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 Christian Ministry (DCM), the Diploma of Biblical Counseling (DBC), and the Diploma of Theological Studies (DTS).
39
Avg. Credit Hours
3
Diploma Options
3
Geographic Locations
1
Avg. Years to Complete
Diploma Curricula
View the required courses for each respective diploma option
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 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| HT 501** | Historical Theology I: Pentecost to the Reformation | 2 |
| HT 502** | Historical Theology II: Post-Reformation to the Modern Church | 2 |
| PT 581/582** | Ministry Preparation for Men/Women | 2 |
| Elec.** | Elective | 2 |
| Total DTS Credits | 42 |
*If a student decides not to take advantage of the study trip to Israel, electives may be taken in place of this course. However, since electives are two credit courses, the student will need to choose two electives, increasing the total number of credits to 43.
**In the cohort programs (The WEST Institute/Shepherds Institute), students will complete HT 500 Survey of Historical Theology (3 credits) and PT 502 Hermeneutics to Exposition (3 credits) in place of HT 501, HT 502, and the open elective. In addition, PT 583/584 Foundations of Ministry I/II will replace PT 581/582.
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 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| BE 619 | Exposition of 1 Timothy and Titus | 2 |
| PT 607 | Communication Skills for Ministry | 2 |
| PT 503 | Theology of Evangelism and Discipleship | 2 |
| PT 581/582 | Ministry Preparation for Men/Women | 2 |
| Total DCM Credits | 36 |
Biblical Counseling
| 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 |
| TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| BC 501 | Foundations of Biblical Counseling | 2 |
| BC 502 | Foundations of Biblical Marriage | 2 |
| BC 515 | Counseling Skills and Methodologies | 2 |
| BC 506 | Biblical Soul Care | 2 |
| Total DBC Credits | 36 |