Degree Master of Theology (M.Th) MINISTRY

Part 1- Core Courses

New Testament Survey 3 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The New Testament Department at Dallas Seminary aims to equip the student to do accurate exegetical work in the Greek New Testament as a basis for lucid exposition. To this end instruction is given in the historical-conceptual background of the New Testament, in Greek grammar and syntax, and in the principles and practice of sound exegetical methods.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: As a result of this course of study, the diligent student should be able to translate and read part of the Greek New Testament with proficiency, confidence, and reasonable speed. Understand the important role that grammar and syntax play in doing exegesis from the Greek New Testament. Gain an elementary understanding of New Testament textual criticism and be able to read the textual apparatus of the Greek text and solve textual problems.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof
Analysis of the Message of the New Testament by Dr. Richard T. Vann, Jr.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Old Testament Survey 3 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will make participants more aware of the various ways in which Christ unfolds in the writings of the Old Testament (through direct prophecy, types, prophecy with intermediate fulfillment and episodes from redemptive history) and will cause them to grow in their ability to identify references to Christ and to communicate these insights about Christ to their hearers in meaningful ways. The course will make participants aware of recent resources that can improve their Hebrew skills and that will help them to interpret Old Testament texts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to develop their own unique strategy for improving Hebrew skills. Discover resources that will make it easier to find links between various texts of Scripture thus facilitating the process of letting Scripture interpret Scripture. Become more adept at discovering how Christ is related to an Old Testament text rather than trying to “import” him into a text in a forced way. 4. Improve their ability to express Christological truths in the language of today.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
A Journey Through the Old Testament by Elmer Towns
The World and Literature of the Old Testament by John T. Willis

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Hermeneutics 3 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will study biblical hermeneutics focusing on the literal grammatical historical method. This course will consider comparative and historical methods for biblical interpretation and delineate theological implications for faith and practice. Students will interact with philosophical and practical aspects of hermeneutical theory, comparing methodologies with a literal grammatical-historical hermeneutic, and will compare theological systems deriving from each method.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will have general competencies to determine, through exegetical analysis, the hermeneutic principles and methods applied within the Biblical writings themselves; differentiate hermeneutic factors in assessing theological outcomes.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Kaiser, Walter. Toward an Exegetical Theology.
Kaiser, Walter and Silva, Moises. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Bible Study Methods 3 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an in-depth continuation from the undergraduate he Bible Studies. In addition, simply takes it to the next level. It's for those students of the Bible and teachers who wants an in-depth knowledge of the bible. This course will cover the entire process of Bible study, from motivation, to interpretive principles, through skills and tools, all the way to communicating the text to others. After a lecture each day, your trained workshop coach will teach you skills and guide you through the use of tools to help you see and savor the glory of Christ in the Scriptures.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, Students will learn on how to practice an in-depth Bible Engagement. God guides us through His Holy Spirit and the clear teaching of His Word. God’s Word is powerful and helps us stand against evil, temptation, and the attacks of the evil one. Students will learn in an in-depth format how to discern the “fallen condition” and “redemptive solution” in a passage of Scripture. Students will be better equipped for ministry by applying interpretive principles to your future scriptural reading.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
THE THREE FORMS OF UNITY, The Heidelberg Catechism the Belgic Confession the Canons of the Council of Dordrecht.
Beyond Bible Study: Finding Jesus Christ in Scripture by Frank Viola
HOW TO STUDY AND TEACH THE BIBLE BY: ELMER L. TOWNS

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Systematic Theology 3 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides advanced discussions to Theological Method (Prolegomena), Scripture (Bibliology), God (Theology Proper), Creation, Providence, Angels (Angelology), Humanity (Anthropology), and Sin (Hamartiology), defining the scriptural views and showing the arguments for them, refuting other views, and emphasizing the relevance of theology to the Christian life and witness.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this course, the student should demonstrate the ability to defend the major ideas that the Scriptures emphasize regarding these doctrinal subjects. Recognize and define the pertinent issues, fundamental terms, and theological categories that are used when discussing these doctrines within the context of systematic theology, and explain the divergent views that have evolved in the history of these doctrines.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Abstract of Systematic Theology by Rev. James Petigru Boyce, D. D., LL. D.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Part II – Major Courses 4 hours

Systematic Theology 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides advanced discussions to Theological Method (Prolegomena), Scripture (Bibliology), God (Theology Proper), Creation, Providence, Angels (Angelology), Humanity (Anthropology), and Sin (Hamartiology), defining the scriptural views and showing the arguments for them, refuting other views, and emphasizing the relevance of theology to the Christian life and witness.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this course, the student should demonstrate the ability to defend the major ideas that the Scriptures emphasize regarding these doctrinal subjects. Recognize and define the pertinent issues, fundamental terms, and theological categories that are used when discussing these doctrines within the context of systematic theology, and explain the divergent views that have evolved in the history of these doctrines.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Abstract of Systematic Theology by Rev. James Petigru Boyce, D. D., LL. D.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Christian History – 4 Credits

