Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.)
Purpose
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program is designed to teach the Bible at a deep level of skill and to help students to gain a high level of understanding. This degree program requires a thesis that will serve the student well in preparing for doctoral studies related to the field. Graduates of the program will have a strong understanding of the Bible, biblical interpretation, and a foundational understanding of the biblical languages.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Interpret biblical passages using advanced research skills and original biblical languages.
- Examine major critical issues in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible from a conservative evangelical perspective while exhibiting knowledge of the literature appropriate to the field of Biblical Studies.
- Apply insights from grammatical and syntactical knowledge to interpreting the text of Scripture.
- Create an original research thesis covering a current, Biblical Studies topic.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program must meet the following requirements:
- Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (in any field) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
- Contact information for one Pastoral Recommendation
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
- School of Divinity Questionnaire
Degree Transfer
M.A., M.A.C.M., M.A.G.S., M.A.R., M.A.T.S., M.R.E. or M.Div. Degree into the M.A.B.S. Degree
Students who pursue the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.) degree after having earned the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.), Master of Arts in Global Studies (M.A.G.S.), Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.), Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (M.A.), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.), Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree may apply 30 hours from the M.A., M.A.C.M., M.A.G.S., M.A.R., M.R.E., M.A.T.S. or M.Div. toward the M.A.B.S. as allowed by the M.A.B.S. Degree Completion Plan (DCP).
M.A.B.S. Degree into the M.A., M.A.C.M., M.A.G.S. or M.A.T.S. Degree
Students who earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.) degree may pursue the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (M.A.), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.), Master of Arts in Global Studies (M.A.G.S.), Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (M.A.) or Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) degree and apply 18 hours from the M.A.B.S. toward the M.A., M.A.C.M., M.A.G.S. or M.A.T.S. as allowed by the student’s specific Degree Completion Plan (DCP) for the M.A., M.A.C.M., M.A.G.S. or M.A.T.S.
M.A.B.S. Degree into the M.A.R. or M.R.E. Degree
Students who earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.) degree may pursue the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) degree and apply 30 hours from the M.A.B.S. toward the M.A.R. or M.R.E. as allowed by the student’s specific Degree Completion Plan (DCP) for the M.A.R. or M.R.E.
M.A.B.S. Degree into the M.DIV. Degree
Students who earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.) degree may pursue a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and apply all applicable credits from the M.A.B.S. toward the M.Div. as allowed by the student’s specific M.Div. Degree Completion Plan (DCP) so long as the credits do not exceed two-thirds of the M.Div. program.
Students desiring the additional degree must submit an application for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office.