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Graduate Catalog 2012-2013

Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary

Elmer Towns, B.A., M.A., Th.M., M.R.E., D.Min.
Vice President and Co-Founder
Dean, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary
Dean, School of Religion
Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology

David W. Hirschman, Th.B., M.A.R., M.Div., D.Min.
Associate Dean, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary
Assistant Professor of Religion

John A. Durden, B.S., M.Div., Ph.D.
Chair, Curriculum and Assessment
Associate Professor of Theology

Chet Roden, B.A., M.Div., Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Biblical Studies
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies

Ben Forrest, B.S., M.A.R., M.R.E., Ed.S.
Chair, Department of Practical Studies
Director, Master of Arts in Religion Program
Instructor of Religion

Anthony Chad Thornhill, B.S., M.A.R., M.Div.
Chair, Department of Theological Studies
Instructor of Religion

RESIDENTIAL FACULTY
Distinguished Professor
Hindson, Kim, Towns

Distinguished Research Professor
Habermas

Professor
Chung; Diemer, Jr.; Freerksen; Hawkins, R.; Mitchell, D.; Morrison; Schmitt; Whaley, V.; Wheeler

Associate
Davidson; Dempsey; Durden; Fanning; Gray; Hawkins, S.; Kaleli; King; Mitchell, Sr., M.; Nemitz; Percer; Pettus; Smith, C.F.; Yates, G.

Assistant
Hirschman; Roden; Rice

Instructor
Thornhill, Forrest

DISTANCE EDUCATION FACULTY
Assistant
Adeyemi; Ajayi; Alexander, D.; Baker; Barksdale; Bishop; Briedenbaugh; Brown, W. E.; Burrell; Campbell, W. T.; Chiavone; Choi; Church; Davis, J. F.; Dixon; Earley; Earls; Faulkenbury; Faulls; Fay; Fisher, Jr.; Fitzgerald; Forrest, B. K.; Garner; Ginn; Gowins; Goza; Graves, G.; Greer; Guest; Halcombe, R.; Hammond, G.; Heiser; Hester; Hicks, D.; Higley; Hobbs; Holland, R.; Jacobs; Jeffries, G.; Jones, M. D.; Joseph; Kendall; Kim, J.; Kitchens; Klauber; Ladd; Landers; Lester; Lopez, R., Lowman; Lucas; Luter; Maas; Mann, J.; Mappes; McAlhaney; McDonald, D. R.; McDonald, L. S.; McLean; Moody; Moosbrugger; Munton; Olender; Olsen; Pace; Pederson; Poplin; Powell; Reynolds, B.; Schnittjer; Shanks; Sheard; Smith, A. J.; Smith, A. C.; Smither, E. L.; Snavely; Stacy; Steffen; Street; Subash; Sulfridge; Thompson, A.; Tomlin; Victor; Vidu; Vlach; Waechter; Waller; Warner; Warren, D.; Wetmore; Whaley, R.; White, D.; Wilhite, D.; Wilson, D.; Woo; Wood; Wright, C. T.

History

The history of Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary is part of the history of Thomas Road Baptist Church and is the oldest graduate school of the University. The other schools are Liberty Christian Academy, Willmington School of the Bible, and Liberty University. The Seminary is an outgrowth of the vision of Dr. Jerry Falwell, the founding pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church. Dr. Falwell believed in Christian education. He believed that one of the most effective means of winning millions to Christ is by training young men and women to serve the Lord in aggressive, evangelical, soul-winning Baptist churches as pastors, staff, and members. The University was founded to help achieve that goal.

Another need, however, still existed. Professional, graduate level training was needed for graduates of Liberty University and other colleges desiring graduate theological education as preparation for ministries in churches similar to Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Founded as Lynchburg Baptist Theological Seminary in September 1973, it began with an enrollment of 41 students with Dr. Jerry Falwell as President and Chancellor. Forty years later, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary continues to demonstrate that a seminary can be built on faith, dedication, and the blessings of God, from Whom comes Truth.

In 1975, the Seminary was given approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to grant graduate degrees. The Graduate School was established to provide graduate level education for entrance into academic circles for graduate work at the doctoral level.

Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary provides quality, well-rounded education, based on academic excellence, emanating from the belief that Christian education should be superior, not inferior, to that provided by other schools. The Seminary was founded upon the principle that a person’s most effective ministry will be in conjunction with a local church.

Vision

The vision of the Seminary is to equip Christians to reach the entire world through aggressive New Testament church evangelism.

Distinctives

The Seminary is characterized by commitment to the fundamental doctrines of the faith and providing significant experiences to develop practical ministry skills.

Scholarship is of the most exacting type. Students are taught and are expected to produce at the graduate level.
Evangelism is a primary emphasis. Every faculty member and student is expected to manifest a concern for lost souls and to be a soul winner according to the gifts God has given him.
Church planting and church growth are major emphases at Liberty. Not only is church expansion a biblical mandate, it is a science at LUBTS.
Practical learning-by-doing is a part of every student’s life. The Seminary trains students primarily for service in Baptist churches.

LUBTS also offers graduate programs that retain these distinctives, but are more suitable for advanced continuing education or personal enrichment and are not designed for pastoral training.

The Mission of LUBTS

Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary (LUBTS) exists to come alongside the local church and help it fulfill the Great Commission. In accordance with the mission of Liberty University and within the historic Baptist tradition, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary provides graduate and professional programs that train persons for traditional, Christian ministry positions.). LUBTS offers programs designed to equip people for lay ministry, personal enrichment, church, mission and denominational leadership, and advanced scholarly research.

As a Christian community, LUBTS seeks to cultivate spiritual growth and faithful service to Christ and His church. As an academic community, LUBTS seeks to educate and impart knowledge and requisite skills to men and women for service and leadership in Christian ministry. As a service community, LUBTS seeks to respond to the needs of local churches and Christian ministries as they participate in worship, world-wide evangelism, discipleship and scholarship.

Program Goals and Objectives

In keeping with its stated mission, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary strives to achieve the following institutional goals:

Personal Goals

COMMITMENT
We seek to provide an environment in which students are encouraged to strengthen their commitment to Christ, certify their call to service, and develop an abiding love for God and His Word.
LIFESTYLE
We seek to develop a lifestyle of actively communicating the Christian faith through personal integrity, evangelistic witness, and responsible scholarship.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We seek to foster an awareness of the Christian’s responsibility to be a productive member of society and to be responsive to the needs and concerns of diverse cultures.

Academic Goals

KNOWLEDGE
We seek to develop cognitive skills for ministry and scholarship through rigorous interaction with the biblical text and disciplines related to professional vocation.
UNDERSTANDING
We seek to provide theological, historical, and intellectual understandings necessary for a self-conscious, critical, and Christian response to the world.

Vocational Goals

RELATIONSHIPS
We seek to develop communicative, administrative, and relational skills necessary for professional competence.
ETHICS
We seek to provide opportunities for students to explore the moral dimensions and ethical implications of their chosen vocation.
EVANGELISM
We seek to cultivate sensitivity to others and a concern for world evangelization through local church ministries and vigorous defense of the gospel.
CHURCH GROWTH
We seek to develop biblical and scientific expertise in establishing, developing, and sustaining growing churches and ministries.

Programs of Study

The programs of the Seminary are open equally to all men and women who meet the entrance requirements. Our purpose is to provide educational experiences for personal enrichment or professional training. We encourage the students to be all they can for God, and we are confident He will direct them to places of service. However, it is important for our students to know that we are a training agency not an ordaining agency. Ordination is the responsibility of a local church or, in some cases, a denominational body, each of which has its own criteria. Women need to be advised that few opportunities presently exist for ordination of women among Baptist churches and Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary supports the Baptist Faith and Message as amended by the Southern Baptist Convention of June 2000. There are a broad variety of positions on both ordination and staff employment of divorced persons among churches which may impact our ability to place such students. As a seminary, we will assist all of our students with placement, but we cannot guarantee it, nor will we attempt to influence the policies of churches.