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course will cover the history of Christianity from its inception to the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. We will survey the major movements, doctrines, persons, and institutions that arose within the church and affected its development during this time. Our emphasis will be the development of doctrinal understanding in the church as well as careful study of selected key individuals whose lives should inspire us to biblical faithfulness today.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, the student will have a general knowledge of the history of the church from the end of the first century through the early sixteenth century. Have an understanding of the major theological developments in the history of the church from the end of the first century through the early sixteenth century. Have a deepened understanding of major ecclesiastical traditions that exist today through being acquainted with the history of their doctrines and practices. Be familiar with some of the more important theological terms and concepts and thus better equipped to understand and engage intelligently in theological discussion. Be spiritually enriched through an encounter with the work of great Christians of the past. Be able better to struggle with the difference between truth and error through an encounter with the thought of past generations of professing Christians. The goal is to become more faithful interpreters of God’s word and better servants of the Lord.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Justo Gonzalez. The Story of Christianity. Vol. 1. Revised ed. New York: HarperCollins, 2010. Alister McGrath.
Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. Oxford: Blackwell, 1998.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

Part III – Thesis Work Credit 5 hours

Thesis Proposal

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Dr. Philip Jegede

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Investigates research methodologies appropriate for advanced study, culminating in the preparation of a thesis proposal, including a comprehensive bibliography. All entering Masters students must take this at the completion of their core and major courses prior to submitting the thesis proposal to the seminary.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course, students should be able to understand the nature and purpose of research in the theological disciplines; understand the organizational skill necessary for good research; Demonstrate the ability to think and interact critically with primary and secondary materials. Learn correct thesis format and style according to the standard set by North Central Theological Seminary. Then write and submit a minimum twenty-page proposal.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Thesis Proposal
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Research Proposals: A Guide to Success 3rd Edition by Thomas E. Ogden

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Thesis 20 Credit hours

Thesis Review Committee:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Philip Jegede
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani

Course Duration: Six months to one year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students are to begin their research on their thesis. Student work independently, and may use North Central Theological Seminary online library, or other public libraries and resources. Students may also accomplish their research through surveys or interviews.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completing their writing student must submit a minimum 80 page them to the Thesis committer for review.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read required course material relevant to their Thesis proposal, do their research, and submit their thesis.

Minimum 80-page Thesis

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Writing and research manuals like Umberto Eco’s “How to Write a Thesis” offer a vision of our best selves. By Hua Hsu

Grading Method:
Thesis Acceptance or Rejection

100 – 90	4.00	A
89 – 80	3.00	B
79 – 70	2.00	C
69 – 60	1.00	D
59 – 0	0.00	F

4.0 Summa cum laude: Students graduating with a 4-point average will receive an honor of summa cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary: an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with highest honor.” Summa cum laude is the highest distinction of the three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being magna cum laude and cum laude.

3.0 Magna cum laude: Students graduating with a 3-point average will receive the honor of magna cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary; an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with great honor.” Magna cum laude is one of three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being summa cum laude and cum laude. Magna cum laude is typically more prestigious than cum laude honors but less prestigious than summa cum laude honors.

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Southern National Theological Seminary
International Student Office
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Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America

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Submit certified letter of withdrawal to:

Southern National Theological Seminary
Administration Office
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America

Southern National Theological Seminary Procedure for Awarding

Doctorate Degrees, Th.D and D.D

A candidate must submit a project or thesis or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-refereed context. The candidate must defend his/her work in an online meeting forum before a panel of expert examiners appointed by Southern National Theological Seminary, the dissertation is examined by this panel of expert examiners who must stipulate whether the dissertation is in principle passable and the issues that need to be addressed before the dissertation can be passed.

Graduate Degrees, M.Th

To Apply For Award Of An M.Th Graduate Degree, Graduate Students Must: Have an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) on file with the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies prior to filing for award of degree. Complete and submit the items listed below to the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies by mail to:

Southern National Theological Seminary:
Director of Graduate Studies – THD
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America

Application for Award of a Graduate Degree – available online.

Application form signed by you and your advisor or department chair.

Application fee of $75 payment online or by mail.

All candidates’ academic records are checked for conformance to their Advancement to Candidacy (ATC), for achievement of requirements stated for that degree program on Southern National Theological Seminary official catalog.

All course work required to make-up Incomplete (I) or Satisfactory Progress (SP) grades must be submitted to the instructor prior to the date of graduation. The official “Petition for Grade Change” and/or “Report of Make-up of Incomplete” must be on file in the Director’s Office no later than two weeks after the date of graduation and must indicate that the work was completed prior to the last day of instruction . If official transcripts showing final grades are required from other institutions, they must be sent to the attention of the “Director’s of Graduate Studies” in the Graduate Studies Office within three weeks after the last day of instruction.

Notice of award of degree will be mailed within 90 days after grades have been posted, once official verification of completion of degree requirements has been concluded. Official transcripts showing award of degree may be requested from the Director of Graduate Studies’ office any time after receipt of the official notification of award of degree. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 60 days after graduation.

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Southern National Theological Seminary degree programs are designed to be completed online through a self study format. However, live online classes may be required for courses such as “Critical Thinking” or as your instructor may deem necessary. Generous advance notice will be given to students should there be a need for the student to attend online live classes. However, it is the requirement that all students must complete six sessions of online live “Critical Thinking” class as a part of the “Critical Thinking” course requirement. Live online “Critical Thinking” session is 45 minutes and is usually scheduled at the students’ convenience.

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