Thesis Project for the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology is the final requirement for this degree. Through this four-semester hour project the student will demonstrate a competence in exegesis in either the Old or New Testament. The student may submit a proposal of his own project in an area of exegetical study that is of particular interest to him. A project proposal is to be submitted to and approved by the advising instructor. The project should not only show competence in exegesis but also creativity and imagination in using exegetical skills.

 

THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The School has a 13-week semester during the summer beginning in the first week of June. Most courses are taught one at a time in concentrated form by visiting professors. Each day a class will meet for two 65 minute sessions. A one semester hour course will meet for one week (5 days) for ten 65 minute sessions (a total of 650 minutes), and a final examination. This is the same length of time that most seminaries require for a one semester hour course. (A seminary semester is 13 weeks plus final exams.) A one semester hour class in the fall would meet for 50 minutes weekly for 13 weeks which is also a total of 650 minutes. In addition to concentrated classes, students who are in school for the entire summer may obtain two additional semester hours in: (1) Public Worship, a seminar class which meets for one and one-half hours weekly, and (2) a study in a book of the Bible which meets weekly for 50 minutes and a final examination.

The fall semester will usually begin on a Monday 10 days after the close of the summer semester and continue for 13 weeks plus one additional week for final exams. A one semester hour class would meet for 50 minutes weekly for 13 weeks and a two semester hour course would meet two times each week, etc.

Holidays: Because we have only two days of vacation during the entire school year (Thanksgiving and the following Friday), and only one week between semesters, we are able to complete two semesters in seven months without any sacrifice of classroom hours.

Summer Semester Schedule

2007 : June 4 - August 31

2008 : June 2 - August 29

2009 : June 1 - August 28

M T W Th F: 8:30 - 9:35;

9:45 - 10: 50 a.m.:

Main Courses.

Tuesday 11:00 - 12:00 a.m.: Study of a Bible Book.

Wednesday: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.: Public Worship.

Fall Semester Schedule

2007 : September 10 - December 14

2008 : September 8 - December 12

2009 : September 7 - December 11

MTThF : 8:00 - 9:05 a.m., 12:30 - 1:35 p.m.: Essentials of Biblical Greek or Hebrew.

Monday & Thursday: 9:15 - 10:05: Hermeneutics, Homiletics or Exegetical-Hermeneutical- Homiletical Process.

Tuesday & Friday: 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.: Greek Exegesis (odd-numbered years) or Hebrew Exegesis (even-numbered years).

Tuesday & Friday: 9:15 - 10:05 a.m.: Hebrew Exegesis (odd-numbered years) or Greek Exegesis (even-numbered years).

Wednesday: 8:00 - 8:50 & 9:00 - 9:50: Bible Survey.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00: Teaching, Preaching, Worship Seminar.

Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Chapel

SCHEDULE OF COURSES

Below is a schedule of courses leading to graduation with a Master of Divinity degree for college graduates, or a Diploma for those who have not completed college. This schedule would be for a student entering the summer semester of 2008. If a student enters at another time, the schedule will be taken in a slightly different order, because the first year courses in the Biblical languages are offered on alternate years. The Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew is offered the Falls of 2008, 2010 and 2012. The Essentials of New Testament Greek is offered the Falls of 2009, 2011 and 2113.

Summer, 2008                                            Semester Hours

Fall, 2008                                                    Semester Hours

Spring, 2009                                               Semester Hours

Summer, 2009                                            Semester Hours

Fall, 2009                                                   Semester Hours

                                                                           

Spring, 2010                                               Semester Hours

Summer, 2010                                            Semester Hours

Fall, 2010                                                    Semester Hours

 Total Semester Hours                      105

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The following is a description of each course according to its theological category. The particular teacher and dates of each course can be found in the 2008 Schedule. Prerequisites are indicated where needed.

· Biblical Theology

BT 311 Old Testament Survey - Pentateuch and Historical Books (2 Credit Hours)
This is the first of three Bible survey courses. It is a study of the contents of Genesis through 2 Samuel, considering the authorship, dates, purpose(s), significant persons, theology and peculiarities of each book.

BT 321 Old Testament Survey - Prophets and Writings (2 Credit Hours)
This is a continuation of the study of the Old Testament given the previous fall considering the books of I Kings through Malachi, with the exception of the five so-called poetic books, which are studied in a separate course.

BT 331 New Testament Survey (2 Credit Hours)
This is the third and final part of the survey of the Bible. The entire New Testament will be covered. A study will be made of authorship, dates, objective(s), significant persons, theology and peculiarities of each book. Students are required to read the New Testament for this course.

