M.St Program

Master of studies

IN Classical Protestantism

Our M.St. program is a one- to two-year online degree of 38-credit course of study that could serve as an  alternative to an M.A. program at a seminary, a qualification for Christian secondary-school teachers, or preparation for further graduate studies.

This degree aims to offer maximum flexibility for those already in full time work or for international students by not requiring any residency requirement. Most courses meet online only 2 hrs./wk. for 10 weeks (2.5 hrs/wk in our 8-wk summer term). Unless otherwise noted, courses are worth two credit hours each.

Elements of Our Program

Our M.St. program is a one- to two-year degree of 38-credit course of study that could serve as an  alternative to an M.A. program at a seminary, a qualification for Christian secondary-school teachers, or preparation for further graduate studies. Most courses meet online only 2 hrs./wk. for 10 weeks (2.5 hrs/wk in our 8-wk summer term). Unless otherwise noted, courses are worth two credit hours each.

Foundations

2 Credits
LECTURE PACKAGE 1

An Introduction to Biblical Wisdom (SEE HERE)

(1 credit)

LECTURE PACKAGE 2

God Is: An Introduction to Theology Proper (SEE HERE)

(1 credit)

bible

6 Credits
Core Course

Natural Law and Scriptural Authority

(2 credits)

Two Bible Electives

(2 credits each)

Theology

6 Credits
Core Course

Protestant Moral Theology

(2 credits)

Two Theology Electives

(2 credits each)

philosophy

6 Credits
Core Course

Philosophy for Theology

(2 credits)

Core Course

Philosophy as a Way of Life

(2 credits)

ONE Philosophy elective

(2 credits)

Christian History

6 Credits
Core Course

The Reformation and the Modern World

(2 credits)

two Christian history Electives

(2 credits each)

GENERAL ELECTIVES

6 Credits
three ADDITIONAL Electives

(2 credits each)

languages

6 Credits
three Latin courses

(2 credits each)

Tuition

For OUr M.st Program

Full-Time vs. Part-Time

For full-time students (meaning at least four classes per term, ideally five) pay a reduce rate per class. The total discounted cost of the program for full-time students is $6,873. Part-time students pay somewhat more, but still much less than any comparable programs.

Degree-seeking students can, like non-degree seeking students, register for individual courses on a term-by-term basis and apply these credits to their degree, so long as they fulfill all degree requirements within six years of matriculation (exemptions for longer periods of completion may be granted on a case-by-case basis by appeal to the Provost). The standard rate for such classes is $449 for most 2-credit classes, and $600 for 2-credit language classes–offered through our partners at the Ancient Language Institute. However, full-time students (those taking at least four and ideally five classes per term) pay at a lower rate: $325 for 2-credit classes and $600 for 2-credit language classes.

Required Core Courses

All M.St students take these five courses, which constitute the heart of the unique Davenant approach to retrieving the legacy of classical Protestantism, with an emphasis on reformed catholicity and the integration of God’s “two books” ― Scripture and nature.

Natural Law and Scriptural Authority

An introduction to the shared Catholic-Protestant natural law tradition and how Scripture both presupposes it and illuminates it.

Philosophy for Theology

An introduction to the basic philosophical grammar necessary to understand the tradition of Western theology.

The Reformation and the Modern World

Why was the Reformation necessary? Was it all for the good? And how has it shaped our world today?

Protestant Moral Theology

A primer on how to render obedience to God’s law and stay faithful to the order of creation.

Philosophy as a Way of Life

A rediscovery of the true nature of philosophy as appropriated by Christianity: a search for wisdom in the light of Christ.

Faq

Do I need to be a graduate student or seminarian to participate in a course?

No, in fact, you do not need to currently belong to an academic institution at all. Undergraduate students, pastors, teachers, and independent scholars are welcome as well.

Do I need to apply?

If you want to participate as a degree-seeking student in one of our Certificates, M.St, or M.Litt program, then yes, you do, although the application process is very straightforward. Click HERE to apply. If you are participating as an auditor or just want to take individual classes for credit now (which could later be applied to a degree), then no, you can register for individual courses.

