General Information

The academic programs of International Theological Seminary are designed to equip men and women mainly from Third World countries, who are committed to the Lord and his Church, and who are eager to learn. The seminary uses a quarter system in which there are three main quarters in one academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring). To encourage international students to complete their programs sooner than the normal study period and return to their home countries, elective courses are offered during the summer (in June and July) and winter (December).

Bible Knowledge Test

Passing the Bible Knowledge Test is required to all students at ITS before completion of their programs. The purpose of the test is to measure students' comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, by giving one hundred and fifty unmarked verses from the Old and New Testaments and asking them to write the name of the book and chapter in which a given verse is found. Although the test is a requirement for graduation, all new students are encouraged to pass it as early as possible during their study at ITS. The Bible Knowledge Test is administered twice during each academic year, thus students are encouraged to take the test in their second year. If the examination is failed two times, a student whose last score was in the proximity of passing may request the Academic Dean to give him/her another attempt.

Future Ministry Plan

The "Future Ministry Plan (FMP)" is a tool for assessing students' ability and skills in integrating theological education and previous ministerial experiences into future ministry. It is required for M.Div. and M.A. students. It is designed to guide the students to set goals and develop action plans to prepare for their future ministry. A monthly "Peer-student Evaluation" under the supervision of the resident faculty is conducted