BT 341 New Testament Introduction (2 Credit Hours)
This course is concerned with the background and setting of the New Testament. Its recording, manuscripts, canon, transmission and various translations are studied.

BT 351 New Testament Theology (2 Credit Hours)
Consideration is given to the theology as it is presented progressively in the New Testament. Students will explore the unfolding of Christian doctrine from John the Baptist to John the Apostle. The events of the New Testament will be studied for their theological importance.

BT 361 Old Testament Theology (2 Credit Hours)
Consideration is given to theology as it is presented progressively in the Old Testament. Special attention is given to the progression of redemption in the covenant.

BT 381 Book of Colossians (1 Credit Hour)
From the English Bible a study of the book of Colossians is considered. After examining the authorship, the date of writing, purpose, problems and style, a study of the book itself will be made with an application of its truths.

BT 384 Book of Galatians ( 1 Credit Hour )

This course is a study of Galatians using the English Bible, considering the authorship, background, objective, outline, progression and literary form as well as its message for today.

BT 385 Book of Malachi (1 Credit Hour)
Using the English Bible, a study will be made of Malachi including the authorship, background, purpose, problems, style, etc.; then the teachings of the book will be applied to contemporary living.

BT 391 Hebrew Poetry ( 2 Credit Hours)
In this course a study is made of the various elements which comprise Hebrew poetry. Poetic literature of the Old Testament is studied for its poetic structure and message.

· Exegetical Theology

ET 112 Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew (10 Credit Hours)
This is the basic course in Old Testament Hebrew. The text, Biblical Hebrew , by Page Kelley, will be used. After the introductory grammar is completed, students will translate from one of the Minor Prophets and learn how to make an exegetical workbook. Emphasis will be placed upon the practical use of Old Testament Hebrew in sermon preparation.

ET 123 Hebrew Exegesis (Spring) ( 3 Credit Hours)
Students who have attended the seminary during the previous fall and have completed the course in Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew must take this study course. It will consist of the student's preparing an exegetical workbook on an Old Testament book. The student will write a translation and write an exegetical commentary on the book. The completed workbook is due during the first week of the fall semester.

ET 132 Hebrew Exegesis I (2 Credit Hours)
The prerequisite for this course is Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew or its equivalent. A detailed study based on the Hebrew text will be made of the book of Joel. Students are required to make an exegetical notebook of Joel. There will also be a study of the Hebrew vocabulary, grammar and syntax.

ET 142 Hebrew Exegesis II ( 2 Credit Hours)
This course is the same as the one by the same title given the previous year except that the book of Amos will be studied. Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew is a prerequisite.

ET 192 Hebrew Seminar (2 Credit Hours)
This semi-independent study for seniors will be conducted in conjunction with the Hebrew Exegesis course. Seniors must work on special assignments in Joel and be prepared to give oral reports on their independent research.

ET 212 Essentials of New Testament Greek ( 10 Credit Hours)
Using Ray Summers' Essentials of New Testament Greek Revised and the teacher's workbook, students will learn the essential elements of New Testament Greek. While covering the above text, students will also learn the essentials of Greek syntax. After this is completed, students will learn how to make an exegetical workbook based on the Greek text.

ET 223 Greek Exegesis (Spring) (3 Credit Hours)
Students who have been at school during the previous fall and have completed the course in Essentials of Old Testament Greek must take this study course. It is a study of a New Testament book. The student must describe the verbals , make a translation and write a commentary on the book. A workbook containing these must be turned in during the first week of the fall semester. Instructions on how to do this will be given during the previous fall semester.

ET 232 Greek Exegesis I (2 Credit Hours)
A prerequisite for this course is Essentials of New Testament Greek or its equivalent. There will be a detailed study of the book of Galatians based on the Greek text. Vocabulary, grammar and syntax are also studied.

ET 242 Greek Exegesis II ( 2 Credit Hours)
This course is the same as the one by the same title given the previous year except that the book of Romans will be studied. Essentials of New Testament Greek is a prerequisite.

ET 292 Greek Seminar ( 2 Credit Hours)
Seniors will do research on the book of Galatians in conjunction with the Greek Exegesis course and will be responsible to make reports on their findings.

ET 251 Exegetical Competence, M.A.E.T. Thesis (4 Credit Hours)
The Thesis Project for the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology is the final requirement for this degree. Through this four-semester hour project the student will demonstrate a competence in exegesis in either the Old or New Testament. The student may submit a proposal of his own project in an area of exegetical study that is of particular interest to him.

ET 622 Hermeneutics ( 2 Credit Hours)
Not only are the principles of Biblical interpretation studied, but examples of how they are used are explored by the students.