Are there any prerequisites?

Not generally, although certain courses may require certain other courses as prerequisites (e.g. languages). All classes are open to students 18 and over who are capable of deep reading, charitable engagement, and coherent writing (though of course students will be expected to grow in these skills through participation). While a wide range of people may take courses, admittance to one of our programs generally requires an undergraduate degree or significant undergraduate coursework, though this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What is the time commitment?

The standard format for online courses is 10 weeks, 2 hrs/wk (summer 8 weeks, 2.5 hrs/wk). For-credit students should plan on spending roughly 4 hrs/wk on average outside of class for each online course. Full-time students should plan on enrolling in four to five classes each term (no less than four, no more than six).

How do the live classes work?

All of our live classes use industry-leading videoconferencing software, Zoom. Recordings of each class session, including any “whiteboards” or screen-shares, will be made available for students who were unable to make a particular class meeting.

Does it matter what time zone I am in?

It is important that for-credit students be able to participate in live classes, although auditors may participate via recordings only if desired. It is our goal to schedule live class times that are convenient for all enrolled students. If the scheduled time does not work for you, you should consult the Drop Policy in the Registration section of the catalog. If you are an international student, please consult our International Student Policy in our Registration section of the catalog.

Is there a drop/add date?

Please see the Academic Catalog for exact dates.

  • Drop Date (100% Refund): Before the term starts, students may drop with a 100% tuition refund. Registration fee is non-refundable.
  • Drop Date (50% Refund): Within the first two weeks of a term, students may drop the course with a 50% tuition refund. Registration fee is non-refundable.
  • Withdrawal: Within weeks three and four of a term, students who drop a course will receive no refund and will earn a “W” on their transcript. Students cannot drop after this time and will receive a letter grade.
What is the transfer credit policy?

Degree students may request to transfer credits of graduate courses from another graduate institution. Undergraduate credits will not be accepted. Acceptance of credits will be conducted on a case-by-case basis, will require an academic transcript, and may require a course description or syllabus from the other institution’s catalog. Transfer credit cannot be applied to a certificate degree. To request transfer credit, please email the registrar (registrar@davenantinstitute.org).

Courses from the previous institution must have earned a minimum of B. Up to 6 courses may be transferred in one of our degree subject areas. Up to 6 language courses (Latin, Greek, Hebrew) may be transferred, but actual competency will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer credits will be translated into our program may not reflect the same number of credits as the other institution. Transfer credits cannot substitute for required core courses in each subject area, though elective credit may be granted.

How do the residential courses work?

Residential intensive courses will run for two weeks in the summer and should be considered full-time commitments during the two-week period. Davenant Discipleship Weeks will be scheduled with each student at a time that is convenient for them and their family. For more information, please see the residential courses page on our website and email our Residential Teaching Fellow Dr. Joseph Minich (j.minich@davenantinstitute.org). You may view detailed information on residential courses on our Catalog in our Residential Courses section under the Course Offerings in our catalog.

Are scholarships available?

At present, no. We have made an effort to price these classes at rock-bottom levels, so that cost will not be an obstacle to most students. Moreover, students who complete the M.Litt will be eligible for generous scholarships from the Davenant Institute toward future graduate study. In particular, any student who successfully completes the M.Litt and then goes on to finish a PhD in an approved program (including the partnership with Union Theological College) will, upon successful completion of their PhD, receive a reimbursement of $10,000 paid for the M.Litt. See catalog for details. See Tuition Reimbursement Policy in the Catalog for details.

Is your program currently accredited?

Davenant Hall is not currently accredited by any outside agency, although we believe our courses and our program as a whole conform to high standards of professional qualification, academic rigor, and student assessment. However, we are currently building relationships with other academic institutions to have our courses and degrees recognized for transfer credit or advanced standing.

Have additional questions? Get in touch!

Davenant Hall iS Reimagining

Theological Education.

Would you like to join us? We’d love to hear from you. If you have any further questions about the M.Litt. or the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out.