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies Program

Purpose The Master of Arts program is designed for men and women who desire to engage seriously in religious studies at the graduate level, but who do not desire ordination to the professional ministry. Three emphases (or concentrations) are offered within the M.A. curriculum in order to meet the individual interests and needs of students: Biblical Studies, Mission and Evangelism, and Christian Education. Admission The personal and academic qualifications for the admission into the M.A. program are the same as those established for the Master of Divinity program. Master of Arts in Theological Studies Biblical Studies Emphasis (BSE) Purpose This program is a track designed for students whose purpose of study includes the following intentions: To develop competencies in biblical languages, exegesis, and interpretation of the Old Testament and New Testament. To understand the origin and tradition of the Reformed faith through Church History and Systematic Theology courses. To prepare themselves to pursue a higher degree in biblical, historical, or theological studies. Curriculum Division   Course Unit Biblical Languages BH 11 Hebrew I 4   BH 12 Hebrew II 4   BH 13 Intro to OT Exegesis 3   BG 11 Greek I 4   BG 12 Greek II 4   BG 13 Intro to NT Exegesis 3 Biblical Studies OT 11 Pentateuch or Samuel and Kings 4   OT 12 Prophets I or Prophets II 4   OT 13 Psalms or Wisdom Books or   OT 14 OT Exegesis 4   NT 11 NT I (Synoptic Gospels) 4   NT 12 NT II (Acts and Pauline Epistles) 4   NT 13 NT III (Johannine Writings, Catholic Epistles) or Church History CH 11 Church History I (Early to Medieval) 4   CH 12 Church History II (Reformation to Awakening) 4 Systematic Theology ST 11 Hermeneutics and Prolegomena 4   ST 12 Doctrine of God and Man 4   ST 13 Doctrine of Christ and Salvation 4   ST 14 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church and Last Things 4 Philosophical and Ethical Theology   Apologetics 3     Christian Ethics & Social Problems 4 Elective     19     Total 96 (Add 19 units of elective courses to these) Graduation Requirements for the M.A. in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies Emphasis) Program Candidates for the Master of Arts degree will have met the following requirements for graduation: Completed all course requirements with minimum grade point average of 2.7, and with no grade below a "C-." Successfully passed the Bible Knowledge Test. Submitted "Future Ministry Plan." Settled all financial obligations with the ITS Administrative office. Completed all requirements for the degree within four years from the time of matriculation. Master of Arts in Theological Studies Mission and Evangelism Emphasis (MEE) Purpose This program is a track designed for students whose purpose of study includes the following intentions: To gain moderate competence in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew). To obtain deeper knowledge of mission and evangelism as well as the knowledge of Biblical, historical, and theological studies. To prepare themselves to serve the Lord and His church in the mission field or to pursue a higher degree in the interest. Curriculum Division   Course Unit Biblical Languages BH 11 Hebrew I 4   BH 12 Hebrew II 4   BH 13 Intro to OT Exegesis 3   BG 11 Greek I 4   BG 12 Greek II 4   BG 13 Intro to NT Exegesis 3 Biblical Studies OT 11 Pentateuch or Samuel and Kings 4   OT 12 Prophets I or Prophets II 4   OT 13 Psalms or Wisdom Books or   OT 14 OT Exegesis 4   NT 11 NT I (Synoptic Gospels) 4   NT 12 NT II (Acts and Pauline Epistles) 4   NT 13 NT III (Johannine Writings, Catholic Epistles) or Church History CH 11 Church History I (Early to Medieval) 4   CH 12 Church History II (Reformation to Awakening) 4 Systematic Theology ST 11 Hermeneutics and Prolegomena 4   ST 12 Doctrine of God and Man 4   ST 13 Doctrine of Christ and Salvation 4   ST 14 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church and Last Things 4 Educational Ministry ME 11 Cultural Anthropology 4   ME 12 Biblical Theology of Mission 4   ME 13 Urban Ministry & Evangelism 4   ME 14 Church Growth 4   ME 15 Cross-Cultural Ministry 4   ME 16 Contemporary Evangelism 4 Elective     17     Total 96 (Add 17 units of elective courses to these) Graduation Requirements for M.A. in Theological Studies (Mission and Evangelism Emphasis) Program Candidates for the Master of Arts degree will have met the following requirements for graduation: Completed all course requirements with minimum grade point average of 2.7, and with no grade below a "C-." Successfully passed the Bible Knowledge Test. Submitted "Future Ministry Plan." Settled all financial obligations with the ITS Administrative office. Completed all requirements for the degree within four years from the time of matriculation. Master of Arts in Theological Studies Christian Education Emphasis (CEE) Purpose This program is a track designed for students whose purpose of study includes the following intentions: To gain a moderate competency in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew). To obtain deeper knowledge of Christian Education as well as the knowledge of biblical, historical, and theological studies. To prepare themselves to serve the Lord and His church in the field of educational ministry or to pursue a higher degree in the interest. Curriculum Division   Course Unit Biblical Languages BH 11 Hebrew I 4   BH 12 Hebrew II 4   BH 13 Intro to OT Exegesis 3   BG 11 Greek I 4   BG 12 Greek II 4   BG 13 Intro to NT Exegesis 3 Biblical Studies OT 11 Pentateuch or Samuel and Kings 4   OT 12 Prophets I or Prophets II 4   OT 13 Psalms or Wisdom Books 4   NT 11 NT I (Synoptic Gospels) 4   NT 12 NT II (Acts and Pauline Epistles) 4   NT 13 NT III (Johannine Writings, Catholic Epistles) or Church History CH 11 Church History I (Early to Medieval) 4   CH 12 Church History II (Reformation to Awakening) 4 Systematic Theology ST 11 Hermeneutics and Prolegomena 4   ST 12 Doctrine of God and Man 4   ST 13 Doctrine of Christ and Salvation or   ST 14 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church and Last Things 4 Educational Ministry EMU Foundations of Christian Education 4   EM 12 Personality Development and Psychology 4   EM 13 Educational Program of the Church 4   EM 14 Faith Development 4   EM 15 Spirituality and Christian Education 4   EM 16 Creative Teaching Methods 4 Elective     17     Total 96 (Add 17 units of elective courses to these) Graduation Requirements for M.A. in Theological Studies (Christian Education Emphasis) Program Candidates for the Master of Arts degree will have met the following requirements for graduation: Completed all course requirements with minimum grade point average of 2.7, and with no grade below a "C-." Successfully passed the Bible Knowledge Test. Submitted "Future Ministry Plan." Settled all financial obligations with the ITS Administrative office. Completed all requirements for the degree within four years from the time of matriculation.

The Master of Divinity Program

The Master of Divinity program is designed primarily for persons wishing to prepare themselves for the ordained ministry. This program seeks to integrate a classical Reformed theological curriculum with ministry skills. The curriculum of the M. Div. program aims at competency in biblical languages, biblical exegesis, and historical and theological perspective.

     The program requires the successful completion of 144 units (129 required and 15 elective units), which is normally completed in three academic years if followed on a full-time basis.