ET 632 Exegetical-Hermeneutical- Homiletical -Teaching Process (2 Credit Hours)
This course combines many separate subjects which are studied in seminary and puts them into a logical process resulting in a propositional sermon or Bible lesson.

· Historical Theology

HT 631 Biblical Archeology (1 Credit Hour)
The study of archeology and its bearing on the Bible is enhanced by slide or video presentations of digs and explanations of the process of research and evaluation.

HT 641 Biblical Geography ( 1 Credit Hour)
The principal objective of this course is to show how a better understanding of the geographical environment in which the Bible was written and the Biblical events that took place sheds light on the interpretation of Scripture Texts.

HT 712 Church History I (2 Credit Hours)
The study of church history is divided into three courses which do not need to be taken consecutively. This course considers the history of the church from the New Testament (Acts) to the sixth century. Besides the book assignments there will be research on special topics.

HT 722 Church History II (2 Credit Hours)
The history of the church is studied from the sixth century through the Reformation of the sixteenth century.

HT 732 Church History III (2 Credit Hours)
The history of the Church is studied from the Reformation to contemporary times.

· Pastoral Theology

PT 541 Church Music (1 Credit Hour)
A Biblical and historical background of church music is examined. A study is made of some outstanding hymn authors and composers. Suggestions for effective use of music in various phases of present day church work (worship services, Sunday School, evangelism, etc.) are considered.

PT 612 Homiletics ( 2 Credit Hours)
A study is made of the principles of preaching with a special emphasis on expository, propositional preaching. Topical and textual sermons will also be considered. Many of the outstanding textbooks on preaching will be read to determine what elements are essential for Biblical preaching. Tapes of well-known preachers are reviewed.

PT 811 (821, 831) Public Worship I (II, III) (1 Credit Hour)
This is a laboratory class. A weekly worship service is conducted by one of several ministers. After the service is completed there will be a critique and discussion of how the worship was led and the philosophy of worship and preaching. The purpose of this course is to give models which students may use when they prepare worship services and preach.

PT 812 (822, 832) Preaching, Teaching and Worship Seminar I (II, III) (2 Credit Hours)
During this laboratory course students will teach Bible topics and passages, conduct worship and preach, and make an application of their presentation. A critique is conducted after each session, and a feedback form is completed by all present.

PT 813 (823) Spring Teaching or Preaching I and II (3 Credit Hours)
As a means of practically using the Spring Exegesis course, students must write ten lessons or sermons from their Old or New Testament Exegesis and teach or preach them to an audience of their choosing. The lesson plans and sermons are to be turned in the first week of the fall semester.

PT 841 Pastoral Duties (2 Credit Hours)
Some of the duties which are required of a pastor are discussed and practiced, i . e., communion, weddings, funerals, baptisms, church promotion, public relations, filing systems, church bulletins, ecclesiastical relations, youth work, official boards, innovative services and outreach.

PT 851 Pastoral Counseling (1 Credit Hour)
This is an introductory course in pastoral counseling. Different philosophies and methods of counseling will be studied and evaluated in the light of Biblical principles. Students will also role play various counseling situations.

PT 852 Biblical Conflict Resolution (1 Credit Hour)
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills of a Biblical systematic theology of confict resolution that can be immediately employed in a practical manner in the local church.

PT 861 Missions ( 1 Credit Hour)
The purpose, philosophy, methods, history and geographical points of missions will be considered. Usually a veteran missionary who is in the United States will be the teacher of this course.

PT 871 Church Evangelism (1 Credit Hour)
This is a study of the Biblical teachings on evangelism and the various methods which are used today. Students will be encouraged to examine what they have done and plan to do in the area of evangelism.

PT 881 Church Leadership (1 Credit Hour)
How to lead church meetings, follow parliamentary procedures, and use The Book of Church Order are skills covered in this course.

· Systematic Theology

ST 411 Doctrines of Biblical Inspiration and God ( 2 Credit Hours)
An exposition of the doctrine of the Scriptures with special attention given to the matter of Biblical inerrancy. This course also provides an examination of theology proper, the doctrine of God, His nature, existence, attributes, decrees, creation and providence.

ST 421 Doctrine of Man (1 Credit Hour)
A study of the doctrine of man: his origin as a covenant creature and covenant breaker, need of salvation, redemptive state and glorification.

ST 431 Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit ( 2 Credit Hours)
An examination of the doctrine of Christ: His nature, states of humiliation and exaltation, three offices and atonement. This course will also consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity who applies the redemption purchased by Christ.

ST 441 Doctrine of Salvation ( 1 Credit Hour)
A study of the doctrine of salvation, dealing with calling, election, regeneration, justification and sanctification.