Korean Language Assistance Program (KLAP)

KLAP is a program designed to help Korean students who have a TOEFL score below 550 (PBT: Paper-based), 213 (CBT: Computer-based), or 80 (iBT: Internet-based), which is the score that the catalogue requires for those whose mother tongue is not English for admission to Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary (LUBTS).

This program provides language assistants to the classes designated as KLAP courses so that they can help Korean students who need assistance in communication with the instructor on the lecture and course-related issues. Language assistants clarify and facilitate the communication within the framework of the KLAP courses, between the instructor and Korean students with a TOEFL score below 550, 213, or 80.
KLAP offers Theological English for Korean Students (THEK) courses for those students who need training in English in this program. Students in KLAP (Korean Language Assistance Program) will be required to take all four THEK courses until they retake TOEFL and score at least 550, 213, or 80. Otherwise they will not be graduated in their major program in Seminary.

EVALUATION OF TRANSFER CREDITS
Credit toward the master’s-level Seminary degrees (excluding the Th.M.) will be given for those courses taken at an institution in which a grade of C or better was earned and which are equivalent to courses offered at the Seminary. The Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary will accept no more than three courses of transfer that were completed more than ten years prior to application of transfer of credit. Transfer credit into either the Th.M. or D.Min. program is limited to six hours in which the student has received a grade of B or better. Internship credit is not transferable.

Only courses and degrees from institutions accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education will be evaluated for transfer credit. (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc).

Credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

SEMINARY ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Liberty University School of Religion students admitted to the Seminary may petition the Seminary Dean for permission to substitute advanced electives for select foundational courses that are a significant duplication of course content covered in similar courses taken by the student at the undergraduate level.

INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS (ICE)
To apply for credit by examination, other than Advanced Placement, a student must submit the request to the Seminary. Such requests are subject to the following guidelines:

Requests are to be submitted to the Associate Dean.
The minimum passing score for graduate courses is set at 86%.
The majority of the course work for any program of study must be earned through Liberty University. The minimum number of hours which must be completed through Liberty for each degree program is noted in this section in the information pertaining to each program.
A student must have a majority of his coursework taken through the Seminary. Examples for Seminary degrees:

For the 36-hour M.A. degrees, a student may apply no more than 6 hours from all other sources toward the degree – a minimum of 30 hours must be taken in Liberty coursework.
For the M.A.R. degree, a student could apply up to a total of 12 hours from all other sources toward the degree – a minimum of 48 hours must be taken in Liberty coursework.
For the M.Div. degree, a student could apply no more than a total of 45 hours from all other sources toward the degree – a minimum of 48 hours must be taken in Liberty coursework.

A student may not take the Institutional Challenge Exam if the course has previously been taken or is currently being taken.
ICE may not be taken during the drop/add period.
ICE cannot be taken after classes begin in the student’s final semester.
Successful completion requires a $45 administration fee for transcript recording.
Only the following courses may be challenged:

CHHI 520	NBST 521	NGRK 500	OBST 591	OTCL 505	THEO 525
CHHI 525	NBST 522	NGRK 501	OBST 592	OTCL 510	THEO 530
		NGRK 506		OTCL 530

DEGREE CANDIDACY
Degree Candidacy is granted when the student completes all prerequisites and is in good academic standing.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.)

Rodney Dempsey, B.S., M.R.E., D.Min.
Director, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Associate Director, Center for Ministry Training
Associate Professor of Educational Ministries

PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree is designed to address the needs of students looking for a single-track seminary degree. Its focused nature allows students to pursue a degree that allows them to specialize in their area of interest and equips graduates with specialized knowledge in the area of interest.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Categorize the essential foundations of ministry.
Organize an effective administrative structure for ministry.
Develop a curricular program, including an implementation plan, for ministry in a local congregation.
Design a plan for equipping others to participate in and contribute to ministry programs.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, students must meet the following requirements:

Complete 36 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within 5 years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.A.C.M.) Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (36 hrs)
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Core Courses (27 hrs)
CLED 510	Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership	3
CHHI 520	History of Christianity I	3
DSMN 500	Discipleship Ministries	3
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction	3
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction	3
THEO 510	Survey of Christian Doctrine	3
WRSP 510	Biblical Foundations of Worship	3
Elective Courses (9 hrs)¹
Choose three 500-600 level Seminary courses or an Area of Personal Interest
Recommended Areas of Personal Interest:
Church Ministry
DSMN 505	Church Administration	3
DSMN 630	Small Group Ministries	3
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church	3
Evangelism and Church Planting
EVAN 500	Church Growth I: Spiritual Factors of Church Growth	3
EVAN 550	Church Growth IV: Church Planting	3
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church	3
Global Studies
GLST 531	Introduction to Islam	3
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement	3
GLST 657	History of Global Christianity	3
Leadership
CLED 520	The Life of the Leader	3
CLED 610	Team Leadership and Conflict Resolution	3
CLED 620	Vision and Strategic Planning	3
Marketplace Chaplaincy
CHPL 500	Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
Pastoral Counseling
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PACO 507	Theology and Spirituality in Counseling	3
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling	3
Pastoral Ministries
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry	3
Worship
WRSP 520	The Role of the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 530	Principles of Leadership for the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 540	Current Issues in Worship	3
Note: Students who pursue a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree after the completion of this degree may transfer a maximum of 27 hrs from this degree into the MAR
¹When selecting an Area of Personal Interest the student should be mindful of the prerequisites listed in the academic catalog.

Liberty University en Español

The Seminary also offers the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program online through Liberty University en Español. Additional information can be accessed online at http://www.luonline.com/index.cfm?PID=21499.

Master of Arts in Global Studies (M.A.)

Jeffrey Ritchie, B.A., M.Div., M.A.R.E., Ph.D.
Director, Master of Arts in Global Studies Program
Assistant Professor of Global Studies

PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Global Studies program seeks to prepare students for effective engagement in intercultural careers and service. Students are trained in both intercultural theory (i.e., history, anthropology, worldview studies) and practice (i.e., communication). The degree offers two tracks of study: an academic track with culminates in a thesis, or a practical track which concludes with an extended practicum.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Articulate a biblical theology of mission.
Analyze the inventory of culture (customs, values, worldview, history) of a given host people.
Construct a plan for engaging in Christian mission in a manner that is biblically authentic and relevant to the host culture.
Employ critical thinking skills in addressing current questions in missiology.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the General Admission Procedures outlined in this Catalog, applicants to the Master of Arts Global Studies program in the Seminary must have:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, students enrolled in the Master of Arts Global Studies program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 36 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
3.00 GPA
No more than two grades of C may be applied to the degree
No grade of D may be applied to the degree
Degree must be completed within 5 years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.A.G.S.) Master of Arts Global Studies (36 hrs) Thesis Track
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (12 hrs)
THEO 605	Theology of Global Engagement	3
THEO 675	Contextualization and Global Theology	3
NBST Elective		3*
OBST Elective		3*
Global Studies Courses (18 hrs)
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
GLST 699	Global Studies Internship	3
Choose four GLST Electives		12*
Thesis (6 hrs)
GLST 680	Research Methods¹	3
GLST 690	Thesis Defense	3
*500-600 level
¹Any student who is not ready for enrollment in GLST 690 after completing GLST 680 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis chair, to take GLST 689, and may be required to repeat GLST 689 until deemed ready for enrollment in GLST 690.

(M.A.G.S.) Master of Arts Global Studies (36 hrs) Practicum Track
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (12 hrs)
THEO 605	Theology of Global Engagement	3
THEO 675	Contextualization and Global Theology	3
NBST Elective		3*
OBST Elective		3*
Global Studies Courses (18 hrs)
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
Choose five GLST Electives		15*
Practicum (6 hrs)
GLST 699	Global Studies Internship	6
*500-600 level

Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (M.A.)

