Biblical Studies

Credential: Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Level: Master's Degree

Credits: 60 total, with up to 45 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies takes students from competent reading to disciplined exegesis. Graduate coursework works in the original languages, engages the history of interpretation, and holds every reading accountable to the text itself. Students learn to build an exegetical argument the way a scholar does — establishing the text, translating it, analyzing its structure and rhetoric, weighing the interpretive options, and only then stating conclusions and applications. The program serves preaching pastors who want their sermons anchored in the text, Bible institute and Christian school faculty, curriculum authors, translation and missions personnel, and students preparing for doctoral research. Old and New Testament theology courses ask how the canon's own emphases hold together, while seminars in textual criticism, Second Temple backgrounds, and the prophetic and Pauline corpora develop depth in particular literature. The capstone is a supervised exegetical thesis on a single passage or theme, argued from the original text. Graduates leave able to teach Scripture at an advanced level, to evaluate scholarship responsibly, and to continue toward the doctorate.

Core Courses

  • BIB 501 — Advanced Hermeneutics (4 credits)
  • BIB 510 — Greek Exegesis (4 credits)
  • BIB 520 — Hebrew Exegesis (4 credits)
  • BIB 530 — Old Testament Theology (4 credits)
  • BIB 540 — New Testament Theology (4 credits)
  • BIB 560 — Research Methods in Biblical Studies (4 credits)
  • BIB 590 — Capstone Exegetical Thesis (6 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent preparation from a recognized institution
  • Personal testimony of Christian faith and active church involvement
  • Statement of purpose describing calling, academic goals, and intended service
  • Current resume or ministry profile
  • Official transcripts from prior institutions when available
  • Short writing sample, teaching sample, or sermon manuscript when requested

Degree Levels in Biblical Studies