Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA/[BS])

Curriculum

Area of Study
Biblical Studies	24
Theological Studies	20
Spiritual Life & Evangelism	4
Electives	14
	62

The MA(BS) degree is based on the principle that any follower of Christ will benefit from advanced training in biblical and theological studies, becoming a more effective minister of the gospel wherever they serve.

Graduates

Online and Distance Education

The MA(BS) can be completed by taking courses online or at one of our eight locations. If you'd like to sample a class to see what's it like, please click on the video player below

Details

Educational Goals

To enable students to:

• demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including a synthetic understanding of the major books
• evidence an understanding of the historical development of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology, and an ability to support their theological views and apply them to contemporary issues.

Spiritual Goal

To enable students to evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Ministry Goals

To enable students to:

• demonstrate an increasing involvement in the local church or other ministries with which they are associated
• minister within a local church or other group by means of leadership skills, evangelism, and service.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for the M.A.(BS) are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary. Students will generally not be admitted into this degree program without goals consistent with the ministries for which the program is designed to equip them.

Please note: those seeking preparation for vocational ministry should apply for one of the professional degree programs.

Course Requirements

Sixty-two semester hours of course work are required as a minimum for graduation. Students may pursue this degree on a year-round basis or during summers. By taking about 12 hours of course work each summer, students can complete the program in five summers (or four summers if several elective hours in independent study courses are taken between summers of study).

Twenty-four of the 62 hours are in prescribed Biblical Studies courses, 18 are in prescribed Systematic Theology courses, 2 are in Historical Theology, and 4 are in Spiritual Life and Evangelism. Of the remaining 14 elective hours at least two hours must be taken in Christian Education and at least two hours in World Missions and Intercultural Studies.

No thesis is required for the MA(BS) degree. There is a seven year time limit on completing the MA(BS).

Transfer Credits

Transfer of some credit is allowed toward the professional MA programs from accredited graduate theological schools. Up to 30 hours of credit may be transferred toward the MA in Biblical Studies. 
 
Students must have earned a grade of C or better for a course to be considered in transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Registrar’s Office for information on eligibility for transfer credit.

Degree Plan

1. Students have two calendar years (four consecutive fall/spring semesters) to complete the SF100 Spiritual Formation requirement. Students who register for SF100 need to keep in mind that the course is a four-semester-long course that will meet at the same day and time each of the four semesters. See the Spiritual Formation and Leadership department for more information.
2. At least 2 hours of electives must be selected from the Department of World Missions and Intercultural Studies. If CE105 or CE450 is not taken, at least 2 hours of electives must be selected from the Department of Christian Education.
3. The following courses are approved to meet the Communications course requirement: CE103 Teaching Process (2 hrs.) AND CE104 Audiovisual Presentations (1 hr.), CE105 Teaching Process and Audiovisual Presentations (3 hrs.), CE450 Women Teaching Women (3 hrs.), or an approved PM Communications course (3 hrs.). For more information contact the Student Advising Center.