Elias S. L. Moitinho, B.S., M.R.E., M.A., Ph.D.
Director, Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
Associate Professor of Counseling

PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling equips students to minister as non-professional counselors in ministry settings such as the church staff and benevolence ministries. This degree does not lead to licensure as a professional counselor.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 36 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within 5 years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.A.) Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (36 hrs)
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Core Curriculum (21 hrs)
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
CHHI Elective		3*
Choose one:		3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I
NBST 522	New Testament Orientation II
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction
Choose one:		3
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction
OBST 591	Old Testament Orientation I
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II
Choose one:		3
APOL 500	Introduction to Apologetics
EVAN 500	Church Growth I: Spiritual Factors of Church Growth
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement
Professional Studies Courses (15 hrs)
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PACO 507	Theology and Spirituality in Counseling	3
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling	3
PACO/COUN Elective		3*
Choose one:		3
DSMN 601	Ministry of Teaching
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon
HOMI 611	Expository Preaching
PLED 655	Communication in Christian Ministry
*500-600 level

DEGREE TRANSFER: M.A. DEGREES INTO THE M.A.R., M.R.E., OR M.DIV. PROGRAMS
Students who earn Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in the Seminary may pursue the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) and apply 27 of the hours from the M.A. toward the M.A.R. or M.R.E. Students who earn M.A. degrees may also pursue the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and apply all 36 hours to the M.Div. Please refer to the Multiple Degrees information in the Graduate Admissions section of this Catalog.

This does not apply to the 72-hour track of the M.Div. Chaplaincy degree. Students who have earned Seminary M.A. degrees may not pursue the M.Div. – Chaplaincy 72-hour track.

Students may not earn the M.A.R., M.R.E., or M.Div. degree first, then apply to pursue the M.A.

Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.)

Ben Forrest, B.S., M.A.R., M.R.E., Ed.S.
Chair, Department of Practical Studies
Director, Master of Arts in Religion Program
Instructor of Religion

PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Religion degree program is appropriate as an entry level and general professional degree in religion. It is designed to give the student intensive study in the Scriptures and the essential truths of the Christian message.

The program is profitable for pastors and ministry leaders who wish to have a firm scriptural undergirding for service in Christian ministry. The program also provides an opportunity for potential advanced studies in a program such as the 93-hour M.Div. or a D.Ed.Min. degree.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Explicate the origin and contents of the Bible, as it informs the Christian faith.
Compose a discipleship ministry strategy for Christian ministries.
Categorize the critical components of Christian ministry.
Devise a plan for personal growth, development, and service.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Religion program must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

DEGREE CANDIDACY
Degree Candidacy is granted when the student completes all prerequisites and is in good academic standing.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduates of the Master of Arts in Religion program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 60 hours.
A minimum of 33 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within seven years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.A.R.) Master of Arts in Religion (60 hrs)
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Core Courses (48 hrs)
APOL 500	Introduction to Apologetics	3
CHHI 520	History of Christianity I	3
CHHI 525	History of Christianity II	3
CLED 510	Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership	3
DSMN 500	Discipleship Ministries	3
DSMN 601	Ministry of Teaching	3
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I	3
NBST 522	New Testament Orientation II	3
NBST 652	Hermeneutics	3
OBST 591	Old Testament Orientation I	3
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II	3
PLED 520	Spiritual Formation	3
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
COGNATE COURSES (12 hrs)¹
Select from: Marketplace Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, or Pastoral Ministry²
MARKETPLACE CHAPLAINCY COGNATE
CHPL 500	Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry	3
CLED 620	Vision and Strategic Planning	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PASTORAL COUNSELING COGNATE
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PACO 506	Integration of Psychology and Theology	3
PACO 507	Theology and Spirituality in Counseling	3
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling	3
PASTORAL MINISTRY COGNATE
Choose four 500-600 level Seminary courses or an Area of Personal Interest
Recommended Areas of Personal Interest:
Biblical Studies
NBST 654	Hebrews	3
NBST 655	John	3
OBST 605	Genesis	3
OBST 633	Isaiah	3
Church Ministry
DSMN 505	Church Administration	3
DSMN 630	Small Group Ministries	3
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
Evangelism and Church Planting
EVAN 500	Church Growth I: Spiritual Factors of Church Growth	3
EVAN 510	Church Growth II: Evangelism and Church Growth	3
EVAN 550	Church Growth IV: Church Planting	3
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church	3
Global Studies
GLST 531	Introduction to Islam	3
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement	3
GLST 657	History of Global Christianity	3
GLST 699	Global Studies Internship	3
Leadership
CLED 520	The Life of the Leader	3
CLED 610	Team Leadership and Conflict Resolution	3
CLED 620	Vision and Strategic Planning	3
DSMN 505	Church Administration	3
Pastoral Ministry
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PLED 625	Ministry Matters: Preventing Ministry Failure	3
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry	3
Worship
WRSP 510	Biblical Foundations of Worship	3
WRSP 520	The Role of the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 530	Principles of Leadership for the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 540	Current Issues in Worship	3
¹When selecting cognate courses, the student should be mindful of the prerequisites listed in the academic catalog. ²Students who select the Pastoral Ministry Cognate have the option to choose four 500-600 level Seminary courses or courses from the recommended Areas of Personal Interest.

DEGREE TRANSFER: M.A.R. DEGREE INTO THE M.DIV. PROGRAM
Students who pursue a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree after the completion of the M.A.R. degree may transfer a maximum of 45 hours from this degree into the M.Div. Please refer to the Multiple Degrees information in the Graduate Admissions section of this Catalog.

This does not apply to the 72-hour track of the M.Div.-Chaplaincy degree; students who have completed M.A.R. degrees may not pursue the M.Div. Chaplaincy 72-hour track.

Students may not earn the M.Div. first, then apply to pursue the M.A.R. Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)

Daniel Mitchell R.; B.A., Th.M., S.T.M., Th.D.
Director, Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Professor of Theology

PURPOSE
The 36-hour Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree program will provide the student with the theological foundation to serve more effectively in the local church, community, and world contexts. The M.A.T.S. may be used as a foundational degree towards admission into the 60-hour M.A.R. or 93-hour M.Div. degree programs.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Evaluate a worldview based upon established theological principles
Integrate critical thinking skills in the practice of Christian scholarship.
Synthesize the principles of Christian ministry.
Interpret issues that foster the development of a personal theology and worldview.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduates of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 36 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
Required 2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within 5 years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.A.T.S.) Master of Arts in Theological Studies (36 hrs)
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Core Courses (27 hrs)
APOL 500	Introduction to Apologetics	3
CHHI 520	History of Christianity I	3
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction	3
NBST 652	Hermeneutics	3
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction	3
PHIL 550	Introduction to Philosophy of Religion	3
THEO 510	Survey of Christian Doctrine	3
Elective Courses (9 hrs) ¹
Choose three 500-600 level Seminary courses or an Area of Personal Interest
Recommended Area of Personal Interest:
Biblical Studies
OBST 605	Genesis	3
OBST 633	Isaiah	3
NBST 655	John	3
Church History
CHHI 657	History of Global Christianity	3
CHHI 686	History of Fundamentalism	3
CHHI 692	American Christianity	3
Theology
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 626	Doctrine of God	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
Note: Students who pursue a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree after the completion of this degree may transfer a maximum of 27 hrs from this degree into the MAR
¹When selecting an Area of Personal Interest the student should be mindful of the prerequisites listed in the academic catalog.

Master of Arts in Worship Studies (M.A.)

