Master of Arts in Biblical Studies MA(BS)

Credit Hours

Years

The MA(BS) program (60 credits) at Grace offers graduate-level biblical and theological instruction aimed at providing a solid
foundation in the Scriptures. It is designed with a particular focus on equipping those within a broad spectrum of Christian
service, such as those in supporting roles within the local church, as well as those within para-church ministries and mission
agencies.

The degree typically takes a little over two years to complete (if attending full time) and is uniquely structured to provide a
comprehensive overview of the majority of the books of the Bible and most categories of systematic theology. This degree
program is designed for those seeking ministry opportunities in the local church or in other Christian ministry and is a stair-step
degree for those who desire to continue their studies in the Master of Divinity degree. Students may transfer up to 29 credits
into the MA(BS) from another accredited graduate institution.

Required Courses

Foundational Core

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
RS-503
Research Methods, Writing, and Tech.
1
TH-560
Hermeneutics
3
TH-568
Soteriology
3
SF-550
Spiritual Life
3

Bible Exposition

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
OT-513
Old Testament History
3
OT-628
Old Testament Prophets
3
NT-513
Gospels
3
NT-515
Acts and Pauline Epistles
3
NT-517
General Epistles and Revelation
3

Systematic Theology

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
TH-563
The Basis of Free Grace Theology
3
TH-565
Prolegomena, Bibliology and Theology Proper
3
TH-567
Christology and Pneumatology
3
TH-667
Ecclesiology and Eschatology
3

Ministry Skills (Required)

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
MS-771
Contemporary Moral Issues in Ministry
2
MS-756 or MS-773
Expository Preaching or Teaching for Impact
2
MS-885
Theology and Praxis on Evangelism and Discipleship
3
MS-892
Servant Leadership
2

Ministry Concentration

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
Choose from MS courses
6

Electives

Code
Course Name
Credit Hours
8

Ministry Concentration Overview

In addition to 6 credit hours of ministry core, MM and MDiv students have the option to customize 8 credit hours with either one of the ministry concentrations listed below. MA(BS) students will take 6 credit hours of any ministry skills courses in addition to the required ministry courses. While the core courses lay the foundation for a multifaceted ministry, the concentration courses address the students’ need for ministry skills unique to the students’ concentration.

Church Planting
Church Planting
Ministry Leadership
Ministry Leadership
Pastoral Ministry
Pastoral Ministry
Interdisciplinary
Interdisciplinary

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies MA(BS) Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MA(BS) Program, you will be able to:

  1. Exegete and apply Scripture using inductive methods and principles of literal grammatical-historical hermeneutics.
  2. Serve a local church or para-church ministry by utilizing practical ministry skills and communicating effectively.
  3. Explain a comprehensive overview of the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testament.
  4. Articulate a synthesis of every major category of systematic theology and trace its development throughout church history with special emphasis on grace principles.

GRACE IN ACTION

From transforming inner-city communities in Houston, Texas, to planting churches in the mountains of Nepal, Grace School of Theology students and alumni are creating ripples of grace in over forty nations, teaching and living out the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost.

Course Syllabi

Deepen Your Theological Foundation

Enhance Your Ministry Skills