The Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies) Degree Program

The MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) program goals include:

• Cultivate skills in the efficient study and interpretation of Scripture.
• Provide theoretical and practical skills in one area of focused specialization.
• Promote growth in Christian maturity demonstrated through effective interpersonal relationships.

Program learning outcomes:

• Students understand and integrate Scripture into decision-making and problem-solving.
• Students effectively judge between competing ideas and apply theological truth.
• Students exhibit Christ-like integrity that encompasses their personal and public life.
• Students are committed to an ongoing spiritual formation process clearly grounded in the Gospel.

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants for the MABTS program must possess a four-year baccalaureate degree or its educational equivalent from a college or university accredited by a United States association holding membership in one of the seven regional accrediting associations, membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada, membership in the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or from an institution which maintains similar academic requirements and standards. Additionally, MA applicants must present a GPA of 3.0 or higher, including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet these general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal recommendations regarding the applicant’s Christian character and leadership are also required.

Students may complete their studies in as few as four semesters with a minimum of 56 credit hours required for graduation for the Open Track and 62 credit hours for the Exegetical Track. The Open Track is designed around a common core of 36 credits and a combination of electives for an additional 20 credits. The Exegetical Track is designed around the same core of 36 credits but then focuses on taking the student from the original text to the sermon for an additional 26 credits.

The MABTS degree is conferred upon attaining certain personal and academic requirements. In addition to the general seminary requirements, degree candidates must (1) give evidence of a genuine Christian character, orthodox belief, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership; (2) complete all courses in the prescribed MA curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

All work leading to the MABTS must be completed within five years of matriculation. Permission to extend the five-year statute of limitations must be granted by submitting an academic petition. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree. All credits applied toward the degree requirements must be earned within ten years of awarding the degree. Alternatively, new or re-entering students whose prior coursework exceeds the ten-year limit may request to demonstrate current competency by examination up to the advanced standing credit limitations for each degree program as specified elsewhere in this catalog.