Master of Arts (Biblical Studies)

The Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) or MAB equips students with the knowledge of the scriptural authors and their cultural context necessary to understand the Bible, and with skill in interpreting the Sacred Scriptures in light of the Holy Spirit. The program requires coursework in the Scriptures, Biblical Greek or Hebrew, elective courses in theology, and the development and defense of major research.

Admission

Admission to the MAB requires an earned bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Prospective students should submit the School of Theology General Application, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from any prior college course work. Applicants must possess an earned baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 average.

Requirements

The MAB requires 36 credit hours of graduate course work, including the writing and successful defense of a thesis. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA during their studies in order to be in good standing. After completing all course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of objective and essay-based questions.

Course of Study

  • Language: 4 credit hours
    • GRK 301-302 Biblical Greek or HEB 301-302 Biblical Hebrew
  • Biblical Studies: 23 credit hours
    • B 510 Hermeneutics & Pentateuch (3 credits)
    • B 521 Historical Themes & Wisdom Literature (3 credits)
    • B 541 Prophets (3 credits)
    • B 614 Gospels of Mark & Matthew (3 credits)
    • B 619 Gospel of Luke & Acts of the Apostles (3 credits)
    • B 621 Pauline Literature (3 credits)
    • B 637 Catholic Epistles (2 credits)
    • B 641 Johannine Literature (3 credits)
  • Systematic Theology: 3 credit hours (choose one)
    • S 541 Fundamental Dogma (3 credits)
    • S 553 Theology of the Trinity (3 credits)
    • S 560 Christology (3 credits) or S 5600 Christology (2 credits)
    • S 591 Christian Anthropology (3 credits)
    • S 611 Ecclesiology I: The Church  (3 credits) or S 6110 Ecclesiology (2 credits)
    • S 612 Ecclesiology II: Ecumenism, Mission, and Evangelization (2 credits)
    • S 639 Mariology & Eschatology (3 credits)
  • Thesis: 6 credit hours
    • MA 696 Research Seminar (2 credit)
    • MA 697 Directed Research (2 credits)
    • MA 698 Thesis (2 credits)
    • MA 699 Thesis Defense (0 credits; Pass/Fail)

Thesis

Completion of the MAB requires the writing and successful oral defense of a thesis in biblical studies. The process for submitting a thesis topic, outline, and bibliography, and for writing the thesis, can be found in the Thesis Guide for MA Students. Students begin with MA 695 Research Seminar and MA 697 Directed Research in the Fall Semester of their final year, followed by MA 698 Thesis and MA 699 Thesis Defense in the Spring Semester. Visit the Maly Library page for more information on the thesis writing process.

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