M.A. in Biblical Studies
What is a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies?
Is God leading you to a ministry of scholarship and teaching? The Master of Arts with a concentration in Biblical Studies offers emphases in either Old Testament or New Testament. This degree leads to competence in the original biblical languages, as well as the literature, history, culture, and theology of Scripture. You will go deep in biblical content while learning the techniques of biblical exegesis and interpretation. The M.A. in Biblical Studies provides a strong platform for doctoral studies or a ministry of in-depth Bible teaching in various ministry settings.
Watch a video from the Division of Biblical Studies
The M.A. with a major in Biblical Studies is excellent preparation for goals such as:
-
Enrichment of preaching, teaching, and other forms ministry
- Campus ministry in which specific knowledge of the Bible would be beneficial
-
Doctoral study leading to advanced research and teaching
Structure
In addition to the M.A. core (30 hours), the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies involves 13 hours of courses specific to Biblical Studies plus 19 hours of courses specific to the chosen track:
|
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies |
Course # |
Sem Hrs. |
|
|
30 |
|
|
NT 501, NT 502 |
6 |
|
|
OT 501 |
3 |
|
| Learning Hebrew and Its Grammar | OT 502 | 3 |
|
GS 589 |
1 |
|
|
New or Old Testament Emphasis (see below) |
|
19 |
|
Total hours for degree: |
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NT Emphasis |
Course # |
Sem Hrs. |
|
NT 601 |
3 |
|
| Using Greek in NT Exegesis |
NT 611 |
3 |
| Greek Exegesis of James | NT 612 | 3 |
|
NT 670 |
2 |
|
|
NT 796 |
1 |
|
| Thesis in New Testament | NT 799 | 3 |
|
NT Greek exegesis elective |
|
2 |
|
NT elective |
|
2 |
|
NT Emphasis Hours: |
19 |
|
|
OT Emphasis |
Course # |
Sem Hrs. |
|
OT 661 |
3 |
|
|
OT 701 |
3 |
|
| Advanced Hebrew Exegesis | OT 745 | 3 |
|
Additional Semitic language (total 2 credits): |
|
2 |
| - Aramaic | OT 742 | |
| - Northwest Semitic | OT 743 | |
| - Ugaritic | OT 744 | |
| - Akkadian I | OT 746 | |
|
OT 796 |
1 |
|
| Thesis in Old Testament | OT 799 | 3 |
|
OT electives2 |
|
4 |
|
OT Emphasis Hours: |
19 |
|
1 Includes components that meet the globalization awareness requirement.
2 Must include OT 651 in electives to meet globalization awareness requirement.
Sample of NT and OT Electives:
- NT 540-560 - Analysis of Selected Books (2 hours)
- NT 565 - The Parables of Jesus (2 hours)
- NT 566 - Analysis and Practice of the Sermon on the Mount (2 hours)
- NT 640-660 - Exegesis of Selected Books (2 hours)
- OT 556 - Kings and Leadership (2 hours)
- OT 647 - Old Testament Social Ethics (2 hours)
- OT 651 - Reading the Old Testament from the Majority World (2 hours)
- OT 741 - Septuagint (2 hours) (can also serve as NT elective)
Department Faculty
New Testament Faculty
-
Dr. Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament
-
Dr. William W. Klein, Professor of New Testament and Director of MA Christian Studies
-
Dr. David Mathewson, Associate Professor of New Testament
-
Elodie Ballantine Emig, Instructor of Greek
Old Testament Faculty
-
Dr. M. Daniel Carroll R., Distinguished Professor of Old Testament
-
Dr. Hélène Dallaire, Associate Professor of Old Testament
-
Dr. Richard S. Hess, Earl S. Kalland Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages
Faculty Highlight
Dr. William W. Klein is Professor of New Testament and chairs the division of Biblical Studies. Dr. Klein is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research, and Tyndale Fellowship for Biblical Research. He has written The New Chosen People: A Corporate View of Election and The Book of Ephesians: An Annotated Bibliography, and served as chief exegetical consultant for the New Testament portion of The Message.
