Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
A Concentration In
4+2 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 of Theology in six years.
Bachelor's + ThM
ACU degree + DTS Master of Theology
Greek and Hebrew
Intensive original-language preparation
Six-Year Path
A research-level master's, accelerated
The 4+2 track is the most rigorous path ACU’s Bible department offers. In partnership with Dallas Theological Seminary, it pairs an ACU Bachelor of Arts with a DTS Master of Theology — the ThM, a research-level degree that’s the gold standard for academic ministry and doctoral study — completed in six years rather than the usual seven or eight.
What sets this track apart is its depth in the biblical languages. Beyond introductory Greek, you’ll work through intermediate Greek and two semesters of advanced Greek grammar and linguistics, plus Biblical Hebrew I and II. You’ll also study historical theology, soteriology, Hebrews, logic, and the philosophy and foundations of ministry — much of it as dual-credit coursework that counts toward both degrees. It’s built for students aiming at scholarship, seminary teaching, or the most demanding pastoral roles. Like the 4+1, it holds a higher standard: a B or better in your major.
Master New Testament Greek
Progress from intermediate Greek through two semesters of advanced Greek grammar and linguistics.
Read Biblical Hebrew
Build working skill in the Hebrew of the Old Testament across two semesters.
Engage Graduate-Level Theology
Study historical theology, soteriology, and the New Testament's general epistles at depth.
Think Rigorously
Sharpen reasoning through formal logic and the philosophy of Christian thought.
Tie Theology to Ministry
Connect advanced study to the design and leadership of effective ministries.
Build Toward a Research Master's
Complete dual-credit coursework that transfers directly toward your DTS Master of Theology.
The 4+2 track rests on a conviction: the church and the academy both need people trained to the highest level — and that training is worth the years it takes.
The Languages as Foundation
A research master's in theology is built on the original languages. Sustained work in Greek and Hebrew gives you direct access to the text that secondhand study can never match — the foundation for serious exegesis and scholarship.
Prepares you to do theology from the sources, not summaries of them.
Rigor as Stewardship
The B-or-better standard and the demanding course load reflect a view that careful, excellent work honors both the subject and the people you'll one day teach. Rigor here is a form of stewardship.
Forms the discipline that scholarship and serious ministry require.
Scholarship in Service of the Church
A ThM can lead to teaching and writing, but the goal isn't the academy for its own sake. The track frames advanced study as preparation to serve the church through faithful teaching and clear thinking.
Keeps demanding scholarship tethered to the church it serves.
A Master of Theology opens the academic and teaching ministry roles that require the deepest preparation — and lays the groundwork for doctoral study.
Doctoral Study (PhD/ThD)
Enter a doctoral program with a research master's and strong language preparation already in place.
Seminary or College Teaching
Build toward teaching theology, biblical studies, or languages at the college or seminary level.
Senior Pastoral & Teaching Ministry
Serve in pastoral and teaching roles that demand serious exegetical and theological depth.
Biblical Scholarship & Translation
Pursue scholarly work, writing, or Bible translation grounded in the original languages.
The 4+2 track is for the student aiming at scholarship or the most demanding ministry — and willing to do the work it requires.
A Research Master's, Accelerated
Earn an ACU bachelor's and a DTS Master of Theology in six years instead of seven or eight.
Serious Language Depth
Intermediate and advanced Greek plus Biblical Hebrew — the foundation real exegesis is built on.
Dual-Credit Efficiency
Dual-credit courses count toward both your ACU degree and your DTS ThM.
Aligned With Dallas Seminary
Coursework matches DTS curriculum, with named equivalents for graduate courses.
Aiming at scholarship or the most demanding ministry roles? The 4+2 track is worth an early conversation with the department.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application for admission to Arizona Christian University.
Start Your ApplicationDeclare the 4+2 DTS Track Early
Because of the language sequences and the 132-credit total, this track must be planned from your first year.
Start Greek Right Away
The Greek sequence runs through intermediate and advanced levels, so begin it early to stay on the six-year timeline.
Maintain a B or Better and Coordinate DTS Admission
Keep a B or better in your major and work with the department and DTS on admission to the ThM portion.
The 4+2 DTS track pairs an ACU bachelor's with a Dallas Seminary Master of Theology and the language depth real scholarship requires. Apply or reach out today.