Master of Arts
General Description and PurposeThe Master of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to read and interpret biblical texts in their original languages. Our Christian faculty trains students to engage Scripture responsibly and interact thoughtfully with biblical scholarship, resulting not only in a deeper appreciation for the Bible but also in spiritual growth and increased ability to communicate the gospel effectively. Moreover, those wishing to continue their graduate education beyond the MA will receive excellent preparation from the biblical studies program.
The program instills depth and breadth of knowledge within biblical studies by allowing the student to focus on a Major area of study (12 hours course work, 6 hours thesis) and a Minor area of study (6 hours), while also offering some elective options. Students will choose their Major and Minor areas from the following options:
(1) Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism (OT)
(2) History of Biblical Interpretation and Theology (HBI & TH)
(3) New Testament and Early Christian Literature (NT).
In most cases, the student’s Major area of study (not the Minor area) will determine the language requirements for the program. For instance, students who select NT as their Major Area and OT as their Minor Area will be required to know Greek but not Hebrew. Such students will use the Greek Bible in classes with an NT prefix and the English Bible in classes with an OT prefix. Students selecting OT as their Major area will be required to know Hebrew. However, HBI & TH does not entail studying any particular language, so students selecting this field as their Major area will study the language associated with their chosen Minor area of study.
It is generally assumed that students entering the M.A. already possess an elementary knowledge (equivalent to one year of instruction) in the language which they will be studying. Such knowledge is required in order to take classes in one's Major area of study. However, students without previous study in the biblical languages may discuss with the graduate director (Dr. Jeremy Barrier) regarding the possibility of receiving elective credit for elementary instruction in Greek or Hebrew.
Program Objectives
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies enables graduates to:
1. Read the biblical texts in their original languages.
2. Interpret the biblical texts.
3. Engage critically with primary and secondary
sources.
4. Understand the role of God through Scripture within
the life of the church.
5. Apply biblical teachings to the contemporary world.
6. Conduct independent biblical research.
