Program Overview

The M.A. in Biblical Studies and Christian Thought (MBSCT) is an integrative advanced academic program which enables students to investigate issues in biblical studies and Christian thought. Mentored by experienced teachers and scholars, students can pursue streams in the Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Backgrounds, Biblical and Related Languages, and/or Christian Thought (and cognate fields); and pursue thesis, major paper, or course work tracks. Faculty expertise and program flexibility allows specialization in a range of areas. The degree may be completed in two years of full-time study, or longer on a part-time basis.

Graduates will be prepared to enter excellent PhD programs and pursue academic careers; others will be well equipped to work in various professions such as teaching, public service, and the church. All have the benefit of a rich and rewarding program in biblical studies and Christian thought in the company of dedicated and enthusiastic faculty and peers.


Track Requirements

Thesis Track Major Paper Track Course Work Track
3 Advanced Core Seminars (9 s.h.)

 

  • RELS 611 – Advanced OT Exegesis
  • RELS 621 – Advanced NT Exegesis
  • RELS 661 – Hist. of Chr. Doctrine
3 Advanced Core Seminars (9 s.h.)

 

  • RELS 611 – Advanced OT Exegesis
  • RELS 621 – Advanced NT Exegesis
  • RELS 661 – Hist. of Chr. Doctrine
3 Advanced Core Seminars (9 s.h.)

 

  • RELS 611 – Advanced OT Exegesis
  • RELS 621 – Advanced NT Exegesis
  • RELS 661 – Hist. of Chr. Doctrine
4 Additional Seminars/Courses (12 s.h.)

 

  • 2 languages in stream (unless already acquired prior to admission, in which case two other courses in stream)
  • 2 in stream

*All courses must be taken at the 600 level.

5 Additional Seminars/Courses (15 s.h.)

 

  • 4 in stream
  • 1 other

*Of these 5 courses, 3 must be taken at the 600 level.

7 Additional Seminars/Courses (21 s.h.)

 

  • 5 in stream
  • 2 others

*Of these 7 courses, 4 must be taken at the 600 level.

Research Design (1 s.h.) + Thesis (8 s.h.)  Research Design (1 s.h.) + Major Paper (5 s.h.) N/A

The Thesis Track will be of particular interest to those intending to pursue PhD studies with its stream in one area, substantial thesis, and regular recourse to the requisite languages. The Major Paper Track could also lead to PhD studies or be a terminal degree with streams in one or two areas, a major paper, and some language acquisition. The Course Work Track is normally a terminal degree with streams in two areas or breadth across all three, with or without any languages included.

Course Schedule & Format

Courses are offered during the Fall and Spring terms. They are taken in one of three formats:

  • In upper-level undergraduate classes, taken at the 500 graduate level
  • As directed studies, at the 500 or 600 level
  • In classes at the 600 level

*Not all courses are offered each term or year.