Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

63 Credit-Hours

Fully Online

Flexible Payment Plans

With All of the Competing and Contrary Interpretations of Biblical Texts, Where Does One Begin to Sort Things Out?

How can we get to the roots of Scripture to know what we are teaching is trustworthy and true?

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program at Southern Evangelical Seminary is one option for cultivating a strong foundation for further research, writing, and teaching. In this 63-hour degree program, students dive deeply into the grammar, syntax, and interpretation methodologies for Greek and Hebrew. Additional courses in Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin may further round out your Biblical languages expertise. As with all SES programs, a special emphasis on apologetics is also woven into the M.A. in Biblical Studies. It is not enough to simply be able to understand Scripture for yourself — we will give you the skills to proclaim and defend the truth of the Gospel in one-on-one conversations, public debate, and the many other opportunities you will have in your personal or pastoral ministry.

In addition to our robust apologetics training, many of our M.A. in Biblical Studies students choose SES because of our commitment to teaching from a foundation of classical theism. We believe that the immutable tenets of this philosophical and theological framework are essential for a coherent study of the Bible and effective defense of the truth of Scripture. There are very few, if any other, seminaries that specifically integrate theology, philosophy, and apologetics throughout their training. Because of this, SES takes a very strong stance on biblical inerrancy.

Read below for the details of this flexible program, and download your FREE ebook to see how such training relates to real-world Gospel issues.

Preparing You for Future Ministry

The M.A. in Biblical Studies program gives graduates core language and interpretation skills that may be directly applied in a number of academic, professional, and ministry settings. This program often lays a robust foundation for further study and scholarship for students who wish to become professors at a university or Bible college. Your experience in this program will help you discern your areas of giftedness and interest, which will be invaluable for getting the most out of a Ph.D. program in the future.

Transition to the Master of Divinity

SES also offers a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies, which may also be of interest to you. Both programs include the same extensive training and focus on Biblical languages and Biblical studies. The M.Div. in Biblical Studies program requires an additional 21 credit hours (for a total of 84 hours) beyond the M.A. degree. The majority of those additional courses are designed specifically for equipping individuals for pastoral care and fall into the areas of Christian education, pastoral theology, and missions and evangelism.

This seminary level degree can lead to future doctoral work and is ideal for those preparing for Academics Teaching, Speaking, Pastoral Ministry, Missions, or Personal Growth.

Your Academic Experience at SES

We aren’t catching up with the distance learning trend — SES has been breaking ground and pioneering an immersive digital campus experience for years. As a student, you'll enjoy a flexible, compelling, connected, environment for your studies. All of the easy-to-use technology you’ll need to thrive in seminary is housed in one place and accessed through a single, secure log-in.

Collaborate with your peers through our integrated approach

Interact with professors during many live-streamed classes

Conduct research in one of the most expansive theological libraries ever created

(With our membership as a supporting sponsor of the Digital Theological Library)

Learn more about the remarkable digital campus experience at SES that will help you thrive as a student and be equipped with the technology tools you’ll need in ministry.

In the M.A. in Biblical Studies Program, You Will:

See the Vital Need for Apologetics-Focused Education

Engaging real-world issues for the sake of the Gospel

Download Your FREE eBook Today!

"I am using the information I learned at SES on a daily basis as I defend the Christian worldview on the college campus. I simply could not be doing what I am doing, the way that I am doing it, without the training I received at SES. At SES I learned how to think through issues in a way that is simply foreign to most Christians, including graduates of other seminaries. I recommend SES to everyone that I can - especially my students!"

Aaron Marshall

SES Alum

Courses of Interest in the M.A. in Biblical Studies

Biblical Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis

With this course, you will take a close look at the structure and nuance of the original Hebrew in selected texts to apply your language skills in a hands-on study.

Hermeneutics

Review, deepen, and extend your skills for research and translation work through this class built to equip you for writing and teaching in an academic and/or ministry context.

Introduction to Christian Apologetics

This foundational course will cover the historical development of Christian apologetics, introduce you to contemporary issues, and prepare you to engage our culture.