Admission

     A student seeking admission to the M. Div. program should do so in obedient response to God's call to ministry through His Word and Spirit. Christ gives gifts to His Church, and the New Testament teaches that all believers are so endowed (1 Peter 4:10). Nevertheless, among believers there are found some with gifts which single them out for ordination as ministers of the Word. An applicant's call, therefore, must include a personal inner conviction created in the heart, mind, and conscience by God's Spirit, and also a communal endorsement through a body of believers
who can testify to the gifts for ministry possessed by an applicant. The central task of International Theological Seminary is the nurturing of those gifts for ministry which the student possesses.

Personal Qualification

In order to evaluate the personal qualifications of each applicant, the seminary requires:

1. An autobiography by the applicant including an indication of love for and commitment to Christ and His church, a statement of personal faith, a statement of understanding and sense of calling to the Christian ministry, a summary of ministry experience, and an assessment of personal qualifications and gifts for ministry.
2. A recommendation by the church concerning the applicant's personal qualifications, demonstrated gifts and genuine potential for ministry.
3. Three references using the forms provided in the application package.

Academic Qualification

     In order to apply to the M. Div. program, applicants must have earned a regular bachelor's degree (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants who have graduated from an unaccredited college will be considered on an individual basis.

The Master of Theology Program

Admission Applicants for the Th. M. program must possess the M. Div. degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent. Applicants who have the M.A. degree also will be considered for admission, but, if admitted, they will be required to complete the M. Div. Equivalent program (48 units) first before taking Th. M. courses. Requirements for the Degree 1. During the first quarter of study, students should choose the area of study in which they wish to concentrate. Th. M. Students will be required to write a thesis (six units) on an approved topic in their areas of study. ITS offers four major areas of concentration for the    Th.M. program:      a. Biblical Studies (OT or NT)      b. Historical Theology (Church History)      c. Theological Studies (Systematic Theology or Philosophical Theology)      d. Practical Theology (Christian Education, Mission, Evangelism, Pastoral Theology) 2. After choosing the area of study, students are required to take at least five courses in their areas of concentration and two courses in Systematic Theology. 3. The completion of the Th. M. program requires a total of 39 units: 33 units through course work (equivalent to 11 courses) and 6 units through writing a thesis. Th. M. course are normally three-unit courses. 4. All Th. M. students must maintain a grade point average of 2.67 or higher. 5. If the program is followed on a full-time basis, the course work and thesis can normally be completed in two years. A student holding an M.A. degree may be allowed to complete all the requirements in three years, including the M. Div. Equivalent program. 6. All requirements for the Th. M. degree must be completed within five years from the time of matriculation. Th. M. Courses All 50-level courses are open to Th. M. students. Elective courses listed in the class schedule of each quarter are open to Th. M. students Th. M. students' attendance of 10-level courses is subject to the approval of the instructor. Course work must be done in the prescribed way by the seminary:      five (5) core courses in the area of concentration      two (2) courses in Systematic Theology (50- level courses)      four (4) elective courses. Procedure for the Th. M. Thesis As the final requirement for graduation, Th. M students must present an academic thesis for approval. The following rules apply to Th. M. theses: At the time of admission, the student must choose the area of concentration. The student must select a thesis topic in the area of his/her concentration through consultation with a professor under whose supervision the thesis is expected to be written. A proposal of a thesis must be prepared and approved by the supervising professor. The approved proposal is to be submitted to the Academic Dean for an arrangement of an oral examination. Questions in the oral examination are two types: questions to measure a student's general knowledge of the Bible and questions directly related to the topic of the thesis. The student starts writing his/her thesis after the approval of the proposal. In order to graduate after the Spring Quarter, a final draft should be submitted to the Academic Dean by March 25. Upon receiving a final draft, the date of an oral defense will be set from April 13 to April 27. After a successful oral defense, two final copies must be submitted for binding on June 6. Graduation Requirements for the Th. M. Program Candidates for the Master of Theology degree will have met the following requirements for graduation: Completed all course requirements with minimum grade point average of 2.67, and with no grade below a "B-." Successfully passed the Bible Knowledge Test. Settled all financial obligations with the ITS Administrative office. Completed all requirements for the degree within five years from the time of matriculation.

