Transfer of Credit

Course credits with a minimum grade of C earned at other accredited seminaries and graduate theological schools are accepted to the extent that the courses are comparable to the Seminary's stated requirements.

The following number of semester hours may be transferred:

  • a maximum of 60 hours toward the Th.M. degree
  • a maximum of 6 hours toward the S.T.M. degree and the Certificate of Graduate Studies
  • a maximum of 30 hours toward the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis and Linguistics, the M.A. in Christian Education, the M.A. in Cross-cultural Ministries, the M. A. in Media and Communications, and the M.A. (Biblical Studies)
  • a maximum of 45 hours toward the M.A. in Biblical Counseling 
  • a maximum of 10 hours toward the D.Min. degree.

An official transcript from the institution attended showing satisfactory course completion is required. Transfer hours are not accepted for nondegree students except for those enrolled in the Certificate of Graduate Studies program. Transferability of credits earned at DTS is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Advanced Standing Credit

Students entering Dallas Seminary with a strong background in Bible or theology may want to take proficiency exams to earn advanced standing credit. Exams are available in most courses required in each degree program. (No exams are available in areas of elective credit.) There is a $30 nonrefundable testing fee for each exam. Up to one-sixth of a degree can be earned by advanced standing, except for the C.G.S., S.T.M., and the doctoral programs.

New students have three semesters, or one calendar year, from the time they begin taking classes at Dallas Seminary to apply for advanced standing credit.

If a student has completed a college course in a subject required at Dallas Seminary but does not pass the Advanced Standing Exam for that course, the student is encouraged to request permission to substitute another Dallas Seminary class offered by the same department. (This does not apply to D.Min applicants.)

Advanced Standing Exam Information