ACADEMICS
Shepherds Theological Seminary has built its academic programs to prepare students for real life and real ministry. Our curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to be rigorous, relevant, and rewarding.
The Bible forms the basis of our education and students are challenged to always keep the Word of God as the lens by which they view the world. Although ministry preparation always begins with a deep mastery of the Bible, STS goes to great lengths to ensure every degree program is balanced with practical ministry courses that prepare the student for a lifetime of service, in the church and in the world.
Shepherds Theological Seminary has built its academic programs to prepare students for real life and real ministry. Our curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to be rigorous, relevant, and rewarding.
The Bible forms the basis of our education and students are challenged to always keep the Word of God as the lens by which they view the world. Although ministry preparation always begins with a deep mastery of the Bible, STS goes to great lengths to ensure every degree program is balanced with practical ministry courses that prepare the student for a lifetime of service, in the church and in the world.
Degrees
Doctor of Ministry
32 Credit Hours / 3 Years
Highest Professional Degree for Church Ministry
Multiple Areas of Concentration
Emphasis on Ministry Leadership
Doctor of Christian Leadership
46 Credit Hours / 3 Years
Terminal Professional Degree
Prerequisites Required
Emphasis on Organizational Leadership
Master of Theology
25 Credit Hours / 2 Years
PhD Preparatory Degree
Multiple Areas of Concentration
Emphasis on Theology and Biblical Languages
Master of Divinity
92 Credit Hours / 3-4 Years
Premier Pastoral Degree
Multiple Areas of Concentration
Emphasis on Bible, Theology, and Languages
Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology
65 Credit Hours / 2 Years
PhD Preparatory Degree
Concentration on Biblical Archaeology
Life-Changing Dig
Master of Arts in Biblical Literature & Languages
77 Credit Hours / 2-3 Years
PhD Preparatory Degree
Concentration on Biblical Languages
Emphasis on Textual Criticism
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
62 Credit Hours / 3 Years
A Professional Ministry Degree
Multiple Areas of Concentration
Emphasis on Bible and Theology
Shepherds Institute — Master of Arts in Theological Studies (1-Year Cohort)
39 Credit Hours / 1-Year Cohort
Academic Degree
Available at Main Campus
Emphasis on Practical Theology
Learn more about this MATS degree.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (1-Year Intensive)
42 Credit Hours / 1-Year Intensive Format
Academic Degree
Available at STS Texas
Emphasis on Practical Theology
Learn more about this MATS degree.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
41 Credits
Academic Degree
Available at Main Campus and TX Teaching Site
Emphasis on Practical Theology
Learn more about this MATS degree.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
48 Credit Hours / 2 Years
A Professional Ministry Degree
Multiple Areas of Concentration
Emphasis on Bible and Theology
Learn more about the MACM degree.
Diploma Programs
36-42 Credits / 1-2 Years
Multiple Diploma Options
Available for Credit or Audit
For Students Without a BA or BS Degree
Learn more about the Diploma Programs.
Graduate Certificate Programs
20 Credits / Condensed Format
Three Certificate Options
Available for Credit or Audit
Seminary-Level Training in Specific Areas
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate Programs.
Our Faculty
Shepherds Theological Seminary faculty are experts in their field, and most of all—dedicated to the success of our students.
Whether they’re engaged in the classroom, the church, or in the community, our faculty demonstrate their commitment to Christ and equipping the next generation of servant leaders.
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Summer 2026
| May 18 – July 25 | Summer Session Modules/Intensives |
Important Dates
| Jan 9 | Last Day of Class – One-Year Students (Fall) |
| Jan 12 | Spring Classes Begin – One-Year Students |
| Feb 2 | Spring Classes Begin – Semester Students |
| Feb 24 | Pettegrew Lecture Series |
| Feb 24-27 | DMin Cohort |
| March 21 | Spring Bonfire |
| Mar 26 | Last Day to Withdraw without Penalty (Spring) |
| Mar 30-Apr 3 | Easter Recess |
| May 15 | Last Day of Class – Semester Students (Spring) |
| May 17 | Graduation |
| July 17 | Last Day of Class – One-Year Students (Spring) |
Note: In case of Severe Weather, the Seminary decides when classes are cancelled and communicates the decision through several means: a recorded phone message at 919-573-5350; notices placed at Jackson Library and all Seminary offices; a message on WRAL Channel 5 under Universities/Colleges; and when possible, by e-mails to the affected students.
Academic Initiatives & Resources
Israel Initiative
One of the most unique aspects about studying at STS is our free study trip to Israel.
Center for Research in Biblical Manuscripts & Inscriptions
CRBMI provides advanced teaching and research in biblical textual criticism and manuscript studies.
Poimenas
Poimenas is a publication of Shepherds Theological Seminary covering an array of topics for pastors and scholars, including theology, languages, and culture.
Jackson Library
The Paul K. Jackson Library represents Shepherds Theological Seminary’s commitment to academic excellence and scholarly research.