The Doctor of Ministry Program

Purpose

As in most traditional seminaries, the Doctor of Ministry of ITS is the highest professional degree designed for those who are in full-time pastoral ministry. It is the highest professional degree in the sense that the purpose of the D. Min. program is to provide ministry skills for a pastor to achieve a higher level of competence in ministry than that achieved in the M. Div. program. ITS seeks to achieve the following goals though offering a variety D. Min. courses:

1. To reinforce the sound foundation of biblical and theological understanding of ministry.
2. To provide students with ministry skills applicable to contemporary culture.
3. To cultivate in students a renewed awareness of calling and ministry through critical reflection.

Admission

The key requirements for admission are:

1. An applicant must be an ordained pastor with a minimum of three years of experience in pastoral ministry.
2. A M. Div. degree from an accredited institution, or its equivalent.

     Applicants who have a M.A degree, instead of a M. Div., are eligible to apply for admission, but, if admitted, they will be required to complete the M. Div. Equivalent program of ITS (48 units) before taking D. Min. courses. (See M.Div. equivalent checklist.)

Program Design

     Due to the fact that some of ITS D. Min. students are full-time students from Third World countries, D. Min. courses are offered in two modes: regular courses in the quarter system and modular courses in one or two weeks to accommodate active pastors in ministry. For full-time D. Min. students, the program is designed in the following way:

1. Normally, all D. Min. courses are five-unit courses.
2. All 50-level courses are open to D. Min. students.
3. Elective courses listed in the class schedule of each quarter are open to D. Min. students
4. D. Min. students' attendance of 10-level courses is subject to the approval of the instructor.
5. A total of 54 units must be completed for the D. Min. degree:

Four (4) core courses (Practical studies) Five (5) elective courses A dissertation (project paper)

20 units 25 units 9 units

The D. Min. modular courses include the following three components:

1. Each course requires 30 clock hours for lecture, evaluation, and discussion.
2. An assigned reading of no less than 2,100 pages to be completed before or after attending the classroom session.
3. A project growing out of the reading and class work, leading to a final written report of no less than 30 pages is required for evaluation.

Procedure for the D. Min. Dissertation

The dissertation is the culmination and the last requirement for completion of the D. Min. program. Although students are allowed to write on diverse topics, they are strongly advised to develop a project, apply it in his/her own ministry, and evaluate the outcomes of the application. The following are the steps to be taken from the beginning to the completion of a dissertation:

1. Choosing a project topic and making a proposal in consultation with a supervising professor.
2. Submitting the proposal to the Academic Dean for an arrangement of an oral exam. Questions in the oral examination are two types: questions to measure a student's general knowledge of the Bible and questions directly related to the topic of the project.
3. Writing a dissertation under the supervision of the professor and through the application, analysis, and evaluation of the project.
4. A proposal of a thesis must be prepared and approved by the supervising professor.
5. Defending the dissertation orally before a three-member committee.
6. The approved proposal is to be submitted to the Academic Dean for an arrangement of an oral examination. Questions in the oral examination are two types: questions to measure a student's general knowledge of the Bible and questions directly related to the topic of the thesis.
7. The student starts writing his/her thesis after the approval of the proposal.
8. In order to graduate after the Spring Quarter, a final draft should be submitted to the Academic Dean by March 25.
9. Upon receiving a final draft, the date of an oral defense will be set from April 13 to April 27.
10. After a successful oral defense, two final copies must be submitted for binding on June 6.

Graduation Requirements for Doctor of Ministry

Candidates for the Doctor of Ministry degree will have met the following requirements for graduation:

1. Completed all course requirements with minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B), and with no grade below a "B-" counting toward the degree.
2. Successfully written and defended his/her project dissertation and finalized the format of the dissertation to the satisfaction of the librarian.
3. Settled all financial obligations with ITS Administrative Office.
4. Completed all requirements for the degree within five years from the time of matriculation. A fee of $100 per quarter will be charged for extension granted for the completion of the project dissertation beyond the fifth year.
5. Failure to obtain an extension beyond the prescribed study period (five years) will be considered withdrawal from the program.