Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Graduate Year

Applicants with a strong Biblical Studies background (normally a B.A. in Biblical Studies including 42 semester hours of Biblical Studies courses with 2 years of Biblical Hebrew and 2 years of Biblical Greek) may be admitted into the Graduate Year without additional qualification.

In the Graduate Year (600 level courses), students study primary texts such as the Hebrew Masoretic text, Greek New Testament, Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Aramaic targums and rabbinic literature in the original languages. Therefore, the need for competence in the original languages prior to entry into the Graduate Year cannot be overemphasized.

Students in the Graduate Year undertake 18 credit hours of 600 level coursework and 12 credit hours of thesis preparation. It is possible for the highly motivated and well-organized student to complete the M.A. degree in one year. However, most students remain a second year in order to study additional languages (e.g. Aramaic, Syriac, Latin), to take electives in their area of interest, and to complete the writing up and defense of the thesis.

Qualifying Year(s)

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in another discipline may be admitted with the condition that they complete a Qualifying Year(s). Students thus admitted will have status as graduate students while completing required qualifying coursework in Biblical Studies (up to 42 credit hours including 2 years of Biblical Hebrew and 2 years of Biblical Greek) in order to give them the necessary language and exegetical skills.

Part Time Studies

The M.A. in Biblical Studies is so designed that people involved with family, church, and work responsibilities can still complete the degree within the five year limit. Graduate Year courses (600 level) are normally offered once a week. Part time students could fulfill the course requirements by taking one course per semester for three years and then spend the final one to two years writing and defending the M.A. thesis.

Unclassified Student

Admitted applicants in this category may take up to 9 semester hours of 500 and 600 level courses without formally applying to the M.A. in Biblical Studies, provided that the prerequisites for each of the courses are fully met. This category includes:

  • Students who already hold a Master’s degree and are hoping to start a Ph.D. but require strengthening in the original languages and in the writing of academic papers before proceeding to doctoral work. References from Trinity Western University’s faculty are invaluable for admission into Ph.D. programs worldwide.
  • Students who are hoping to make full and formal admission into TWU’s M.A. program, but would like to “get their feet wet” by taking one or two courses first.
  • Pastors and teachers who are already working in the field and who are looking for upgrading in the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) or in a specialized area offered at Trinity Western University such as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Admissions Requirements

  • Applicants with a B.A. in Biblical Studies that includes 42 credit hours of Biblical Studies coursework with 2 years of Biblical Hebrew and 2 years of Biblical Greek or applicants with an M.Div. (or equivalent degree) may apply for direct admission into the Graduate Year of the M.A. in Biblical Studies.
  • Applicants with an undergraduate degree in another discipline may apply for admission into the Qualifying Year(s). Students thus admitted will have status as graduate students while completing required qualifying coursework in Biblical Studies (up to 42 credit hours including 2 years of Biblical Hebrew and 2 years of Biblical Greek).
  • A Minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (or B), in the last two years of the B.A. (predominantly upper level courses) is required; 12 semester hours of upper level courses in the major in the final two years must be minimally 3.5 (or B+).
  • A recent written sample of work in the area of Biblical Studies, normally a research paper produced in the last two years of the B.A. program must be submitted. Papers specifically prepared for application will also be accepted.
  • Statement of goals and reasons for applying for admission into the Graduate Program in Biblical Studies.
  • Two letters of reference, one academic and one character.
  • Agreement with TWU’s Community Covenant.
  • Admission is limited to a maximum of 12-15 qualified candidates.
  • For more information about the admissions requirements, process or financial concerns, please consult the Graduate Admissions Office - School of Graduate Studies.
  • For specific questions about tailoring a program of studies to a specific area of interest, please consult Dr. Tony Cummins, Director of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program.

Admissions Procedures

  • Prospective students must fill out an Application for the MBIB program.
  • Submission of application to the Graduate Admissions Office - School of Graduate Studies. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all academic transcripts are issued directly by each university, or college and seminary attended, the required letters of reference and the written sample of work have been received by the Graduate Admissions Office  - School of Graduate Studies by June 15 for September admission and by November 1 for January admission.
  • Review of applications by Director of the Admissions Committee and by members of the Graduate Faculty of Biblical Studies is done on a rolling basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first come-first served basis
  • Admitted applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Graduate Admissions Office - School of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies is a 15-semester hour program designed for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree in any area and who desire upgrading in biblical languages. Students learn from Graduate faculty who are themselves well published in these fields.

Further Information

General inquires regarding the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies may be directed to Graduate Admissions Office - School of Graduate Studies.

For further assistance with questions relating to course or thesis content, please contact the director of the MABIB program Dr. Tony Cummins, Professor of Religious Studies; at tony.cummins@twu.ca.