L. Lavon Gray, B.A., MCM, Ph.D.
Program Director, Master of Arts in Music and Worship
Associate Professor of Worship and Music

PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Worship Studies is a 45-hour graduate program sponsored jointly by the Center for Music and Worship and the Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary. It will allow students to study and practice context-specific biblical and theological competencies in worship, worship theories practical to the local church and career specific principles as applied to leadership, church planting or ethnomusicology. The goal is to develop knowledge and expertise to function in a variety of worship cultures and contexts within the evangelical community.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Build a worship strategy based on biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of worship.
Evaluate theological, musical, cultural, and ecclesiastical standards for the worship leader.
Apply principles of critical contextualization to current issues confronting worship leaders in the evangelical tradition.
Analyze various roles for the worship leader.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to Master of Arts in Worship Studies must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.)
Worship/Music Experience Record: those without a Bachelor’s in music or worship must show a minimum of five years life experience in leading music and worship in a church or para-church ministry. This form will be a requirement for all applicants.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

TRANSFER CREDIT
Transfer students will be required to submit transcripts for evaluation as per the normal process established by the University. Students may transfer a maximum of twelve hours of coursework, including credit from a degree on the academic level previously earned through Liberty University.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduates of the Master of Arts in Worship Studies program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 45 hours.
A minimum of 33 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
Required 2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within 5 years.
All Resident students must enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Programs of Study

(M.A.) Master of Arts in Worship Studies (45 hrs) CHURCH PLANTING COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Biblical and Theological Foundations
WRSP 510	Biblical Foundations of Worship	3
WRSP 635	Building a Theology of Worship	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
Choose one:
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction
NBST 652	Hermeneutics
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II
OBST 610	Psalms
OBST 620	The Poetry of the Old Testament
Worship Studies
WRSP 501	The Dynamics of Corporate Worship	3*
WRSP 540	Current Issues in Worship	3
WRSP 551	Building a Balanced Worship Ministry	3*
WRSP 645	The Role of the Pastor with the Worship Leader	3*
Choose one:		3
CHHI 692	American Christianity
CHHI 694	History of Baptists
CHURCH PLANTING COGNATE (15 hrs)
EVAN 550	Church Growth IV: Church Planting	3
EVAN 610	Church Planting Methods and Culture	3
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church	3
EVAN 670	Strategic Prayer and Spiritual Warfare	3
WRSP 545	Global Worship	3*
Practical Theology in Worship
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
*Offered as an intensive

(M.A.) Master of Arts in Worship Studies (45 hrs) ETHNOMUSICOLOGY COGNATE
Program Option: Online Format
Biblical and Theological Foundations
WRSP 510	Biblical Foundations of Worship	3
WRSP 635	Building a Theology of Worship	3*
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
Choose one:		3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction
NBST 652	Hermeneutics
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II
OBST 610	Psalms
OBST 620	The Poetry of the Old Testament
Worship Studies
WRSP 501	The Dynamics of Corporate Worship	3*
WRSP 540	Current Issues in Worship	3
WRSP 545	Global Worship	3*
WRSP 551	Building a Balanced Worship Ministry	3*
CHHI 694	History of Baptists	3
ETHNOMUSICOLOGY COGNATE (15 hrs)
ETHM 511	Introduction to Ethnomusicology¹	3
ETHM 512	Field of Ethnomusicology	3
ETHM 513	Anthropology of Music	3
ETHM 514	Organology	3
ETHM 613	Applied Ethnomusicology	3
Practical Theology in Worship
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
*Offered as an intensive
¹Students who have already taken ETHM 511 or an equivalent course prior to enrolling at Liberty University may substitute a course from the ETHM 540 series.

(M.A.) Master of Arts in Worship Studies (45 hrs) LEADERSHIP COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Biblical and Theological Foundations
WRSP 510	Biblical Foundations of Worship	3
WRSP 635	Building a Theology of Worship	3*
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
Choose one:		3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I
NBST 525	New Testament Introduction
NBST 652	Hermeneutics
OBST 590	Old Testament Introduction
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II
OBST 610	Psalms
OBST 620	The Poetry of the Old Testament
Worship Studies
WRSP 502	History and Philosophy of Worship	3
WRSP 540	Current Issues in Worship	3
WRSP 545	Global Worship	3*
WMUS 610	Tools and Techniques of Contemporary Worship	3*
CHHI 694	History of Baptists	3
LEADERSHIP COGNATE (15 hrs)
WRSP 501	The Dynamics of Corporate Worship	3*
WRSP 520	The Role of the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 530	Principles of Leadership for the Worship Leader	3
WRSP 551	Building a Balanced Worship Ministry	3*
WRSP 645	The Role of the Pastor with the Worship Leader	3*
Practical Theology in Worship
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
*Offered as an intensive

Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.)

Michael R. Mitchell, B.S., M.A.C.M., Ed.D.
Director, Master of Religious Education Program
Associate Professor of Christian Leadership

PURPOSE
The Master of Religious Education degree is the professional theological degree in Christian Education and Discipleship Ministries. This 60-hour program is designed to equip a man or woman who has been called by God to serve as a professional Christian worker in such capacities as the associate pastor, a minister or director of Christian education, a discipleship pastor, small group pastor and other positions that require a broad general knowledge of church educational programs and discipleship ministries.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Religious Education program must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.)
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

DEGREE TRANSFER: M.A. DEGREE INTO THE M.R.E. PROGRAM
Students who earn Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in the Seminary may pursue the Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) and apply 27 hours from the M.A. toward the M.R.E. Please refer to the Multiple Degrees information in the Graduate Admissions section of this Catalog.

Students may not earn the M.R.E. first, then apply to pursue the M.A. Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.

DEGREE CANDIDACY
Degree Candidacy is granted when the student completes all prerequisites and is in good academic standing.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduate of the Master of Religious Education program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 60 hours.
A minimum of 45 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of 27 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously completed through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within seven years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(M.R.E.) Master of Religious Education (60 hrs)
Program Options: Online Format
Biblical Studies (12 hrs)
Choose one:		3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I
NBST 522	New Testament Orientation II
Choose one:		3
OBST 591	Old Testament Orientation I
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II
Choose two NBST/NGRK/OBST/OTLC Electives		6*
Church History (3 hrs)
CHHI Elective		3*
Theology and Apologetics (9 hrs)
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
APOL/THEO Elective		3*
Evangelism and Missions (6 hrs)
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
Choose one:		3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement
Master of Religious Education Core (15 hrs)
DSMN 500	Discipleship Ministries	3
DSMN 601	Ministry of Teaching	3
DSMN 605	Christian Leadership	3
DSMN 630	Small Group Ministries	3
Choose one:		3
DSMN 505	Church Administration
DSMN 620	Strategic Driven Ministries
Seminary Electives (15 hrs)
Choose five Seminary courses		*
*500-600 level

DEGREE COMPLETION PLANS (DCP)
The Degree Completion Plan for the Master of Religious Education program is available online at http://www.liberty.edu/ dcps.

DEGREE TRANSFER: M.R.E. DEGREE INTO THE M.DIV. PROGRAM
Students who earn the M.R.E. degree may pursue the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and apply 45 hours from the M.R.E. toward the M.Div. Please refer to the Multiple Degrees information in the Graduate Admissions section of this Catalog.

This does not apply to the 72-hour track of the M.Div – Chaplaincy degree. Students who have earned M.R.E. degrees may not pursue the M.Div. – Chaplaincy 72-hour track.

Students may not earn the M.Div. first, then apply to pursue the M.R.E. Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Kevin K. King, Sr., B.S., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D.
Director, Master of Divinity Program
Associate Professor of Church History and Homiletics

PURPOSE
The Master of Divinity degree is designed to help men and women prepare for professional Christian Ministry in local church and para-church settings. The following options are available in the Master of Divinity program:

Academic/Pre-Ph.D. Cognate
Chaplaincy (72 hr. and 93 hr.) Concentration
Law Studies Concentration*
Missional Studies Cognate
Pastoral Ministries Cognate
Professional Ministries Cognate
Theological Studies Cognate

*The Law Studies concentration is available to currently enrolled Liberty University School of Law students or Liberty University School of Law alumni only. For more details see the School of Law section of this Catalog.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Interpret biblical passages using advanced research skills and original biblical languages.
Address contemporary issues in pastoral ministry in light of biblical principles.
Compose a public presentation explaining selected Scriptures.
Construct a strategic plan for a comprehensive ministry program.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Divinity program must meet the following requirements:

Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S., Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.)
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who hold a prior degree from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission on Academic Probation; students admitted on Academic Probation are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
Questionnaire/Personal Statement

DEGREE TRANSFER: M.A., M.A.R., OR M.R.E. INTO THE M.DIV. PROGRAM
Students who earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in the Seminary may pursue the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and apply all 36 hours from the M.A. toward the M.Div. Students who earn a Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or Master or Religious Education (M.R.E.) may pursue the M.Div. and apply 45 hours from the M.A.R. or M.R.E. toward the M.Div. Please refer to the Multiple Degrees information in the Graduate Admissions section of this Catalog.

