Joint Degree Option: Master of Theological Studies/Master of Social Work
An increasing number of graduate students are called to Christian vocation in community ministry that is informed by their faith and grounded in Christian theology and scripture. The Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work (Mdiv-MSW) joint degree program provides theological education and advanced social work knowledge and skills. Some students are not seeking to achieve the advanced competencies offered by the Mdiv degree and/or they may not have the personal resources to meet all of requirements of the 123-semester hour Mdiv-MSW degree program. The MTS-MSW joint degree program (108 or 83 semester hours) provides these students with an opportunity to prepare for community ministry through mastery of advanced social work knowledge and practice that is grounded in foundational Christian theology, Scriptures, traditions, missions and witness, and Baptist Identity.
Admission
For admission to the joint degree, candidates must apply and be accepted by both the George W. Truett Theological Seminary and the Waco campus of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Introductory Courses | ||
| THEO 7340 | Introduction to Christian Scriptures | 3 |
| THEO 7345 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
| Christian Scriptures | ||
| THEO 7370 | Christian Scriptures I | 3 |
| THEO 7372 | Christian Scriptures II | 3 |
| THEO 7371 | Christian Scriptures III | 3 |
| THEO 7373 | Christian Scriptures IV | 3 |
| Christian Theology | ||
| THEO 7360 | Christian Texts and Traditions I | 3 |
| THEO 7361 | Christian Texts and Traditions II | 3 |
| THEO 7362 | Christian Texts and Traditions III | 3 |
| WOCW 7385 | Introduction to Christian Witness and Mission | 3 |
| THEO 7396 | The Baptist Identity | 3 |
| THEO 7382 | Constructive Theology | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 3 courses from chosen specialization or 1 Biblical studies course, 1 Theological studies course, and 1 free elective | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total elective hours counted toward the MTS from MSW courses1 | 3 hrs. |
| Total MTS hours | 39 hrs. |
| Standard MSW required coursework | 54 hrs. |
| Actual non-repeating hours taken: | |
| 54 hours MSW + 39 hours MTS = | 93 hrs. |
- 1
3 for Advanced Standing, 3 for Standard degree option
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Standing MSW required coursework | 29 hrs. |
| Advanced Standing MSW required coursework for Baylor BSW graduates | 29 hrs. |
| Actual non-repeating hours taken: | |
29 hours MSW + 39 hours MTS = |
68 hrs. |
26 MSW hours for Baylor BSW graduates + 39 hours MTS = |
65 hrs. |
| Covenant Groups – 4 semesters | |
| Satisfactory completion of 132 Lifelong Learning Units | |
| Satisfactory academic progress |
The MTS degree consists of 48 course credit hours. The MSW degree can be earned through two programs, the standard two-year program and the advanced standing program. The standard two-year program requires 60 course credit hours. This program and the MTS require a total of 111 hours when completed separately. For social work students in the standard two-year program, the total number of hours for the MTS-MSW joint program will be 93 hours.
For those students who qualify, the MSW advanced standing program consists of 29 course credit hours, so it and the MTS require a total of 80 hours when completed separately. For social work students in the advanced standing program, the total number of hours for the MTS-MSW joint program will be 68 hours.
In the proposed joint degree program, 9 elective hours taken in the Garland School of Social Work will be counted toward the MTS degree requirements. Six hours from the MTS degree will be counted toward the standard two-year MSW program requirements and three from the MTS degree will be counted toward the advanced-standing MSW program requirements (advanced standing).
Joint degree students should verify seminary program requirements with Truett Seminary and social work requirements with the Program Manager at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.