Master of Arts - Biblical Studies

Christopher Dost, Ph.D., Director

The Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) is a 36-credit program that is offered onsite and online. It is designed to provide students with an enhanced understanding of biblical and theological studies for personal development and pedagogical enrichment. The program integrates biblical exposition with theology to equip students for transformative ministry.

The Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) is ideal for those who feel called to preaching, teaching and discipling other believers as a part of church ministry or missions.

Purpose The purpose of the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) degree is to provide students with an enhanced understanding of biblical studies for personal and pedagogical development by (1) laying a foundation for ministry, both personally and professionally, (2) enhancing Biblical understanding through studying the Bible in its original social and historical contexts, (3) integrating biblical exposition with theology, with a goal of transformative ministry and (4) providing opportunities to study both Old and New Testament books in depth.

Student Learning Goals  Students will build an historical and cultural framework for interpreting the biblical text.  Students will gain a command of the formation, content, and critical questions related to the literature of the Bible.  Students will demonstrate sound exegetical and hermeneutical method in interpreting the text of the Bible.  Students will become conversant with the important theological issues of the Bible.

Program Assessment Plan: The following assessments are used to assess program effectiveness. Assessment Context Location in Program Methodology Essay OT504 First year Critical Paper NT504 First year Exegesis Paper NT615 First year Theological Issue Paper TH721 First year Integrative Summative Project NT799 Final semester MA Biblical Studies Exit Interview End of Program

General Prerequisites 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 2. A minimum grade point average of 2.5. 3. International students: TOEFL score of 80 or higher.

Degree Requirements 1. Satisfactory completion of 36 credit hours for the designated program. 2. A final grade point average of 2.5 is required. 3. Transfer students must take the last 30 credits at ATS. 4. Complete payment of all financial obligations with ATS. 5. All credits applied must have been earned within 10 years of awarding the degree.

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

First Year (Fall, Spring, Summer) OT503 Reading the Old Testament 3 OT504 Hebrew Bible & the Eastern Mediterranean World 3 SF505 Pers/Prof/Theol Foundations for Ministry 3 NT503 Reading the New Testament 3 NT504 Greek Bible & the Western Mediterranean World 3 NT615 Biblical Exegesis 3 OT____ Old Testament Book Study 3 NT____ New Testament Book Study 3 TH721 Historical Theology 3

Second Year (Fall, Spring) OT____ Old Testament Book Study 3 NT____ New Testament Book Study 3 NT/OT/TH Elective 3 OT/NT799 Integrative Summative Project