The STS diploma program is intended to provide a basic biblical and theological foundation to students who either have limited or no undergraduate college credit, or who do not feel called to pursue a formal graduate degree. Those who go through the program will be more thoroughly equipped to build up believers and bring the gospel to the global community. The three diploma options offered are: the Diploma of Theological Studies (DTS), the Diploma of Biblical Counseling (DBC), and the Diploma of Christian Ministry (DCM).
38
Avg. Credit Hours
3
Diploma Options
2
Avg. Years to Complete
Diploma of Theological Studies
| RS 500 | Research and Writing | 1 |
| BE 501 | Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| BE 502 | Old Testament Studies II: Latter Prophets and Writings | 3 |
| BE 504 | Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BE 511 | New Testament Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 |
| BE 512 | New Testament Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 |
| BE 513 | History and Geography of Israel* | 3 |
| BE 613 | Life of Christ | 3 |
| HT 500 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| PT 581/582 | Ministry Preparation for Men/Women** | 2 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| Elec | Open Elective (typically 1 course)** | 3 |
| Total DTS Credits | 42 |
* Those unable to attend the trip to Israel can take open electives in place of this requirement.
** In the one-year programs (The WEST Institute, Shepherds Institute, or the one-year program at Shepherds Texas) students will complete PT 502 in place of the open elective and PT 583/584 in place of PT 581/582.
Diploma of Biblical Counseling
| RS 500 | Research and Writing | 1 |
| BC 501 | Foundations of Biblical Counseling | 2 |
| BC 502 | Foundations of Biblical Marriage | 2 |
| BC 506 | Biblical Soul Care | 2 |
| BC 515 | Counseling Skills and Methodologies | 2 |
| BE 501 | Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| BE 502 | Old Testament Studies II: Latter Prophets and Writings | 3 |
| BE 504 | Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BE 511 | New Testament Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 |
| BE 512 | New Testament Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| Total DBC Credits | 36 |
Diploma of Christian Ministry
| RS 500 | Research and Writing | 1 |
| BE 501 | Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| BE 502 | Old Testament Studies II: Latter Prophets and Writings | 3 |
| BE 504 | Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BE 511 | New Testament Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 |
| BE 512 | New Testament Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 |
| BE 619 | Exposition of 1 Timothy and Titus | 2 |
| PT 515 | Apologetics, Evangelism, & Discipleship | 3 |
| PT 581/582 | Ministry Preparation for Men/Women | 2 |
| PT 607 | Communication Skills for Ministry | 2 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| Total DCM Credits | 37 |
Diploma to Degree Program
Applicants who do not meet the acceptance requirements for admission into our master’s program may be admitted into the Diploma program. Such students must maintain a 2.5 GPA over 12 credit hours of study before being evaluated to enter a master’s program. In addition, a student who completes one of the Diploma programs may petition to continue into the Master of Divinity degree program, provided they meet the appropriate qualifications.