Karlstadt Theological Seminary

Advanced graduate program

Master of Theology and Biblical Studies

MTBS

An online, advanced academic and ministerial degree that prepares students for doctoral study, higher education, research ministries, nonprofit leadership, and specialized Christian service.

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Program length

2 years

Total credits

48 credits · 16 courses

Delivery

Online

Capstone

Master’s thesis and research defense

Program vision

Rigorous scholarship for the church, academy, and world

The Master of Theology and Biblical Studies cultivates rigorous scholarship, biblical fidelity, ecumenical awareness, and intellectual engagement with contemporary theological challenges.

Students develop the advanced interpretive, theological, research, teaching, and leadership skills needed for faithful service and competitive doctoral preparation.

The program equips students to

  • Interpret Scripture using advanced exegetical methods.
  • Engage historical and contemporary theological traditions.
  • Conduct graduate-level academic research.
  • Teach theology and biblical studies in educational institutions.
  • Develop ministries grounded in biblical and theological foundations.
  • Prepare competitively for PhD, ThD, DMin, and other doctoral programs.

Degree requirements

Program structure

The 48-credit MTBS program combines core curriculum, focused specialization, and a substantial research thesis.

Core curriculum

18 credits

Area of specialization

18 credits

Research and thesis

12 credits

Total

48 credits

Course catalog

Two-year curriculum

Sixteen courses guide students from the core curriculum into specialization and a substantial thesis project.

Year one · Semester I

12 credits
MTBS 601

Orientation to Old Testament Exegesis

3 credits

Canon and formation of the Old Testament; Pentateuch; historical books; poetic and wisdom literature; prophetic literature; Hebrew exegesis tools; biblical theology of the Old Testament.

MTBS 602

Orientation to New Testament Exegesis

3 credits

Canon and textual transmission; Synoptic Gospels; Johannine literature; Pauline theology; general epistles; Revelation; Greek exegetical tools.

MTBS 603

Doing Christian Theology

3 credits

Nature and task of theology; theological method; Scripture and tradition; faith and reason; contemporary methodologies; constructive theological reflection.

MTBS 604

Theological Research Methods and Academic Writing

3 credits

Research design; literature review; bibliography construction; academic writing; citation standards; scholarly publication methods.

Year one · Semester II

12 credits
MTBS 611

History of Christianity and Ecumenical Movements

3 credits

Early Church; medieval Christianity; Reformation; modern Christianity; world Christianity; ecumenical theology.

MTBS 612

Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation

3 credits

Historical-critical methods; literary approaches; canonical interpretation; theological interpretation; contemporary hermeneutical models.

MTBS 613

Formation, Spirituality and Christian Leadership

3 credits

Spiritual formation; Christian discipleship; leadership models; ethical formation; ministerial identity.

MTBS 614

Seminar in Biblical Theology

3 credits

Kingdom of God; covenant theology; salvation history; biblical themes; intertestamental developments.

Year two · Semester III

12 credits
MTBS 701

Advanced Old Testament Theology

3 credits

Creation theology; covenant; kingdom; wisdom traditions; prophetic hope; messianic expectation.

MTBS 702

Advanced New Testament Theology

3 credits

Christology; pneumatology; ecclesiology; eschatology; Pauline theology; Johannine theology.

MTBS 703

Historical and Systematic Theology

3 credits

Patristic theology; medieval theology; Reformation theology; modern theology; contemporary theology.

MTBS 704

Directed Research Seminar I

3 credits

Thesis preparation; research proposal; literature review; preliminary research findings.

Year two · Semester IV

12 credits
MTBS 711

Contemporary Theological Issues

3 credits

Liberation theology; political theology; public theology; theology and culture; Christianity and social justice; global theology.

MTBS 712

World Christianity and Mission Studies

3 credits

Global Christian movements; intercultural ministry; mission theology; Christianity in the Global South; religious pluralism.

MTBS 713

Master’s Thesis and Research Defense

6 credits

An 80–120 page thesis, original scholarly research, faculty supervision, and oral defense before a committee.

Formation and achievement

Program learning outcomes

Biblical competencies

  • Interpret Old and New Testament texts using historical, literary, canonical, and theological methods.
  • Conduct advanced biblical exegesis utilizing scholarly resources.
  • Evaluate major issues in biblical theology and hermeneutics.

Theological competencies

  • Demonstrate mastery of classical Christian doctrines.
  • Engage major theologians and theological traditions critically.
  • Integrate biblical theology, systematic theology, and practical ministry.

Historical competencies

  • Analyze the development of Christianity through major historical periods.
  • Evaluate global expressions of Christianity and ecumenical movements.

Research competencies

  • Produce advanced academic research following recognized theological methodologies.
  • Construct scholarly arguments utilizing primary and secondary sources.
  • Complete a publishable master’s thesis.

Ministry competencies

  • Apply theological reflection to contemporary church and societal challenges.
  • Demonstrate leadership, teaching, and communication skills suitable for ministry and academia.

Sample elective courses

Students may substitute selected specialization courses with approved electives.

Biblical studies

  • Hebrew Exegesis
  • Greek Exegesis
  • Dead Sea Scrolls
  • Second Temple Judaism
  • Biblical Archaeology
  • Apocalyptic Literature

Theology

  • Doctrine of God
  • Christology
  • Theological Anthropology
  • Theology of Liberation
  • Theology of Culture
  • Theological Ethics

Historical studies

  • Reformation Studies
  • Puritan Theology
  • Evangelicalism and the Modern World
  • History of Global Christianity

Ministry and public theology

  • Theology and Social Transformation
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Spirituality of War and Peace
  • Public Theology
  • Church and Society

Recommended doctoral preparation track

Students intending to pursue a PhD, ThD, or DPhil are strongly encouraged to complete the following advanced work.

  • Advanced Biblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew)
  • Research Seminar I and II
  • Master’s Thesis (Distinction Level)
  • Academic Conference Presentation
  • Scholarly Journal Publication Workshop

Graduate profile

The MTBS graduate emerges as a competent theological scholar, biblical interpreter, educator, ministry leader, and doctoral candidate equipped to advance Christian thought and contribute meaningfully to the flourishing of the Church, academy, and wider world.

Research excellence

Students work closely with faculty mentors in research seminars and thesis supervision.

Classical and evangelical foundations

Strong grounding in Scripture, historical orthodoxy, and contemporary theological engagement.

Global Christian perspective

Exposure to Christianity across cultures, traditions, and continents.

Doctoral preparation

Designed to provide the academic rigor expected by leading doctoral programs worldwide.

Faith seeking understanding

The curriculum integrates scholarly excellence, spiritual formation, and service to the Church and society.

Prepare for advanced theological scholarship

Build a rigorous foundation for doctoral study, teaching, research, and specialized Christian service through the Master of Theology and Biblical Studies.

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Scholarship rooted in Scripture. Service shaped by truth.