This does not apply to the 72-hour track of the M.Div. – Chaplaincy degree. Students who have earned M.A., M.A.R., or M.R.E. degrees may not pursue the M.Div – chaplaincy 72-hour track. Students may not earn the M.Div first, then apply to pursue the M.A., M.A.R., or M.R.E.

Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.

DEGREE CANDIDACY
Degree Candidacy is granted when the student completes all prerequisites and is in good academic standing.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduate of the Master of Divinity program must meet the following requirements:

Complete 93 semester hours.
A minimum of 48 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of 45 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
72-hour Chaplaincy program: A minimum of 39 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
72-hour Chaplaincy program: A maximum of 33 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
2.00 GPA.
Degree must be completed within 10 years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Programs of Study

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) ACADEMIC/PRE-PH.D. COGNATE
Program Option: Resident Format Only
Foundational Studies (30 hrs)
CHHI 520	History of Christianity I	3
CHHI 525	History of Christianity II	3
CHHI 694	History of Baptists	3
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I	3
NBST 522	New Testament Orientation II	3
NBST 652	Hermeneutics	3
OBST 591	Old Testament Orientation I	3
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II	3
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
Choose two APOL/THEO Electives		6*
Professional Studies (27 hrs)
DSMN 500	Discipleship Ministries	3
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PLED 520	Spiritual Formation	3
PLED 625	Ministry Matters: Preventing Ministry Failure	3
Choose one:		3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement
Choose one:		3
DSMN 505	Church Administration
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
Choose one:		3
EVAN 510	Church Growth II: Evangelism and Church Growth
EVAN 550	Church Growth IV: Church Planting
EVAN 670	Strategic Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement
Choose one:		3
CLED 510	Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership
EVAN 660	Leading the Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church
DSMN 605	Christian Leadership
GREEK TRACK – NT Language (9 hrs)
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
HEBREW TRACK – OT Language (9 hrs)
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
ACADEMIC/PRE-PH.D COGNATE
THEO 680	Research Methods²	3
THEO 690	Thesis Defense	3
Choose two courses from the following disciplines: APOL/CHHI/NBST/NGRK (600 level only)/OBST/OTCL/THEO (600 level only)		6*
*500-600 level
**600 level
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek. ²Any student who is not ready for enrollment in THEO 690 after completing THEO 680 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis chair, to take THEO 689 Thesis Proposal and Research, and may be required to repeat THEO 689 until ready for enrollment in THEO 690.

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) Chaplaincy Concentration
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (30 hrs)
Professional Studies (24 hrs)
Select a New Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
GREEK TRACK
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
- OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
NGRK 506	Greek Language Tools	3
Choose two NBST/NGRK Electives		6*
Select an Old Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
HEBREW TRACK
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
- OR -ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
OTCL 505	Hebrew Language Tools	3
Choose two OBST/OTCL Electives		6*
Chaplaincy Concentration (21 hrs)
CHPL 500	Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry	3
CHPL 600	The Chaplaincy Ministry in the United States Military
CHPL 696	Chaplaincy and Pastoral Ministries	3
OR
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry²
CLED 620	Vision and Strategic Planning	3
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling	3
PACO 604	Crisis Counseling and Brief Therapy	3
*500-600 level
**600 level
Note: Only graded course work from accredited institutions will be eligible for transfer
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek. ²Credit for PLED 635 can be applied to either the Professional Studies requirement or the Chaplaincy Concentration requirement.

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (72 hrs) Chaplaincy Concentration
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Church History (6 hrs)
CHHI 520	History of Christianity I	3
CHHI 525	History of Christianity II	3
Discipleship Ministries (6 hrs)
DSMN 500	Discipleship Ministries	3
DSMN 601	Ministry of Teaching	3
Theology and Apologetics (9 hrs)
THEO 525	Systematic Theology I	3
THEO 530	Systematic Theology II	3
APOL/THEO Elective		3*
Evangelism and Missions (9 hrs)
EVAN 565	Contemporary Evangelism	3
GLST 500	Global Studies Survey	3
GLST 650	Intercultural Communication and Engagement	3
Biblical Studies (12 hrs)
NBST 521	New Testament Orientation I	3
NBST 522	New Testament Orientation II	3
OBST 591	Old Testament Orientation I	3
OBST 592	Old Testament Orientation II	3
Chaplaincy Concentration (30 hrs)
CHPL 500	Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry	3
CHPL 600	The Chaplaincy Ministry in the United States Military	3
CHPL 696	Chaplaincy and Pastoral Ministries	3
or
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry
CLED 510	Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership	3
CLED 520	The Life of the Leader	3
CLED 620	Vision and Strategic Planning	3
HOMI 501	Preparation of the Sermon	3
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling	3
PACO 604	Crisis Counseling and Brief Therapy	3
*500-600 level
Note: Only graded course work from accredited institutions will be eligible for transfer

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) MISSIONAL STUDIES COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (36 hrs)
Professional Studies (27 hrs)
Select a New Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
GREEK TRACK
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
- OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
NGRK 506	Greek Language Tools	3
Choose two NBST/NGRK Electives		6*
Select an Old Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
HEBREW TRACK
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
- OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
OTCL 505	Hebrew Language Tools	3
Choose two OBST/OTCL Electives		6*
MISSIONAL STUDIES COGNATE (12 hrs)
Choose four courses from the following disciplines: APOL/CHHI/ EVAN/HOMI/GLST		12*
*500-600 level
**600 level
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek.

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) PASTORAL MINISTRIES COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (36 hrs)
Professional Studies (27 hrs)
Select a New Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
GREEK TRACK
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
NGRK 506	Greek Language Tools	3
Choose two NBST/NGRK Electives		6*
Select an Old Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
HEBREW TRACK
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
OTCL 505	Hebrew Language Tools	3
Choose two OBST/OTCL Electives		6*
PASTORAL MINISTRIES COGNATE (12 hrs)
Choose four of the following courses not already taken:		12
PLED 635	Theology of Pastoral Ministry
HOMI 521, 522, 591 – Preaching Labs
HOMI 610	Great Preachers and Their Preaching
HOMI 612	Evangelistic Preaching
DSMN 505	Church Administration
PACO 500	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
PACO 507	Theology and Spirituality in Counseling
PACO 603	Premarital and Marital Counseling
*500-600 level
**600 level
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek.

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) PROFESSIONAL MINISTRIES COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (36 hrs)
Professional Studies (27 hrs)
Select a New Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
GREEK TRACK
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
NGRK 506	Greek Language Tools	3
Choose two NBST/NGRK Electives		6*
Select an Old Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
HEBREW TRACK
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
OTCL 505	Hebrew Language Tools	3
Choose two OBST/OTCL Electives		6*
PROFESSIONAL MINISTRIES COGNATE (12 hrs)
Choose four courses from the following disciplines: CHPL/CLED/CMIN/ DSMN/ETHM/EVAN/HOMI/GLST/PACO/PLED/WRSP/YOUT		12*
*500-600 level
**600 level
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek.

