MA in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree program will enable you to engage in depth the historical and cultural contexts, overarching narratives, theological themes, and critical issues of the Bible, as well as attend to the ethical implications of the interpretation of Scripture. Unlike the MDiv in Biblical Studies, which is designed for people who wish to prepare for ordained ministry or a doctoral program that requires an MDiv, this program is for people who are interested in an academic career or a non-ordained teaching position.

This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing:

• A Ph.D. in biblical studies in preparation for work as a professor at a seminary, divinity school, or college
• A career in a variety of Christian ministry contexts, including a role as a Christian education director or a non-ordained pastor, or an associate pastor with a teaching role
• A career as a teacher in a private high school

CONCENTRATION LEARNING OUTCOMES

In addition to achieving the core MA degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MA in Biblical Studies program will be able to:

• apply to their academic study appropriate critical interpretation of, analysis of, and reflection on Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and/or other religious texts from multiple historical and contemporary perspectives;
• apply knowledge of the meaning in the original language of selected Hebrew Bible OR New Testament texts to the critical interpretation of, analysis of, and reflection on those texts;
• demonstrate a competent understanding of a selected topic within the academic study of religious texts through the effective critical interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of appropriate sources; and
• demonstrate methodological and method-based understandings of biblical studies on a selected topic.

United’s MA at a Glance

• 36 credits
• Eleven 3-credit courses plus a 3-credit thesis, or ten 3-credit courses plus a 6-credit thesis
• Can be completed in two years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year) and complete your thesis in approximately one trimester
• All MA concentrations can be completed entirely via distance learning