GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY – PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Pastoral Ministry
The Master of Divinity is a three-year study program designed specifically to train men for the office of minister. The degree requirements are based upon the rules for examination for ordination as set forth by the Westminster Assembly in 1645, as stated in The Form of Presbyterian Church Government. The program has three tracks: Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Pastoral Counseling
The Master of Divinity is a three-year study program designed specifically to train men for Counseling in the ministry. The degree emphasizes a series of courses in the Nouthetic Method of counseling. The program has three tracks: Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal.
Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) Pastoral Ministry or Pastoral Counseling
A student without an undergraduate (bachelor) degree may complete the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program of study in Pastoral Ministry or Pastoral Counseling and be awarded a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree. Students who are 35 years or older at the time of graduation will be awarded the Master of Divinity degree. If the student later completes an undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Divinity degree may be upgraded to a Master of Divinity degree, for a small fee upon application by the student. Students who desire to take the Master of Divinity degree program, but do not want to complete the Greek and Hebrew requirements, may receive a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree which will be designated as a major in English Bible and Theology only.
Master of Theology (Th.M.) Pastoral Theology and Counseling
The Master of Theology is an alternative degree to the Doctor of Theology. This degree program is awarded to students that complete all the Th.D. degree courses but would rather not write the dissertation. There is no dissertation requirement for this degree program. The student must take an oral exam over the curriculum required in this program of study. A Thesis of 18,000 words is required by the student.
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) Pastoral Theology and Counseling
The Doctor of Theology is the highest professional degree awarded by the Seminary. It is a four-year degree awarded in Pastoral Theology and Counseling that is built on the curriculum of the Master of Divinity degree with an additional year of study in applied theology with a Counseling emphasis. Students must be capable of demonstrating ability to obtain excellence in all phases of the program with strong academic competence. This degree program is open only to students who have completed their Master of Divinity degree with Whitefield Theological Seminary.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY – ACADEMIC DEGREES
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) in Theological Studies (Standard Track)
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies is a fourteen course Standard Track program of studies. The standard track requires less reading and writing than the honors track. This program meets the standard requirements in a traditional seminary program. Acceptance into this program requires an acceptable bachelor’s degree.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) in Theological Studies (Honors Track)
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies is a fourteen course honors track program of studies. The honors track requires heavier reading and writing assignments than the standard track reaching beyond the standard seminary requirements. Acceptance into this program requires an acceptable bachelor’s degree.
Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) in Theology, Apologetics and Church History (Standard Track)
The Master of Arts in Religion is a two year degree Standard Track program of studies especially in the fields of theology, apologetics and church history. The standard track requires less reading and writing than the honors track. This program meets the standard requirements in a traditional seminary program. Acceptance into this program requires an acceptable bachelor’s degree.
Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) in Theology, Apologetics and Church History (Honors Track)
The Master of Arts in Religion is a two year degree honors Track program of studies especially in the fields of theology, apologetics and church history. The honors track requires more reading and writing than the standard track reaching beyond the standard seminary requirements. Acceptance into this program requires an acceptable bachelor’s degree.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Pastoral Ministry (Standard Track)
The Master of Divinity is a three-year standard track study program designed specifically to train men for the office of minister. The degree requirements are based upon the rules for examination for ordination as set forth by the Westminster Assembly in 1645, as stated in The Form of Presbyterian Church Government. The program has two tracks: Presbyterian and Baptist.
Master of Divinity (M. Div.) in Pastoral Ministry (Honors Track)
The Master of Divinity is a three-year honors track study program designed specifically to train men for the office of minister reaching beyond the standard seminary divinity degree. The degree requirements are based upon the rules for examination for ordination as set forth by the Westminster Assembly in 1645, as stated in The Form of Presbyterian Church Government. The program has two tracks: Presbyterian and Baptist.
Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) in Pastoral Ministry or Counseling (Standard Track)
A student without an undergraduate (bachelor) degree may complete the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program of study in Pastoral Ministry or Pastoral Counseling and be awarded a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree. Students who are 35 years or older at the time of graduation will be awarded the Master of Divinity degree. If the student later completes an undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Divinity degree may be upgraded to a Master of Divinity degree, for a small fee upon application by the student. Students who desire to take the Master of Divinity degree program, but do not want to complete the Greek and Hebrew requirements, may receive a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree which will be designated as a major in English Bible and Theology only.
Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Reformed Theological Interpretation
The Master of Theology degree is a three-year program of study in theology, apologetics, and church history. The program is like the M.Div. degree but without the emphasis in practical theology. It is strictly a theological degree intended for a teaching vocation rather than pastoral ministry.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three-year degree awarded in one of the following areas of concentration: Christian Intellectual Thought; Philosophy of Religion; Historical Theology (history of doctrine and Reformation or Puritan studies); Exegetical Theology; and Systematic Theology (history of systems, Calvin and Edwards). Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits beyond the M.A.R. or its equivalent, in the doctoral course work. The credit distribution is as follows: Twenty-four credits in the doctoral core courses; twenty-four credits of study in the student’s major area of emphasis; and twelve credits for research and dissertation. The dissertation must consist of a minimum of 50,000 words and not to exceed 75,000 words in length.
For the student who completes all the doctoral courses in this degree program and then determines not to complete the dissertation, that student will be awarded the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree upon the completion of the oral examination covering the student’s course work. Students who desired to complete the Ph.D. by completing the dissertation may do so by reapplying within 6 years of completing the Master of Theology degree.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY – ECCLESIASTICAL DEGREES
Diploma in Theology (Th.Dip.)
The diploma of Theology is a 32 credit-hour course designed for the layman to advance their theological knowledge, and may be used as preparation for the training of a deacon. There are no academic requirements for enrolling in this program. Each course of study is taken for two and three credit-hours.
Master of Ministry in Theological Studies (M.M.T.S.)
The Master of Ministry is a 67 credit-hour course designed for men who desire to master both the theological and practical skills necessary for their calling as a Ruling Elder. There are no previous academic requirements for enrolling in this program. Each course of study is taken for two or three credit-hours.
Master of Ministry in Christian Education (M.M.C.Ed.)
The Master of Ministry is a 67 credit-hour course designed for men who desire to master both the theological and Christian educational skills necessary for their calling as a church educator. There are no academic requirements for enrolling in this program. Each course of study is taken for two or three credit-hours..
Master of Ministry in Pastoral Studies (M.M.P.S.)
This is a three year program in theological and pastoral training. It is designed for those individuals who are not associated with a denomination that requires a traditional seminary education. The student will be given a lesser amount of study per course than required in the Master of Divinity degree. There are no academic requirements for enrolling in this program. Each course of study is taken for two or three credit-hours.
Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Counseling (D.Min.)
This is a three year program in leadership and Christian counseling training. It is an advanced program of training for the ecclesiastical leader who desires advanced training in leadership and personal Christian counseling skills beyond the Master of Ministry degree program. The Master of Divinity degree is a prerequisite for enrolling in this program.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY – ECCLESIASTICAL DEGREES
Doctor of Ministry in Practical Pastoral Ministry
For the pastor who desires to sharpen his skills in both doctrine and leadership, Whitefield offers a brand new Doctor of Minister in Practical Pastoral Ministry. The degree program is designed to integrate itself into the pastor’s ministry and not require additional courses of study beyond his ministerial duties. The degree is integrated with and designed for teaching adaption as sermons (morning, evening, midweek) or lectures for a classroom presentation. Our goal is to sharpen the minister’s thinking about his particular ministry, ecclesiastical outcomes, and practical short and long-term benefit to his ministry.
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GRADUATE SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING – PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
Master of Theology in Pastoral Counseling
Students who have a Master of Divinity degree from a Reformed seminary and desire to add an emphases in Biblical Counseling, the Seminary offers the Master of Sacred Theology degree requiring an additional six courses of study and a thesis in nouthetic counseling.
