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Master of Divinity - 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 Master of Divinity 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

  • A baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or international theological accrediting associations affiliated with the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education.
  • A minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 from the degree granting institution.
  • An official transcript from the degree granting institution.
  • Two recommendations including
    • One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
    • A general recommendation.
  • A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one’s sense of God’s direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.

  • A signed Ministry Context form.

Transfer Credit

  • A maximum of 27 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.

Program Requirements

  • Students must have completed all required courses before enrolling in the Capstone Course MIN-695. Registration in the Capstone MIN-695 will be cancelled for any students who fail to satisfactorily complete all required courses.
  • All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment.

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 ten years.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

M.Div. Program of Study (75 credits)

First Year Experience (15 credits)

WSEM-501Pastor, Church, and World

3
BIBL-500The Bible as Christian Scripture

3
CHST-500Global Christian History

3
-
or
CHST-510History of Christian Missions

3
THEO-500Introduction to Christian Theology

3
MISS-500Cultural Contexts of Ministry

3
-
or
MISS-510Cultural Anthropology

3

MDiv Core (39 credits)

BIBL-620Missional Hermeneutics

3
MISS-620Missional Church

3
CHST-621The Story of Christian Worship

3
WSHP-621Christian Worship

3
THEO-630Soteriology for Christian Formation

3
CONG-630Christian Formation in Communities and Congregations

3
BIBL-631Exegesis Christian Proclamation

3
PROC-631Christian Proclamation

3
THEO-640Pastoral Theology

3
PCRE-640Pastoral Care & Relationships

3
CHST-641Historical Perspectives on Christian Leadership

3
LEAD-641Christian Leadership

3
MIN-695Integration Capstone

3

Spiritual Formation (6 credits)

SPIR-500Spiritual Formation: Change & Transformation

1
SPIR-520Spiritual Formation: Self Awareness & Appraisal

1
SPIR-540Spiritual Formation: Goal Setting & Accountability

1
SPIR-560Spiritual Formation: Mentoring & Spiritual Direction

1
SPIR-570Spiritual Formation: Personal & Corporate Disciplines

1
SPIR-590Spiritual Formation: Recovery & Deliverance

1

Electives (15 credits)

(Students may elect to take one of Wesley Seminary's specializations as part of the MDiv)

Specialization in Biblical Studies (15 credits)

Need to take one course in each of the four categories. 

Biblical Theology

Choose one.
BIBL-520Biblical Theology

3
THEO-520Christmas: the Mystery of the Incarnation

3
THEO-525Theology of Prayer

3
THEO-530Easter: The Resurrection of the Crucified

3
THEO-543Theology of Holiness

3

Biblical Exegesis

Choose one.
BIBL-510Biblical Archaeology

3 to 5
BIBL-550Historical Context of Jesus and the Gospels

3
BIBL-552Historical Contexts of Scripture

3
BIBL-610Torah Engagement: The Formation of Worship

3
BIBL-621Paul: Ministry & Theology

3
BIBL-630Exegesis of Wisdom Literature

3
BIBL-640Prophetic Literature: Preaching the Truth

3
BIBL-660Apocalyptic Literature

3

Bible in Community

Choose one.
BIBL-525Bible Storytelling

3
INST-605Intercultural Biblical Hermeneutics

3
PROC-650Preaching the Life of Christ

3
PROC-610Narrative Preaching

3
THEO-545Holiness and Christian Ethics

3

Biblical Languages

Choose one.
BIBL-501Hebrew for Ministry

3
BIBL-511Greek for Ministry

3
Total Credit Hours:36

Electives

-
Elective

3
Total Credit Hours:75

Indiana Weselayan