Lewis Sperry Chafer founded Dallas Theological Seminary in 1924, and it has since trained thousands of pastors, missionaries and Bible teachers from dozens of countries. DTS is an independent evangelical seminary on Swiss Avenue in east Dallas. Its flagship four-year Master of Theology (ThM) includes Hebrew and Greek. Shorter MA degrees cover biblical studies, counselling and Christian leadership.
Dallas, Texas, United States
Official website: dts.edu
1924
Independent evangelical seminary
ATS and SACSCOC
$18,000 – $24,000
Full-time master's tuition, per year
$18,000 – $22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on dts.edu before you apply.
Master of Theology (ThM)
Masters DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
TOEFL: 80
MA Biblical Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
TOEFL: 80
MA Biblical Counseling
Masters DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
TOEFL: 80
MA Christian Leadership
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
TOEFL: 80
PhD Biblical Studies
DoctorateDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
TOEFL: 100
The four-year ThM with Greek and Hebrew.
A large international alumni network of pastors and teachers.
Courses and support for Chinese and Spanish-speaking students.
Graduates serve as pastors, missionaries, chaplains and Bible college teachers.
Counselling graduates may pursue US licensure or church-based counselling.
Many international graduates return to lead churches and seminaries at home.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is in Old East Dallas, near the historic houses of Swiss Avenue and a short drive from Deep Ellum and downtown. White Rock Lake is close for running and cycling.
Dallas has a large church scene where students find ministry placements. Summers are very hot, and most people drive.
Form I-20 issued by Dallas Theological Seminary
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
DTS admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply at least six months before the term to allow time for the I-20 and visa interview.
New students can start in fall (August) or spring (January). Some courses run in summer and winter terms.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Dallas Theological Seminary issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The ThM, MA Biblical Studies, MA Biblical Counseling and MA Christian Leadership are the main degrees. You need a bachelor's degree, a statement of Christian faith, a church reference and TOEFL 80 or equivalent for non-native speakers.
DTS offers scholarships and grants, and some are set aside for international students. Apply for aid at the same time as admission, as funds are limited.