(M.Div.) Master of Divinity (93 hrs) THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COGNATE
Program Options: Online and Resident Formats
Foundational Studies (36 hrs)
Professional Studies (27 hrs)
Select a New Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
GREEK TRACK
NGRK 620	Greek Syntax¹	3
NGRK Exegesis Elective		3**
NGRK Elective		3**
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
NGRK 506	Greek Language Tools	3
Choose two NBST/NGRK Electives		6*
Select an Old Testament Language Track: (9 hrs)
HEBREW TRACK
OTCL 510	Beginning Hebrew	3
OTCL 530	Hebrew Syntax	3
OTCL 635	Hebrew Exegesis	3
-OR - ENGLISH BIBLE TRACK
OTCL 505	Hebrew Language Tools	3
Choose two OBST/OTCL Electives		6*
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COGNATE (12 hrs)
Choose four courses from the following disciplines: APOL/CHHI/THEO		12*
*500-600 level
**600 level
¹NGRK 500 & 501 are prerequisites for NGRK 620 for students who have not had undergraduate Greek.

DEGREE COMPLETION PLANS (DCP)
The Degree Completion Plans for the Master of Divinity program are available online at http://www.liberty.edu/dcps.

Master of Theology (Th.M.)

Gary Yates, B.A., Th.M., Ph.D.
Director, Master of Theology Program
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

PURPOSE
The Master of Theology degree program will provide additional training beyond the Master of Divinity degree in preparation for full-time Christian service. Through course work, scholarly research, and logical and critical writing, the Th.M. will provide advanced preparation for those called to service in theological education or those planning to pursue degree programs at the doctoral level.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Select and design a scholarly research project.
Assess alternative views of Scripture and theology.
Synthesize a personal and biblical systematic theology.
Defend Christian theology from a biblical perspective.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, the following requirements will govern admission into the Master of Theology program:

The applicant must have earned a Master of Divinity or its equivalent from an approved institution.
The applicant must have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale) in the Master of Divinity program. Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be considered for admission on Academic Probation. Students admitted on Academic Probation must take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing their first semester.
Ordinarily, satisfactory completion of at least nine semester hours of coursework or its equivalent in Hebrew and at least nine semester hours coursework or its equivalent in Greek are required. Students may be admitted without the language requirements depending on their areas of concentration.
First-time applicants are asked to submit a written recommendation from a pastor.
Seminary Questionnaire/Personal Statement

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY
Admission to candidacy for the Th.M. program will be granted upon completion of 12 semester hours of course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and approval of the student’s advisor. The degree must be completed within five years from the date of original matriculation.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, Th.M. graduates must meet the following requirements:

Must complete 30 hours of course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
A minimum of 24 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
No more than two (2) grades of C may be applied to the degree.
No grades of D may be applied to the degree.
Must complete a unified program of study as follows:

A core of 12 hours to be selected from courses in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies and Theological Studies.
18 semester hours must be taken as follows: A specialization of 12 hours; plus 6 hours elective (non-thesis program) or THEO 680 and a thesis. The specialization is a unified program of study constructed by the student with the consultation and approval of the program director.
All courses for the Th.M. degree plan must be taken at the 600 level or higher.

Degree must be completed within five years.
All Resident students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Cognates include: Biblical Studies, Church History and Theology, and Practical Theology. All 12 hours of the cognate must be in the same area. Ordinarily the student will include language studies (ancient or modern) related to the specialization. Language courses must be taken in keeping with the standards for language studies of all graduate programs of Liberty University.

Program of Study

(Th.M.) Master of Theology (30 hr) Thesis Track
Program Option: Online and Resident Formats
Core Courses (12 hrs)
CHHI Elective		3*
NBST Elective		3*
OBST Elective		3*
THEO Elective		3*
COGNATE COURSES (12 hrs)¹		*
Biblical Studies: (NBST, NGRK, OBST, OTCL)
Church History and Theology: (NBST, NGRK, OBST, OTCL)
Practical Theology: (CHPL, CLED, CMIN, COUN, DSMN, ETHM, EVAN, HOMI, GLST, PACO, PLED, YOUT)²
Thesis (6 hrs)
THEO 680	Research Methods³	3
THEO 690	Thesis Defense⁴	3
*600-900 level
¹The student is to work out a unified course of study in consultation with and approval of the advisor. ²COUN 801, 980 and 985 may be used as electives. Other 800-900 level COUN courses may be used only with approval from the Director of the Th.M. program. Resident and Online Th.M. students need to contact the Liberty University Online Transfer Evaluation Office to initiate the process of obtaining this approval. ³Any student who is not ready for enrollment in THEO 690 after completing THEO 680 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis chair, to take THEO 689 Thesis Proposal and Research, and may be required to repeat THEO 689 until deemed ready for enrollment in THEO 690. ⁴Thesis required

THESIS REQUIREMENTS FOR TH.M. DEGREE
With the approval of the student’s advisor and the mentor, a student may write a thesis of 10,000 words (minimum) that follows the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. The project must meet all designated deadlines and receive a minimum grade of B. A graduate faculty member selected in consultation with both student and advisor will function as a mentor of the thesis and will monitor the progress during the various stages of writing (from the selection of a topic to the final draft). Both the mentor and a second reader must approve the thesis. Two copies of the approved final draft thesis must be submitted electronically to the Integrated Learning Resources Center. Three semester hours credit will be given for the thesis. The student opting to write a thesis must also include a course in research methods in the overall program.

Master's Thesis Schedule
October 1	Approval of thesis topic by Thesis Committee.
November 1	Submission of Thesis Prospectus to Mentor and Reader(s).
December 1	Last possible day for submission of late Thesis prospectus, if the student plans to appeal for extension of the Thesis Prospectus deadline.
January 15	Submission of the first draft of the Thesis.
February 15	Last day for return of first draft with corrections to the student from Mentor and Reader(s).
March 15	Submission of corrected draft to Mentor and Reader(s). Include copies of initial draft with suggested corrections of them.
April 1	Return of corrected draft to student.
April 30	Submission of final draft.
Early May	Final grade of Thesis due on date when grades are due.

Program of Study

(Th.M.) Master of Theology (30 hr) Non-Thesis Track
Program Option: Online and Resident Formats
Core Courses (12 hrs)
CHHI Elective		3*
NBST Elective		3*
OBST Elective		3*
THEO Elective		3*
COGNATE COURSES (12 hrs)¹		*
Biblical Studies: (NBST, NGRK, OBST, OTCL)
Church History and Theology: (APOL, CHHI, PHIL, THEO)
Practical Theology: (CHPL, CLED, CMIN, COUN, DSMN, ETHM, EVAN, HOMI, GLST, PACO, PLED, YOUT)²
Elective Courses (6 hrs)³		*
*600-900 level
¹The student is to work out a unified course of study in consultation with and approval of the advisor. ²COUN 801, COUN 980 and COUN 985 may be used as electives. Other 800-900 level COUN courses may be used only with approval from the Director of the Th.M. program. Resident and Online Th.M. students need to contact the Liberty University Online Transfer Evaluation Office to initiate the process of obtaining this approval. ³Students must choose electives from disciplines within their chosen concentration.

DEGREE COMPLETION PLANS (DCP)
The Degree Completion Plan for the Master of Theology is available online at http://www.liberty.edu/dcps.

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Charlie Davidson, B.S., M.Div., D.Min.
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
Director, Master of Divinity – Military Chaplaincy
Associate Professor of Chaplaincy Studies

PURPOSE
The Doctor of Ministry degree offers pastors, missionaries and other church leaders an opportunity for professional and personal growth. It is designed to enhance one’s knowledge and skills in the practice of ministry. Students will have the opportunity to interact with recognized church leaders, to explore new ministry perspectives, to evaluate their ministry, to increase their vision and to crystallize their understanding of the purpose and goals of ministry.

The program is composed of 33 semester hours involving two semesters of THEO 989 (6 hrs) and THEO 990, Thesis Project Defense (3 hrs).

