Degree Programs

Master of Divinity

The Seminary offers the MDiv degree, a full and balanced preparation for pastoral ministry. Completion of the degree typically requires three academic years of full-time study and one summer internship. The MDiv degree should ordinarily be completed within 10 years. The following requirements apply to all MDiv degree candidates of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary for graduation:

1. The completion of a minimum of 135 quarter hours, extending over at least 9 quarters;
2. The completion of 113 quarter hours in required courses and 22 hours in elective courses, no later than the spring quarter of your final year;
3. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale);
4. At least 45 quarter hours of study at RPTS;
5. Enrollment at RPTS at the time of completion of the course of study.

Degree Requirements and Course Sequence

* Because of the biblical convictions of the sponsoring denomination of the Seminary regarding the qualifications of those who serve the church as ordained pastors, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is restricted to men.

Master of Theological Studies

The MTS degree is planned for those men and women who desire personal and/or vocational enrichment and training through theological education leading to a graduate degree. Completion of the course of study ordinarily requires two academic years. The following requirements for graduation apply to all MTS degree candidates of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary:

1. 1. A minimum of 90 quarter hours, extending over at least six quarters, must be completed no later than the spring quarter of your final year;
   2. A minimum of 63 quarter hours in required courses and nine hours in elective courses must be completed;
   3. At least 18 hours of study in the area of concentration beyond core courses must be completed: Doctrinal and Historical Studies, 18 hours of combined study in Systematic Theology and Church History; Biblical Studies, 18 hours of combined study in New Testament and Old Testament Studies; Biblical Counseling, 12 hours in counseling beyond the core requirement, and six hours in selected courses. (NOTE: full-time students must declare their intended concentration upon matriculation);
   4. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale);
   5. At least 45 quarter hours taken at RPTS;
   6. Enrollment at RPTS at the time of completion of the course of study.

Degree Requirements and Course Sequence

Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry program is a professional degree designed to strengthen ministry in the Kingdom of God by providing advanced training for those who minister to and pastor the people of God. It is a program of study and research intended for ministry renewal, reinvigoration in biblical and theological studies, integration of theological convictions with societal issues, and enhancement of the skills needed for effective biblical ministry. It integrates advanced academic research in the various fields of theology with the practice of ministry. Ordinarily, the Doctor of Ministry Degree is to be completed within six years.
The DMin program has a choice of two concentrations:

Strengthening Pastoral Ministry* – designed for ordained pastors who perform the full range of pastoral duties. This concentration focuses on matters related to the doctrine, worship, and overall life and ministry of the Church.

Strengthening Counseling Ministry – designed for pastors and others in the Church whose ministry focuses significantly on counseling. This concentration focuses on the skills necessary to understand and apply the Word of the Lord to the needs of people with broken lives and relationships, with advanced study in biblical counseling rooted in a thorough knowledge of Scripture.

Learn more about this program in the DMin Handbook.

* Because of the biblical convictions of the sponsoring denomination of the Seminary regarding the qualifications of those who serve the church as ordained pastors, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Strengthening Pastoral Ministry concentration degree is restricted to men.