Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies develops the student’s acumen for an informed and critical reading of biblical literature in the light of the Christian faith, and emphasizes the development of research skills that prepare the student to engage in further theological study and writing. Historical and cultural studies as well as literary and theological analyses are called upon as resources in the course of the program. 

M.A. in Biblical Studies Degree Requirements

For the M.A. in Biblical Studies, students must complete 36 credits of graduate course work in biblical studies, which include 27 credits in the seven required courses:

• THL 500 - Theology: History and Methods
   
• THL 513 - The Pentateuch
   
• THL 514 - The Prophetic Faith
   
• THL 516 - The Wisdom Literature
   
• THL 519 - Introductory Hebrew
   
• THL 522 - The Synoptic Gospels
   
• THL 526 - The Johannine Writings
   
• THL 528 - The Epistles of St. Paul
   
• THL 529 - Introductory Biblical Greek
   

Students who enter with a reading knowledge of the biblical languages may satisfy the requirements for THL 519 Introductory Hebrew and/or THL 529 Introductory Greek by successfully passing a language proficiency exam administered by the Graduate Program in Theology.

After completing the required 36 credit hours of graduate course work, students are required to take a three-hour comprehensive exam, write a thesis under the guidance of a director, and offer an oral defense of the thesis before the faculty.