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Synthesize a comprehensive and critical theory of ministry.
Analyze the effect of the program on personal and professional growth.
Assess the effectiveness of a ministry plan.
Design ministry programs that relate to the disciplines studied.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Doctor of Ministry degree program must meet the following specific requirements:

A Master of Divinity degree, or its equivalent, from an appropriately accredited theological seminary with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale).
A vita showing three years of experience in a full-time ministry position after receiving the Master of Divinity degree. Exceptions to this must be approved by the Dean.
A current place of ministry where the student can successfully carry out a ministry-related project. International students who file under the I-20 may be allowed to complete their residency course work without this requirement. However, they must complete their thesis project in the context of a full-time ministry.
Two recommendations from colleagues in the ministry (on letterhead with physical signature)
Ecclesiastical Endorsement indicating the agreement of the church (or employing organization) with the applicant’s participation in the Doctor of Ministry program.
A detailed Statement of Purpose for pursuing the program.

INITIAL ADMISSION (D.Min.)
An applicant to the Doctor of Ministry program who has a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent and has at least three years of full-time ministry experience, but who does not meet all of the other entrance requirements, may be granted Initial Admission status. A student in this category may attend for one semester only (six semester hours maximum). After this one semester, the student must meet the requirements to qualify for Provisional Acceptance. Provisional Acceptance is attainable by completing all admissions requirements. Full candidacy is discussed in the section below. Also, see the section on the Doctor of Ministry program for more details.

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY (D.Min.)
Candidate status is granted when all admissions criteria have been met, 15 hours of coursework have been completed, and a formal proposal for the thesis project has been submitted.

SEMINARY CONTINUATION FEE
Students enrolled in the D.Min. program who are unable to take classes during a semester will be charged a $30 continuation fee. Students who remain inactive for more than three semesters will be automatically dropped from the program and will be required to reapply in order to be readmitted to the program.

SEMINARY ADMINISTRATION FEE
Students in the D.Min. program who enroll in at least one intensive each Spring, Summer, or Fall term, including the Thesis Project courses, will be charged $50.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduates of the D.Min. program must meet the following requirements:

Must complete 33 semester hours of course work, including the thesis project, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00. The student must earn no more than one grade of C, and may repeat up to 6 semester hours of coursework under the repeat policy.
No grades of D may be applied to the degree.
A minimum of 27 hours must be completed through Liberty University.
Must complete the thesis project with a minimum grade of B.
Degree must be completed within seven years.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of final semester.

Doctor of Ministry Thesis Schedule
April 1¹ August 1² December 1³	A formal proposal will be submitted during the program’s second phase. The candidate will provide a 15-20 page prospectus of the thesis project, including an extensive bibliography. The proposal must be submitted by April 1, one year before graduation.
August 1¹ December 1² April 1³	The first chapter will be submitted to the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. This is required before the candidate proceeds to the following chapters. All drafts must be prepared in conformity to the latest edition of Turabian’s: A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Thesis and Dissertations.
November 1¹ March 1² July 1³	The first complete draft will be submitted to the Director.
March 1¹ July 1² November 1³	The completed thesis project will be submitted to the Director. The oral defense will be held approximately one month later. One library copy along with electronic copy of thesis on CD will be submitted to the Director.
¹March graduation ²September graduation ³January graduation

Program of Study

(D.Min.) Doctor of Ministry (33 hrs) General Program
Program Option: Residential and Online Format
Core Seminars (9 hrs)
EVAN 851	Twenty-First Century Techniques and Tools for the Revitalization of the Church	3
COUN 852	Growth and Development of the Contemporary Minister	3
DSMN 876	Creative Ministry Uses for the Computer	3
Elective Support Seminars (15 hrs)
Choose five courses from the following disciplines: APOL/CHHI/ CLED/ CMIN/COUN/DSMN/EVAN/HOMI/GLST/NBST/OBST/PLED/THEO/WRSP ¹		15*
Thesis Project (9 hrs)²
DMIN 989	Thesis Project Proposal and Research	3**
DMIN 989	Thesis Project Proposal and Research	3**
DMIN 990	Thesis Project Defense³	3
*800-900 level
**DMIN 989 must be taken a minimum of two times. Any student who is not ready for enrollment in DMIN 990 after completing the second enrollment in DMIN 989 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis project chair, to repeat DMIN 989 until deemed ready for enrollment in DMIN 990.
¹COUN 801, COUN 980, and COUN 985 may be used as electives. Other 800-900 level COUN courses may be used only with approval from the Director of the D.Min. program. Students need to contact the Liberty University Online Transfer Evaluation Office to initiate the process of obtaining this approval. ²Once the student enters the Thesis Project phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed. ³Thesis required (grade of B or higher).

(D.Min.) Doctor of Ministry (33 hrs) Area of Personal Interest Options
Program Option: Residential and Online Format
Area of Personal Interest Options (9 hrs) – see below
Evangelism and Church Growth
Expository and Evangelistic Preaching
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Leadership and Management
Worship Studies
Core Seminars (9 hrs)
EVAN 851	Twenty-First Century Techniques and Tools for the Revitalization of the Church	3
COUN 852	Growth and Development of the Contemporary Minister	3
DSMN 876	Creative Ministry Uses for the Computer	3
Elective Support Seminars (6 hrs)
Choose two courses from the following disciplines: APOL/CHHI/CLED/ CMIN/COUN/DSMN/EVAN/ HOMI/GLST/NBST/OBST/PLED/THEO/WRSP¹		6*
Thesis Project (9 hrs)²
DMIN 989	Thesis Project Proposal and Research	3**
DMIN 989	Thesis Project Proposal and Research	3**
DMIN 990	Thesis Project Defense³	3
Recommended Areas of Personal Interest:
Evangelism and Church Growth (9 hrs)
Choose three of the following courses:
EVAN 910	Spiritual Factors of Church Growth
EVAN 930	Revivals and Church Growth
EVAN 950	Leading the Healthy Church
EVAN 970	Building a Dynamic Evangelism Strategy
PLED 910	Principles and Practices of Prayer
Expository & Evangelistic Preaching (9 hrs)
HOMI 960	Biblical Hermeneutics and Exposition
HOMI 966	Expository Preaching Practicum
HOMI 967	Evangelistic Preaching Practicum
Pastoral Counseling (9 hrs)
COUN 801	Pastoral Care and Counseling in New Millennium Church
COUN 980	Ministering to Troubled Families
COUN 985	Pastoral Counseling with Couples in Distress
Pastoral Leadership & Management (9 hrs)
PLED 970	Pastoral Leadership
DSMN 972	Managing the Local Church
CLED 974	Developing Lay Leadership
Worship Studies (9 hrs)
Choose three courses from the following:
WRSP 801	Corporate Worship
WRSP 820	The Worship Leader
WRSP 840	Transitions in Worship
WRSP 851	Balanced Worship
WRSP 935	The Theology of Worship
WRSP 945	The Pastor and the Worship Leader
*800-900 level
**DMIN 989 must be taken a minimum of two times. Any student who is not ready for enrollment in DMIN 990 after completing the second enrollment in DMIN 989 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis project chair, to repeat DMIN 989 until deemed ready for enrollment in DMIN 990.
¹COUN 801, COUN 980, and COUN 985 may be used as electives. Other 800-900 level COUN courses may be used only with approval from the Director of the D.Min. program. Students need to contact the Liberty University Online Transfer Evaluation Office to initiate the process of obtaining this approval. ²Once the student enters the Thesis Project phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed. ³Thesis required (grade of B or higher).

DEGREE COMPLETION PLANS (DCP)
The Degree Completion Plans for the Doctor of Ministry program are available online at http://www.liberty.edu/dcps.

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (Ph.D.)

The School of Health Sciences offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling degree with two concentrations: Professional Counseling and Pastoral Care and Counseling. The Ph.D. in Counseling with the concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling is offered in cooperation with Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary. Students in Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary are encouraged to consider this program as a possible doctorate following the completion of a Seminary masters degree.

See the School of Health Sciences section of this Catalog for more details concerning this program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics (Ph.D.)

