Academics
1)Degrees Offered:
The Seminary offers the following Masters and Doctoral Degree programmes
1. M.Div. – Master of Divinity (Accredited by the Asia Theological Association) (3 – years for secular graduates & 2 – years for theology graduates who have accredited B.Th with overall B and above grade)
2. M.Th. – Master of Theology (Pastoral Counseling) is fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association. (2 – years for B.D./ M.Div. graduates (ATA), overall B average and some ministry experience)
3. D.Min- Doctor of Ministry Program is fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association (3-5 years for B.D./ M.Div (ATA and overall B+ average) with five years experience or M.Th. in any branch with three years of experience)
Accreditation
The Seminary is a member of the Asia Theological Association (ATA) accredited to offer the M.Div., and M.Th in Pastoral Counseling , and Doctor of Ministry programmes.
Purpose The purpose of all courses taught at IBTS is to prepare students to make the message of the Gospel relevant to the context. Students learn to interpret the Bible, preach, teach, and counsel with the aim of bringing transformation to the lives of individuals
Examination
1. Total marks per paper will be 100. Out of that, 60 marks for semester exams and 40 marks for internal evaluation which includes assignments, reading reports, class participation etc. The student must get pass mark in both exam as well as in internal evaluation to clear a subject.
2. Assignments, reading report and other works are required from the students from time to time. These grades also will constitute the final grade.
3. Monthly fees and other dues are to be paid before the semester exams.
4. Students will get their admission ticket for the semester exam only after clearing all the fees and dues, and getting clearance slips from all the departments.
5. The minimum required class attendance to appear for the Semester Examination is 80%. The students will not be permitted to appear for the final examination if the attendance is less than the minimum required.
6. Students who fail in the Semester Examination must remit Rs.200/- to the office as re- examination fees. It is the responsibility of the students to consult with the Registrar for arranging re-examination.
Grading System
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D
80-100 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 Failure
Graduation Requirements
1. A graduate of 2-year M.Div. degree must have completed minimum of 66 credit hours and 3-year M.Div. degree must have completed 96 credit hours with a minimum grade of C. A graduate of 2 year M.Th. degree must have completed minimum of 42 credit hours.
2. The graduate of M.Div.and M.Th. must have submitted a satisfactory Thesis.
3. An M.Div. thesis shall have a minimum of 15,000 words, and an M.Th. thesis, 20,000 words, excluding foot-notes/end notes, bibliography, Table of contents, acknowledgements, List of abbreviations, dedication, and appendices.
4. The graduates must keep a good conduct and exemplary Christian life.
5. The Seminary degree certificate and transcript will not be issued unless the entire academic and the financial obligations to the Seminary have been met.
Roll of Honours
A. Academic Excellence
1. Cum Laude (with honour)
2. Magna Cum Laude (with high honour)
3. Suma Cum Laude (with highest honour)
4. The Award for the Best Performance in Hebrew
5. The Award for the Best Performance in Greek
B. General Areas
1. K K Chacko Preaching Award
2. The Best Outgoing student Award
3. The Best Ministry Award
4. The Social Acceptance Award
5. The Best Hosteller Award
6. Best counselor award
THE CURRICULUM
I. Program:Master of Divinity – Curriculum:
M.Div Semester First | M.Div Semester Second | |
I | Core Course Introduction to the New TestamentBiblical Greek – Preliminary Study Skills and Research Methodology Introduction to Systematic Theology Elective Course The Acts of the Apostles: Growth of Mission and ChurchRemedial English | Core Course Introduction to the Old TestamentBiblical Hebrew – Preliminary History of Christianity I (Up to 600 AD)Introduction to Christian Education Elective Course A study ofthe Pentateuch |
II | Core Course Introduction to Mission and EvangelismChurch Leadership and AdministrationBiblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics)Introduction to Synoptic Gospels Elective Course Preaching and Worship | Core Course Introduction to World ReligionsIntroduction to Pastoral Care and CounselingAn Introduction to the Old Testament Prophetic Books with Special Emphasis on IsaiahTheology in the Asian context with special Emphasis on India Elective Course History of Christianity II |
III | Core Course Modern Religious and Secular MovementsChristian EthicsIntroduction to Communication: Theory and PracticeHistory of Christianity in India Elective Course Johannine Theology | Core Course Person and Work of ChristPauline Theology Elective Course Marriage and Family CounselingContemporary Trends in Christian TheologyHebrew Poetry and Wisdom LiteratureThesis or two Extra Subjects |
II. Program: Master of Theology in Pastoral Counselling – Curriculum
M.Th.(PC) Semester First | M.Th.(PC) Semester Second | |
I | Core Course 1.Empirical Research Methods 2.Introduction to Skills in Counseling Elective Course 3. Biblical and Theological Basis of Pastoral Care and Counseling | Core Course 1. Theories of Personality 2. Psychopathology Elective Course 3. Supervised Pastoral Counseling (The students do 50 supervised sessions in the class and 200 self evaluated sessions before they graduate) 4. Course from other Branch: Practical Theology/OT/NT/Church Ministry /History |
II | Core Course 1. Counseling During Developmental Stages 2. Selected Areas of Specialized Approaches Counseling Elective Course 3.Schools of Psychotherapies | Core Course 1. Marriage and Family Counseling 2. Behavior Modification 3.Thesis |