MA Biblical Studies
Purpose
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) is a 65-credit program designed for individuals who desire to grow in their walk with God and understanding of God’s Word. MABS students learn to use biblical language tools in their study of the Scriptures for use in teaching or preaching. The MABS provides an environment for the development of the student’s spiritual life, character, and leadership along with grounding in the Scriptures and core doctrines of the Christian faith.
Target Group
The MABS is designed for individuals who wish to learn how to use biblical language tools to aid in their study of the Scriptures. Those who have been in ministry for many years may wish to take this program as a way to expand their biblical knowledge and further develop as learners and teachers of the Scripture. MABS graduates serve as pastoral staff, cross-cultural missionaries, church planters, church workers, parachurch workers, lay ministers, Bible teachers, and translators.
Admissions Requirements
The individual applying for the MABS must follow the usual EAST application process and meet the MABS admissions standards. Both of these are stated in the “Admissions” section of this Prospectus. Additional admissions information for international students is explained in the “International Students” section of the Prospectus.
Program Explanation
EAST Aleph (Summer) | LF500 Research and Writing for Christian Leadership | 2 | ||
IS400 Evangelism and Follow Up Seminar | NC | |||
1st Year | 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | ||
BS510 Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics | 3 | OT510 Old Testament Narratives | 3 | |
LF510 Christian Leadership Foundations | 3 | LF560 Christian Marriage and Family in Asia | 3 | |
IS501 Building Spiritual Movements | 3 | LF580 Cross-Cultural Team Internship 1 | 1 | |
TS560 Worldview and Biblical Decision Making
OR IS520 Contextualisation |
2 |
IS510 World Missions | 2 | |
TS532 Spiritual Life and Transformation | 3 | |||
Emphasis Course: OT501 Biblical Hebrew 1: Elementary Hebrew
OR NT501 Biblical Greek 1: Elementary Greek |
3 | Emphasis Course: OT502 Biblical Hebrew 2: Exegesis Using Tools
OR NT502 Biblical Greek 2: Exegesis Using Tools OR Biblical Studies Emphasis Course |
3
2 |
|
LF570 Mentoring Group 1 | 1 | LF570 Mentoring Group 2 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 15 | TOTAL | 15/16 | |
Summer | LF581 Cross-Cultural Team Internship 2 | 2 | ||
2nd Year | 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | ||
TS510 Theology 1 | 3 | TS511 Theology 2 | 3 | |
OT511 Old Testament Poetry, Wisdom Literature and Prophets | 3 | NT511 New Testament Epistles and Revelation | 3 | |
LF530 Teaching and Learning 1
OR LF555 Expository Preaching 1 |
2 | Emphasis Course: LF531 Teaching and Learning 2
OR LF556 Expository Preaching 2 |
3 | |
Emphasis Course: OT501 Biblical Hebrew 1: Elementary Hebrew
OR NT501 Biblical Greek 1: Elementary Greek |
3 | Emphasis Course: OT502 Biblical Hebrew 2: Exegesis Using Tools
OR NT502 Biblical Greek 2: Exegesis Using Tools OR Biblical Studies Emphasis Course |
3
2 |
|
NT510 New Testament Narratives | 3 | LF597 Summative Learning Project | 1 | |
LF582 Field Practicum & FIRM 1 – one credit per semester | 2 | |||
LF570 Mentoring Group 3 | 1 | LF570 Mentoring Group 4 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 16 | TOTAL | 14/15 |
Biblical Studies Emphasis Courses
OT501 Biblical Hebrew 1: Elementary Hebrew (3 credits)
NT501 Biblical Greek 1: Elementary Greek (3 credits)
OT502 Biblical Hebrew 2: Exegesis Using Tools or NT502 Biblical Greek 2: Exegesis Using Tools (3 credits)
LF531 Teaching and Learning 2 or LF556 Expository Preaching 2 (3 credits)
Biblical Studies (BS, OT, NT) Emphasis Course (2 credits) or additional biblical language course (3 credits and graduate with an extra Biblical Studies emphasis credit)
Course Description Information
For further information and description of each of the MABS classes, refer to the appropriate section of the “Course Descriptions” section of this Prospectus.
Distribution Requirements
Biblical Studies (BS, OT, NT) 15 credits
BS510, OT510, OT511, NT510, NT511
Intercultural Studies (IS) 5 or 7 credits*
IS400, IS501, IS510, IS520*
Leadership Studies (LF) 10 credits
LF500, LF510, LF560, LF530 or LF555
Formation (LF) 10 credits
LF570, LF580, LF581, LF582, LF597
Theological Studies (TS) 9 or 11 credits*
TS510, TS511, TS532, TS560*
Biblical Studies Emphasis Courses 14 credits
65 credits
* Distribution within Intercultural Studies and Theological Studies will vary as the student selects either TS560 Worldview and Biblical Decision Making or IS520 Contextualisation.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
A student has a maximum of five (5) years to complete a MABS from the date of matriculation at EAST.
Graduation Requirements
The following are requirements in order to graduate with a MABS:
- Completion of all classwork (65 credits) with a grade of C- or higher
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Demonstrate character and ministry skills appropriate for an EAST graduate
- Approval by the faculty
- Payment of all fees