ST 451 Doctrines of Church and Sacraments (1 Credit Hour)
An exposition of the doctrine of the Church, visible and invisible, its power, purpose, offices, ministry and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. The study of the sacraments will explore the biblical and historical teachings of the meaning, means and recipients of the sacraments.

ST 461 Doctrine of Eschatology (1 Credit Hour)
This is an examination of the doctrine of Last Things. Special attention is given to contrasting views of the millennium.

ST 471 Biblical Ethics ( 2 Credit Hours)
Such a study presents the Christian view of value, virtue and obligation, with some investigation of secular theories. Areas explored include the development of behavioral norms. Biblical principles are applied to various contemporary situations for practical discussion to aid students in ethical decision-making.

ST 611 Apologetics (2 Credit Hours)
This is an introduction to Christian Apologetics, a defense of the Christian faith to the world. There is also an examination of the apologetic principles of the New Testament, the early Church Apologists, and early Church Fathers. A survey is made of Apologetics in church history and of contemporary issues in this field.

ST 614 Biblical Issues ( 1 Credit Hour)
This study will compare the differences between various biblical issues and theological approaches. Covenant theology, dispensationalism, views of creation and the charismatic movement will be examined biblically.

FULL AND PART-TIME STUDENTS

A student may start at the beginning of a Summer or Fall semester and continue for three years to complete the cycle of courses needed for graduation with a Master of Divinity or Diploma. A minimum of three semesters are required for the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology degree. A student may come as a part-time student for whatever courses desired during the Summer or Fall semesters. If a part-time student decides to become a full-time student, it should be understood that it will probably take three years from the time he begins a full program to complete the program for graduation. The student is not required to repeat classes previously completed; however, due to the structure and schedule of the curriculum, it is unlikely a student would be able to complete all the requirements for graduation in less than three years.

Attendance

Christian maturity and stewardship require responsibility to attend class regularly, participate in class discussion and complete course requirements. Class attendance is expected. Arrangements for absence from class due to illness or other emergencies should be made directly with the instructor. A student who is absent for 2/13ths or more of a course without permission of the Director or Core Faculty will be automatically dropped from the course. A student who is absent without permission for 2/13ths or more from half or more of the semester hours of the courses being taken will be disenrolled from the seminary. A student who is absent up to 4/13ths of a course with the permission of the Core Faculty may make up work that is missed. Such work must be completed within the semester of the absences. A student may be given permission for absences up to 4/13ths of a course for their own sickness or serious illness or death in their immediate family. If a student must be absent for more than 4/13ths of a class, even with permission, the course must be dropped and an "Incomplete" received as a grade. An unexcused absence is considered as absenting oneself without prior permission, regardless of the cause of absence, unless a student is physically unable to communicate with the School. Three tardies are equivalent to one absence. The individual student is responsible to obtain any material missed due to his absence or lateness to class.

Class Standing & Grading

There are three classes of full-time seminary students: Junior (first year), Middler (second year) and Senior (third year). An entering full-time student is a Junior. Upon completion of 34 semester hours with a grade average of "C" or above, a student becomes a Middler . After having completed 70 semester hours with a grade average of "C" or above, the student becomes a Senior.

Percentile and letter grade equivalents:

A: 100 - 92, B: 91 - 82, C: 81 - 74, D: 73 - 66, F: 65 or below, CR: Credit, NC: No Credit, I: Incomplete Note: A plus after a letter grade indicates the highest two percentiles of that grade, and a minus indicates the lowest two percentiles. At the discretion of the teacher, pluses and minuses are not required. During a student's first year a "C" average or above must be maintained. During the second and third years a student's average must continue to be "C" or above for each semester in order to graduate. The Core Faculty, with the student present, shall consider any student's grades or progress which is thought to be unsatisfactory. If the Core Faculty so deems, a student whose grades or progress is unsatisfactory may be placed on probation for one semester. A student dismissed for unsatisfactory grades or progress may be readmitted after an absence of one year or more. A transfer student may have courses accepted by this institution which are equivalent to courses offered by this School and for which a "C" or above was earned. The instructor will give grades for each course to each student at the conclusion of that course. In order for students to graduate from the regular three-year curriculum, they must complete all the courses in the regular curriculum, with a total of 105 semester hours.

Dropping Courses

A course may be dropped until it is 1/3 completed without appearing on one's transcript. After 1/3 of it is completed, if the student drops a course, an "Incomplete" will appear on his transcript. If a student drops a course without administrative approval after 1/2 of the course is completed, it will appear on the transcript as an "F." Students who drop a course will receive a refund for whatever percentage of the course time remains.