Master of Arts - Ministry - Specialization in Biblical Studies
A specialization in Biblical Studies prepares students to interpret the Scriptures faithfully using various hermeneutical tools and methods, and to contextualize the Biblical message for contemporary application and theological formation. Students will choose (1) course each representing the (4) domains of Biblical Theology, Biblical Exegesis, the Bible in Community, and Biblical Languages, for a total of (12) hours.
In addition to the MA in Ministry learning outcomes, students with a specialization in Biblical Studies should, with graduate-level competency, be able to:
- Interpret the Scriptures faithfully using various hermeneutical tools and methods.
- Contextualize the Biblical message for contemporary application and theological formation.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ministry major begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations. The Wesley Seminary shall determine admission status from the completed forms and student file and notify the applicant in writing of the admission status granted. Regular admission to the seminary constitutes admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. The basic criteria for regular admission to the MA program within the seminary are as follows:
Program Requirements
- Students must have completed all required courses before enrolling in the MA Capstone course (MIN-691). Registration in the MA Capstone will be cancelled for any students who fail to satisfactorily complete all required MA courses.
- All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment
Transfer Credit
- A maximum of nine hours may be transferred from another accredited master's program, provided it falls within seven years prior to admission.
- Students who have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program to BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture, THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology, and CHST-500 Global Christian History will be allowed/encouraged to substitute an advanced Bible, theology, or church history elective.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of core requirements.
- Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- Successful completion of the Bible Content Exam with a 70% or higher.
- All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.
- Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
MA Program of Study (36 Hours)
Core Courses
Practical Ministry - 3 Hours
Biblical Studies - 3 Hours
| BIBL-500 | The Bible as Christian Scripture | 3 |
Church History - 3 Hours
Theological Studies - 3 Hours
| THEO-500 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Intercultural Competency - 3 Hours
Spiritual Formation - 4 Hours
| SPIR-500 | Spiritual Formation: Change & Transformation | 1 |
| SPIR-520 | Spiritual Formation: Self Awareness & Appraisal | 1 |
| SPIR-540 | Spiritual Formation: Goal Setting & Accountability | 1 |
| SPIR-560 | Spiritual Formation: Mentoring & Spiritual Direction | 1 |
Capstone - 2 Hours
Specialization in Biblical Studies
Need to take one course in each of the four categories.
Biblical Theology
Choose one.
Biblical Exegesis
Choose one.
| BIBL-510 | Biblical Archaeology | 3 to 5 |
| BIBL-550 | Historical Context of Jesus and the Gospels | 3 |
| BIBL-552 | Historical Contexts of Scripture | 3 |
| BIBL-610 | Torah Engagement: The Formation of Worship | 3 |
| BIBL-615 | Mark for Ministry | 3 |
| BIBL-621 | Paul: Ministry & Theology | 3 |
| BIBL-630 | Exegesis of Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| BIBL-640 | Prophetic Literature: Preaching the Truth | 3 |
| BIBL-660 | Apocalyptic Literature | 3 |
Bible in Community
Choose one.
Biblical Languages
Choose one.
Elective
-
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