Full Course Listing

PREREQUISITE COURSE – 3 hours Pass/Fail

SM501 Writing & Research Skills (3)

APOLOGETICS – 6 hours

AP501 Introduction to Christian Apologetics (3)
AP Elective (3)

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES – 18 hours

GK501 Greek Grammar 1 (3)
GK502 Greek Grammar 2 (3)
GK503 Greek Syntax & Exegesis (3)
HB501 Biblical Hebrew 1 (3)
HB502 Biblical Hebrew 2 (3)
HB503 Biblical Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis or
GK504 Advanced Greek Exegesis (3)

BIBLICAL STUDIES – 18 hours

OT501 Old Testament Survey 1: Genesis–Esther (3)
OT502 Old Testament Survey 2: Job–Malachi (3)
OT500 Old Testament Book (3)
NT501 New Testament Survey 1: Gospels & Acts (3)
NT502 New Testament Survey 2: Epistles & Rev. (3)
NT500 New Testament Book (3)

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 3 hours

HT501 Historical Theology: A Survey (3)

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 18 hours

ST501 Prolegomena & Bibliology (3)
ST502 Theology Proper & Creation (3)
ST503 Hamartiology & Soteriology (3)
ST504 Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, & Eschatology (3)
ST505 Hermeneutics (3)
ST511 Advanced Hermeneutics (3)

FIELD EXPERIENCE – 0 hours

FE501 Field Experience 1 (0)
FE502 Field Experience 2 (0)

GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATE REQUIREMENTS

Have earned a bachelors degree from an institution
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, the United
States Department of Education, or the equivalent (as assessed by SES)
GPA of 2.5 or above for their undergraduate program

PROVISIONAL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

If one does not meet the undergraduate GPA requirement, he may be granted a Provisional Admission. This requires
that the student maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA on the first semester of work at SES in order to be granted full admission.

A Valuable Degree with Exceptionally Affordable Tuition

Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary.

You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well.

As a result, we're delighted to tell you that you'll have a very difficult time finding a better tuition rate than what we offer at SES: $475 per credit hour.

^$475

per credit hour

Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.

LET'S PARTNER TOGETHER ON YOUR TUITION

Financial Aid & Discounts

Why Should You Seriously Consider Studying at SES?

You almost certainly have at least some basic — and perhaps even advanced — knowledge of Christian apologetics. Many new students at SES have studied books like Tactics by Gregory Koukl, Lewis' Mere Christianity, or I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by SES alum Frank Turek and SES co-founder Norman Geisler. These are all very helpful resources, but perhaps you have reached that point in your self-guided research where you hit a wall or find yourself out of your depth.

Apologetics, theology, and even Bible study will never reach their potential without being grounded in sound philosophy. It's not a matter of whether you're doing philosophy. It's a matter of whether you're doing it well or poorly. You can be a good philosopher without being a good apologist or theologian, but it does not work the other way around! Giving you the philosophical foundation you need for both theology and apologetics is just one of the ways that a degree or certificate from SES will serve you well.

Built for Your Calling

Whether you are pursuing full-time vocational leadership or personal ministry growth, this program is designed to provide a path for your success.

Full-Time Ministry

Christians are called to be salt and light in our world, and leaders should be equipped to confidently engage the ideas shaping today’s culture. Apologetics training is essential for breaking down barriers and effectively leading others. As you pursue God’s calling on your life through ministry, a seminary education will maximize your impact.

Personal Ministry

If your personal study hasn’t yielded the growth you’re looking for, formal training can equip you to answer hard questions and present the truth in love. Being grounded in apologetics prepares you to be fruitful in all aspects of your personal ministry. Our apologetics program offers structured training you need to share the faith and defend truth in everyday life.

Ready to Apply Now?

Start the admission process today. You can begin in just a few minutes by filling out our initial application and it will open the door for us to have an exploratory conversation about your educational priorities and hopes for ministry. We have an entire team at SES who is ready to help you in the process of discerning your gifts and calling to ministry so you can engage our culture in the conversations that matter the most.