Biblical Studies (M.A.)
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2025 through summer 2026. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses 1 | ||
| BIBL 612 | Principles of Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| NBST 516 | Introduction to the Life of Christ | 3 |
| NBST 517 | Introduction to the New Testament Church | 3 |
| OBST 516 | Introduction to the Pentateuch and Old Testament Historical Books | 3 |
| OBST 517 | Introduction to the Poetic and Prophetic Books | 3 |
| OBST 680 | New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes 2 | 3 |
| SEMI 505 | Introduction to Ministry Studies 3 | 3 |
| SEMI 510 | Tools for Ministry Studies | 3 |
| Biblical Languages | ||
| NGRK 520 | Beginning Greek I | 3 |
| NGRK 525 | Beginning Greek II | 3 |
| NGRK 620 | Greek Syntax | 3 |
| OTCL 520 | Beginning Hebrew I | 3 |
| OTCL 525 | Beginning Hebrew II | 3 |
| OTCL 640 | Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Thesis or Capstone Courses | ||
| Choose one of the following options: | 9 | |
Thesis Option | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Thesis Project Proposal and Research 5 | ||
| Thesis Defense 5 | ||
OR | ||
Capstone Option | ||
| Biblical Studies Capstone | ||
Capstone Option Elective 6 | ||
Capstone Option Elective 6 | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Should an entering student have a Biblical Studies background, the Core Courses could be substituted with NBST, OBST, NGRK, or OTCL Electives.
- 2
Crosslisted with NBST 680.
- 3
SEMI 505 is required to be taken within the first semester for all students.
- 4
Choose a 500-600 level NGRK, NBST, OTCL, or OBST course not already applying to the degree.
- 5
Any student who is not ready for enrollment in THES 690 after completing THES 689 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis chair, to repeat THES 689 until deemed ready for enrollment in THES 690.
- 6
Choose a 500-600 level NGRK, NBST, OBST, or OTCL course not already applying to the degree. RTCH 680 may also be used to fill this elective space.
All applicable prerequisites must be met
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 60 hours
- A maximum of 50% of the program hours may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
- 3.0 GPA
- No more than 2 grades of C may be applied to the degree (includes grades of C+ & C-)
- No grade of D or below may be applied to the degree (includes grades of D+ & D-)
- Degree must be completed within 7 years
- Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date
Program Offered in Online Format
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| OTCL 520 | Beginning Hebrew I | 3 |
| NGRK 520 | Beginning Greek I | 3 |
| SEMI 505 | Introduction to Ministry Studies 1 | 3 |
| SEMI 510 | Tools for Ministry Studies | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| NGRK 525 | Beginning Greek II | 3 |
| NGRK 620 | Greek Syntax | 3 |
| NBST 516 | Introduction to the Life of Christ | 3 |
| OBST 516 | Introduction to the Pentateuch and Old Testament Historical Books | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| NBST 517 | Introduction to the New Testament Church | 3 |
| OBST 517 | Introduction to the Poetic and Prophetic Books | 3 |
| OBST 680 | New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes 2 | 3 |
| Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BIBL 612 | Principles of Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| OTCL 525 | Beginning Hebrew II | 3 |
| Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fifth Semester | ||
| OTCL 640 | Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis | 3 |
| RTCH 680 or BIBL 691 |
Research Methods or Biblical Studies Capstone |
3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| THES 689 | Thesis Project Proposal and Research (Or Capstone Option Elective) 4,5 | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Seventh Semester | ||
| THES 690 | Thesis Defense (Or Capstone Option Elective) 4,5 | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- 1
SEMI 505 is required to be taken within the first semester for all students.
- 2
Crosslisted with NBST 680.
- 3
Choose a 500-600 level NGRK, NBST, OTCL, or OBST course not already applying to the degree.
- 4
Any student who is not ready for enrollment in THES 690 after completing THES 689 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis chair, to repeat THES 689 until deemed ready for enrollment in THES 690.
- 5
Choose a 500-600 level NGRK, NBST, OBST, or OTCL course not already applying to the degree. RTCH 680 may also be used to fill this elective space.