Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies)

The Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies) (MABTS) is available on-campus or fully online. The MABTS is a deeply biblical degree that offers advanced biblical languages alongside Bible and theology classes. It is ideal for ministry leaders, Bible & theology teachers, or those who wish to pursue a PhD.

Benefits of the MABTS

Bible + Theology

The MABTS brings deeply biblical and theological courses, including at least one biblical language. Of the 66 credit hours, 44 are in the areas of Bible and theology and are taught by the faculty who probably translated your Bible.

 

Fully Online

The MABTS is very flexible. It can be completed fully online, in residence, or through a combination of both. If you are currently engaged in ministry, this degree can equip you wherever you are.

 

The Church Planting Track

The MABTS is the only degree beside the Master of Divinity that has the availability to add the church planting track, which will equip you with philosophical and practical skills for church planting.

 

Thesis Optional

The MABTS prepares you for a PhD or other advanced academic degrees by giving you the option to add a thesis, enabling you to gain greater experience in research and advanced theological writing.

Additional Benefits

  • Biblical Languages

    You get your choice of which biblical language to study: either Greek (New Testament) or Hebrew (Old Testament). Or you can use elective credits to take both.

  • Field Ed Optional

    If you are pursuing the Church Planting Track, you receive field ed supervision, building in 300 hours of supervised practical ministry training to this biblical degree.

  • Easy Transfer to the MDiv

    You can craft the MABTS to ensure that all credits transfer into the MDiv, enabling you to complete the final third of the MDiv through as few as six on-campus intensive courses.

Who this degree is for

Ministry Leaders

Men or women who are engaged in ministry and want to be further equipped in the areas of Bible and theology.

Bible + Theology Teachers

Teachers in the church, within a Christian school, or higher-ed academic setting.

Advanced degrees

Students wishing to pursue a future PhD in Bible or Theology.

Degree Formats

The Master of Arts (Biblical & Theological Studies) is 66 credit hours. This means that it can be completed in as little as two years. However, you can complete this degree in a longer period by taking courses at your own pace.

Program requirements: accredited bachelors degree with a 2.25 GPA.

Residential

Learn in residence in St. Louis under a faculty of pastor-scholars and alongside a community of learners. On-campus housing is available for single students, couples, and families.

Online

The MABTS can be completed fully online, allowing you to study at your own pace and within your local context while still giving you access to deep biblical scholarship.

Hybrid

You can choose to mix the content of this degree between in-person and online courses. Week-long intensive courses are available in addition to semester-long residential courses.

 

Concentrations

Church Planting Track

Designed to equip church planters through special courses, personal ministry assessments, externships, mentored oversight, field trips, and fundraising training. Can be taken residentially or through hybrid study formats.

MABTS Thesis

Students interested in academic leadership or advanced study may opt to write a thesis (4 credits taken as electives), enabling them to gain greater experience in research and advanced theological writing.

Greek + Hebrew

One biblical language (Greek or Hebrew) is required for all MABTS students. If desired, students can structure their elective credits to learn both languages for even greater biblical depth.

 

Church Planting Track + Thesis + Languages

Students can use their elective hours to add all three concentrations, giving them the greatest amount of biblical depth and practical ministry experience. See below for degree sequences. Talk with your academic advisor for details.

Degree sequences: Online

 
 
 

Degree sequences: Residential

 
 
 

Ready to Begin?

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