Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Master of Arts 

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 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses in biblical studies with the courses listed below:

• 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
    
• THL 611 - History of Preexilic Israel  

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 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, students are required to take a three-hour long qualifying exam, write a thesis under the guidance of a director, and offer an oral defense of the thesis before the faculty. Refer to the Procedure for the Graduate Master’s Thesis policy  for more information.