Leo Percer, B.A., M.Div., M.A., Ph.D.
Director, Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics Program
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

PURPOSE
The Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics degree will prepare professional scholars and Christian community leaders at the highest level of scholarship. Trained by a qualified academic faculty, graduates with the Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics will be prepared to serve as faculty in academic institutions and as scholars and theologically and biblically informed leaders for the church and community. This is a 57 semester hour program: 48 hours of seminar work; six (6) hours for dissertation proposal and research; and three (3) hours for dissertation defense.

As with all programs of the Seminary and Graduate School the Ph.D. program will seek to provide an environment in which students in the context of open research and inquiry will be encouraged to strengthen their faith and certify their calling to service at the highest academic and professional levels. Students will be mentored within an academic environment that fosters an awareness of the Christian’s responsibility as a member of society who is responsive to the needs and concerns of diverse cultures and conflicting ideals.

The program is set within the context of a conservative evangelical academic community in which students are challenged to develop the cognitive skills requisite to a rigorous interaction with biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical understandings necessary for a self-conscious, critical, and Christian response to the world. In this setting, students will have the opportunity to become part of a community of scholars in which they can develop the concomitant skills necessary for relational and professional competence. The Ph.D. will further encourage students to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of their chosen field of study. Moreover, the program is designed to inculcate sensitivity to others and a concern for world evangelization through a vigorous defense of the gospel and a lifestyle of personal integrity and responsible scholarship.

With its mix of traditional and non-traditional delivery formats, the Ph.D. is designed to attract and retain students who desire flexibility in their schedules, breadth of exposure, and professional training in theology and apologetics. The teaching options will attract a diverse and dedicated mix of faculty and students facilitating rich interaction between future academic professionals and church leaders. The cognates are designed to further meet the needs of persons seeking studies in biblical or historical studies.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:

Design an original research project that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline.
Appraise an apologetic argument or a theological method.
Critique the place of evidence in apologetic methods of inquiry.
Contrast an evangelical view of Scripture and theology with an alternative view.

Ph.D. Concentrations
The student will be able to:

Evaluate interpretive methods and approaches to the biblical texts and concepts (Biblical Studies).
Analyze the impact of historical figures and movements in Christian thought (Historical Studies).

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
In addition to general requirements for admission to Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, applicants for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics must submit the following for review:

An earned Master of Divinity or a Master of Theology with a thesis or a Master of Arts with a thesis.
An earned grade point average of 3.25 on a scale 4.00 in all previous graduate work.
Miller Analogy Test (MAT) results. The GRE may be substituted in special cases at the director’s approval. If an applicant’s scores are older than two years, then the applicant must submit new scores.
A writing sample that must meet the following criteria:

A minimum 30-page paper (excluding cover page, table of contents and bibliography). A chapter from a Master’s thesis may be submitted if it meets the 30-page minimum. It is preferable, but not required, that the subject area be in the area of theology or apologetics.
Either submission must conform to the latest Turabian Manual for Writers AND standard English Grammar and Composition Form.

A Personal Statement, Doctrinal Agreement, and Honor Code Document. Included with these documents must be the name of the applicant’s current church and the name of a pastor who is familiar with the applicant’s church life.
The student must have a pastoral recommendation as well.
A one-page essay on reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics.
Two Academic References. All applicants must submit letters of recommendation from two professors with whom they studied at the graduate (master’s degree) level. These recommendations need to be on school letterhead and have the professors’ signatures.
Professional vita including degrees earned, ministry experience, and/or teaching experience and career goals.

The applicant must understand that before the end of the second year of admission, the student must pass a proficiency exam in German and French or Latin. Seminars in the Biblical Studies area will require one year of Greek and one year of Hebrew on their transcripts. Admissions for the Fall are due by May 1.

TRANSFER CREDIT
Transfer hours may not exceed 15 credit hours for the Ph.D. program. Transfer credits are considered on a case-by-case basis and must have been completed as Ph.D. course work within the previous 10 years from a regionally accredited program to be accepted. Courses with a recorded grade of C or below will not be accepted. Correspondence studies or life experiences will not be accepted for transfer credit. Credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Language Requirements. In addition to the other factors relating to participation in the Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics those pursuing a cognate must meet language requirements. A biblical language competency is required for those applicants who plan to focus on Biblical Studies as their cognate field. Students must meet any language requirements prior to their second year in the program.

Active Enrollment. To maintain active enrollment, students must enroll in course work each semester. Online students must enroll in at least one course during each academic year (from Fall to Summer) to maintain active enrollment status.

Residency Requirement. Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary does not have a residency requirement in the traditional sense of requiring students to uproot and move to the physical campus in Lynchburg. Using an intensive model, students may come to the Liberty University campus or another designated location for a time of group study with a professor. A cohort model will be encouraged by requiring students to register each semester for classes through aggressive advising so that students who begin together will be directed to continue through the program together, meeting regularly and by connecting via the online learning facilities of Liberty University.

Online Options. Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary proposes to offer Ph.D. courses using the modular format so that students who are living near the campus or who are living at a distance can meet the program requirements. Students will be required to be on campus to take campus-based modular courses, to take their comprehensive exams over a two-day period, and to defend their dissertations.

ADMISSION INTO DOCTORAL CANDIDACY
Students who successfully complete the required 48 hours of doctoral course study with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher in the doctoral course studies will be eligible to take comprehensive examinations in the major field and chosen recommended cognate field. These exams may be written or oral, as determined by the student’s mentor. Upon passing of the comprehensive examinations, the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy and may proceed toward developing a dissertation thesis and writing the dissertation under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and two faculty readers (the dissertation committee).

Students may graduate with the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics upon the successful completion of their dissertation requirement and upon the recommendation of the faculty.

DISSERTATION ENROLLMENT POLICY
Once student enter the dissertation phase of their degree, they are required to maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until they complete all degree requirements. If they do not, they will break enrollment, and they will be required to apply for readmission if/when they wish to resume the pursuit of their degree. They will have to complete their degree under the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) in effect at the time of their readmission.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to general regulations governing graduation, Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics graduates must meet the following requirements:

Complete 57 total hours.
A minimum of 51 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
A maximum of 15 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree, with the approval of the Program Director.
Successful completion of the Research and Language Competency.
Successful completion of Comprehensive Exam.
Minimum 3.00 GPA.
No grades of C or D may be applied to the degree.
Students may repeat one course under the repeat policy.
Degree must be completed within 7 years.
Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.

Program of Study

(Ph.D.) Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics (57 hrs)
Program Option: Resident and Online Format
Language Competency (0 hrs)
German Examination (required)
Choose one:
French Examination
Latin Examination
Research Competency (3 hrs)
RTCH 900	Research Methods and Teaching in Christian Higher Education	3
Theology & Apologetics (27 hrs)
APOL 910	Apologetic Method	3
APOL 920	Miracles	3
THEO 900	Seminar in Theological Method	3
THEO 904	Bibliology	3
Choose five Theology or Apologetics Seminars		15*
Concentration Field (18 hrs)¹
Choose six courses from the following disciplines: Apologetics (APOL), Biblical Studies (NBST/ OBST), Church History (CHHI), or Theology (THEO)²		18*
Comprehensive Examinations (0 hrs)
Theology/Apologetics
Cognate Field
Dissertation (9 hrs)³
DISS 989	Dissertation Proposal and Research	3**
DISS 989	Dissertation Proposal and Research	3**
DISS 990	Dissertation Defense	3
*900-level
**DISS 989 must be taken a minimum of two times. Any student who is not ready for enrollment in DISS 990 after completing the second enrollment in DISS 989 may be required, as determined by the student’s dissertation chair, to repeat DISS 989 until deemed ready for enrollment in DISS 990.
¹Recommendation: Choose one discipline for all six seminars. ²A Biblical Studies Concentration requires 6 hrs of Greek 605 or higher or the equivalent. ³Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

Highlighted text indicates a change from the official version of the catalog.

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