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Christian Human Services
This degree program requires the completion of the Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Whitefield Theological Seminary. The student will complete 6 additional courses of study in one of the following fields of study: Crisis and Trauma Studies; Crisis Pregnancy and Counseling Women.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING – ACADEMIC DEGREES
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (M.A.) Biblical Counseling
This degree program consists of 14 courses of study. The first 6 courses are in theology, apologetics, and church history. The final 8 courses consist of an emphasis in Biblical Counseling. There is a practicum required for this course of study. A Bachelors degree is a prerequisite for entrance for this degree program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Biblical Counseling
Students who have a Master’s Degree* in Biblical Counseling may be approved to take the Doctor of Philosophy Degree program in Biblical Counseling. This program requires the completion of: six core doctoral courses in theology; six major core courses in Biblical Counseling; and the completion of a practicum and dissertation. The dissertation must consist of a minimum of 75,000 words and a maximum of 100,000 words in length.
* must meet the same requirements as the M.A.R. in Biblical Counseling.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION – PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Christian Professional Education
This degree program consists of 14 courses of study. The first 6 courses require studies in theology, apologetics, and church history. The final 8 courses consist of an emphasis in Christian Education. A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for entrance for this degree program, but does not require the major to be in the field of teaching.
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Christian Professional Education
This degree program requires the student to have completed a first Master’s degree program in Christian education or Christian Professional Education. The emphasis in this degree program is advanced studies in educational history, theory, method, and practice.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION – ACADEMIC DEGREES
Master of Arts (M.A.) Christian Education
This degree program consists of 14 courses of study. The first 6 courses require studies in theology, apologetics, and church history. The final 8 courses consist of an emphasis in Christian Education. A Bachelor’s degree is prerequisite for entrance for this degree program; it requires the major to be in the field of teaching.
Master of Arts (M.A.) Classical Christian Education *Currently Suspended
This degree program consists of 16 courses of study. The first 6 courses require studies in theology, apologetics, and church history. The final 10 courses consist of an emphasis in Classical Christian Education. A Bachelor’s degree is prerequisite for entrance for this degree program; it requires the major to be in the field of teaching.
Master of Arts (M.A.) Advanced Classical Christian Education *Currently Suspended
This degree program consists of 16 courses of study. The first 6 courses require studies in theology, apologetics, and church history. The final 10 courses consist of an emphasis in Advanced Classical Christian Education. A Bachelor’s degree is prerequisite for entrance for this degree program; it requires the major to be in the field of Classical Christian Education.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Christian School Administration
Students who have a Master’s Degree* in Christian Education may be approved to take the Doctor of Philosophy Degree program in Christian School Administration. This program requires the completion of: six core doctoral courses in theology; six major core courses in Christian Education; and the completion of a dissertation. The dissertation must consist of a minimum of 75,000 words and a maximum of 100,000 words in length.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Classical Studies
Students who have a Master’s Degree* in Advanced or Classical Christian Education may be approved to take the Doctor of Philosophy Degree program in Classical Studies. This program requires the completion of: six core doctoral courses in theology; eight major courses in Classical education; and the completion of a dissertation. The dissertation must consist of a minimum of 75,000 words and a maximum of 100,000 words in length.
* must meet the same requirements as the M.A. in Christian Education.
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF CHURCH-STATE RELATIONS – ACADEMIC DEGREES
Master of Theology (Th.M.) Theology, Culture, and Law
The student who posses a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution of higher learning may apply to the Master of Theology degree that emphasizes studies in Theology, Apologetics, Church History, Culture, and Law. This program will qualify a student for the Doctor of Philosophy in Church and State Studies. This is a three year degree program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Church and State Studies
The Student who currently hold a Master’s degree in a related field of study, such as, law, political science, public administration, or the Master of Theology degree in Theology, Culture, and Law from Whitefield, may be approved to enroll in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Church and State studies. This program requires the completion of six core doctoral courses in theology; seven core doctoral courses in Church and State studies and a written dissertation. The dissertation must consist of a minimum of 75,000 words and a maximum of 100,000 words in length. Students who choose not to complete a dissertation will receive the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree upon completion of the prescribed courses of study and the oral exam.
