Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
A Concentration In
4+1 Dallas Theological Seminary Track
An accelerated track within the B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies — earn an ACU bachelor's and a DTS master's in five years.
Two Degrees, Five Years
ACU bachelor's + DTS Master of Arts
Dual-Credit Courses
ACU courses that count toward the DTS master's
Partner: Dallas Seminary
One of the most respected seminaries in the country
The 4+1 track is a partnership between ACU and Dallas Theological Seminary that lets you earn an ACU Bachelor of Arts and a DTS Master of Arts in five years instead of six or seven. You take a set of upper-division courses at ACU that carry dual credit — counting toward both your bachelor’s degree and your DTS master’s — so you finish seminary a full year faster.
This track is built for students who already know they’re headed to graduate theological study and want to get there efficiently. You’ll study advanced theology, Old Testament, the Trinity, soteriology, and biblical discipleship in courses designed to align with Dallas Seminary’s curriculum, and you’ll graduate ready to step into ministry with both degrees behind you. Because the courses do double duty, the track holds a higher standard: a B or better in your major.
Study Theology at a Graduate Trajectory
Work through historical theology, the Trinity, and advanced systematic theology in dual-credit courses.
Go Deep in the Old Testament
Study Old Testament survey and literature alongside the rest of the canon.
Engage the General Epistles
Examine Hebrews and the broader New Testament in focused study.
Connect Doctrine and Discipleship
Tie theological study to the practical work of Christian life and witness.
Build Toward a Seminary Master's
Complete dual-credit coursework that transfers directly toward your DTS Master of Arts.
The 4+1 track rests on a practical conviction: for students called to ministry, getting well-prepared and getting there efficiently aren't in tension.
Preparation Without Delay
Ministry needs people who are both deeply prepared and ready to serve. By letting bachelor's and master's work overlap, the 4+1 track shortens the road to a seminary degree without shortening the depth of the formation.
Gets you into well-equipped ministry a year sooner.
Depth Held to a Higher Standard
Because these courses count toward a graduate degree, the track expects more — a B or better in the major. The higher bar reflects that this is genuine seminary-level work, not just an undergraduate elective.
Holds you to the standard the calling deserves.
A Trusted Partnership
Dallas Theological Seminary has shaped pastors, scholars, and teachers for a century. Studying in alignment with its curriculum connects you to a deep stream of theological training.
Roots your preparation in a respected theological tradition.
Graduating with both a bachelor's and a seminary master's opens ministry and teaching roles that usually require years more study.
Pastoral Ministry
Step into pastoral and teaching roles with a graduate theological degree already in hand.
Parachurch & Missions Leadership
Lead in parachurch ministries, missions organizations, and Christian nonprofits.
Christian School Bible Teacher
Teach Bible and theology with master's-level theological credentials.
Further Graduate Study
Use a DTS master's as a foundation for doctoral work in theology or biblical studies.
The 4+1 track is for students who already sense a call to ministry and want a serious, efficient path into it.
Two Degrees in Five Years
Finish an ACU bachelor's and a DTS Master of Arts a full year faster than the traditional route.
Courses That Count Twice
Dual-credit courses apply to both your ACU degree and your DTS master's.
Aligned With Dallas Seminary
Coursework is designed to match DTS curriculum, so the transition to seminary is seamless.
A Higher Academic Standard
A B-or-better requirement reflects the graduate-level seriousness of the track.
Drawn to the BA in Biblical and Theological Studies and already thinking about seminary? The 4+1 track is worth an early conversation.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application for admission to Arizona Christian University.
Start Your ApplicationDeclare the 4+1 DTS Track Early
Tell your academic advisor as soon as possible so the dual-credit courses can be sequenced into your degree plan from the start.
Maintain a B or Better in Your Major
The track requires a B or better in major courses to keep the dual-credit and DTS pathway open.
Coordinate DTS Admission
Work with the department and DTS on the seminary-admission steps for the master's portion of the program.
The 4+1 DTS track lets you earn an ACU bachelor's and a Dallas Seminary master's in five years. Apply or reach out today.