Master of Arts in Biblical Studies MA(BS)

Credit Hours

Years

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is a 60-credit graduate program designed to provide a strong foundation in Scripture and theology. This master’s in biblical studies equips students with in-depth biblical knowledge and practical ministry skills for service in local churches, parachurch ministries, and mission organizations.

This biblical studies master’s degree can typically be completed in just over two years. The program offers a comprehensive overview of the Old and New Testament along with key areas of systematic theology. It also serves as a pathway for students who plan to continue into a Master of Divinity program. Transfer credits from accredited institutions may be applied.

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
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

✔️ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent)
✔️ Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0
✔️ Completion of graduate admissions requirements (essay, recommendations, transcripts, ID)

Why This Program

Why This Program

✔️ Extensive Bible exposition across both Testaments
✔️ Strong systematic theology core rooted in grace theology
✔️ Emphasis on practical ministry and exegetical skills
✔️ Designed for local church and mission contexts

Program Learning Objectives

Program Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:
✔️ Interpret and apply Scripture using inductive and literal-grammatical-historical hermeneutics
✔️ Demonstrate comprehensive biblical knowledge of the Old and New Testament
✔️ Explain systematic theology and its historical development
✔️ Apply biblical and theological knowledge in ministry

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