MBS 501
3 creditsOld Testament Survey I
Study of the Pentateuch and Former Prophets, including creation and covenant, patriarchal narratives, Exodus and Mosaic theology, conquest, monarchy, and Israel's historical development.
Graduate professional master's degree
Master of Biblical Studies
MBS
A fully online graduate degree in biblical interpretation, biblical theology, historical theology, and the original languages of Scripture.
Program length
2 years full-time
Total credits
45 credits · 15 classes
Delivery format
Fully online
Capstone
Research project
Program vision
Rigorous formation in Scripture
The Master of Biblical Studies provides graduate-level preparation in biblical interpretation, biblical theology, historical theology, and the original languages of Scripture. It is designed for scholars, church leaders, biblical teachers, missionaries, and future doctoral students.
The program combines comprehensive study of the Old and New Testaments, advanced hermeneutical training, theological formation, biblical languages, historical reflection, spiritual formation, and research writing.
Students learn to engage Scripture in its historical, literary, theological, and canonical contexts while applying biblical truth faithfully to the Church and contemporary society.
Program at a glance
Degree structure
Foundational core
30 credits
Biblical Theology concentration
15 credits
Program total
45 credits
Transfer pathway
Applicable toward MDiv
Core curriculum
Foundational core curriculum
Thirty credits establish a comprehensive foundation in Old and New Testament study, interpretation, theology, ethics, history, and spiritual formation.
MBS 502
3 creditsNew Testament Survey I
Study of the Gospels and Acts through historical backgrounds, the life and ministry of Jesus, Synoptic traditions, Johannine literature, early church history, and apostolic mission.
MBS 503
3 creditsIntroduction to Hermeneutics
Principles of interpretation, historical-grammatical method, literary analysis, canonical interpretation, Christocentric reading, and contemporary hermeneutical challenges.
MBS 504
3 creditsBiblical Spirituality and Formation
Spiritual disciplines, prayer and Scripture meditation, worship, Christian character formation, discipleship, and holiness.
MBS 511
3 creditsOld Testament Survey II
Wisdom literature and the Prophets: Psalms and worship, wisdom traditions, major and minor prophets, messianic hope, and Old Testament theology.
MBS 512
3 creditsNew Testament Survey II
The Epistles and Revelation through Pauline theology, general epistles, Hebrews, Johannine theology, apocalyptic literature, and New Testament theology.
MBS 513
3 creditsTheology I: Revelation, God, and Creation
Revelation, Scripture, the doctrine of God, Trinity, creation, and divine providence.
MBS 514
3 creditsChristian Ethics and Moral Theology
Biblical foundations for ethics, virtue ethics, contemporary moral issues, justice and human dignity, and Christian decision making.
MBS 601
3 creditsTheology II: Christ, Salvation, and the Church
Christology, atonement, soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
MBS 602
3 creditsHistorical Theology and Christian Traditions
Patristic theology, medieval Christianity, Reformation theology, Protestant orthodoxy, modern theology, and contemporary movements.
MBS 603
3 creditsBiblical Theology: The Unity of Scripture
Covenant, kingdom, temple, promise and fulfillment, biblical narratives, and canonical development.
Focused study
Biblical Theology concentration
Fifteen credits provide specialized training in biblical theology and the original languages of Scripture.
MBS 701
3 creditsTradition, Scripture, and Theological Interpretation
Scripture and tradition, authority and interpretation, reception history, theological exegesis, and biblical authority in the Church.
MBS 702
3 creditsElementary Biblical Greek
Greek grammar, vocabulary, translation, exegetical tools, and reading the Greek New Testament.
MBS 703
3 creditsElementary Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew grammar, syntax, vocabulary, Hebrew narratives, and exegetical methodology.
MBS 704 or 705
3 creditsIntermediate Biblical Greek or Hebrew
A chosen advanced language elective that extends skills in either Greek or Hebrew.
MBS 799
3 creditsBiblical Studies Research Capstone
An 8,000–12,000-word major research paper completed with faculty supervision, advanced bibliography, critical engagement with primary and secondary sources, and oral presentation and defense.
Graduate capabilities
Program learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MBS, graduates will be able to:
Biblical knowledge
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Old and New Testaments.
- Explain the historical, literary, cultural, and theological contexts of Scripture.
- Articulate the unity of biblical revelation from Genesis to Revelation.
Hermeneutical and theological competence
- Apply sound principles of biblical interpretation using historical, grammatical, literary, and theological methods.
- Integrate biblical studies with systematic, historical, and practical theology.
- Evaluate major theological traditions and doctrinal developments.
Languages, research, and formation
- Demonstrate introductory competency in biblical Hebrew and Greek and use language tools for interpretation.
- Conduct graduate-level theological research and produce scholarly written projects.
- Integrate biblical scholarship with discipleship, ministry, Christian worldview, and leadership.
Two-year program map
Year one
24 creditsSemester I
12 credits- Old Testament Survey I (3)
- New Testament Survey I (3)
- Introduction to Hermeneutics (3)
- Biblical Spirituality and Formation (3)
Semester II
12 credits- Old Testament Survey II (3)
- New Testament Survey II (3)
- Theology I: Revelation, God, and Creation (3)
- Christian Ethics and Moral Theology (3)
Year two
21 creditsSemester III
9 credits- Theology II: Christ, Salvation, and the Church (3)
- Historical Theology and Christian Traditions (3)
- Biblical Theology: The Unity of Scripture (3)
Semester IV
15 credits- Tradition, Scripture, and Theological Interpretation (3)
- Elementary Biblical Greek (3)
- Elementary Biblical Hebrew (3)
- Intermediate Language Elective (3)
- Biblical Studies Research Capstone (3)
Recommended elective offerings
Students preparing for doctoral study may take additional language and research electives in biblical studies, theology, and historical studies.
Biblical studies
- Advanced Hebrew Exegesis
- Advanced Greek Exegesis
- Septuagint Studies
- Dead Sea Scrolls
- Second Temple Judaism
- Biblical Archaeology
- Pauline Theology
- Johannine Literature
- Pentateuchal Studies
- Prophetic Literature
Theology
- Doctrine of God
- Trinitarian Theology
- Christology
- Theological Anthropology
- Biblical Ethics
- Reformation Theology
Historical studies
- Early Church Fathers
- Augustine and Western Theology
- Reformation Movements
- Baptist History
- Global Christianity
Distinctive features
Comprehensive biblical formation
A panoramic understanding of all sixty-six books of Scripture.
Original language training
Foundation-level Greek and Hebrew competency for deeper exegesis and advanced study.
Biblical theology emphasis
God's redemptive plan traced from Genesis to Revelation through covenant, kingdom, temple, and messianic themes.
Research excellence
Scholarly research, writing, and analytical skills for academic ministry and doctoral preparation.
Spiritual formation
Biblical scholarship integrated with discipleship, worship, Christian character, and vocational discernment.
Pathway to advanced degrees
Preparation for the MDiv, MTh, MTBS, PhD, ThD, DMin, and other advanced theological programs.
Graduate profile
Graduates emerge as biblically literate scholars, faithful interpreters of Scripture, capable teachers of God's Word, and intellectually mature Christian leaders prepared for ministry, advanced theological education, and lifelong service to Christ and His Church.
Prepare for deeper biblical study
Build a rigorous foundation for teaching, ministry, research, and further theological education through the Master of Biblical Studies.
Explore admissionsScripture faithfully interpreted. Scholarship faithfully lived.