Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies

84 Credit-Hours

Fully Online

Flexible Payment Plans

As Christians, What are We to Do with Contrary or Outright Contradictory Interpretations of Scripture?

What are the essential skills for engaging with the original texts of the Bible?

Questions such as these are so important to address in personal and professional ministry. Whether you’re still relatively early in your academic career, approaching retirement, or anywhere in between–the M.Div. in Biblical Studies will strengthen you for whatever ministry to which God calls you. The 84-credit hour Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies program at Southern Evangelical Seminary is designed to equip you with at least three essential components of training to address these and a related host of questions: apologetics, Biblical language training, and classical theism.

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.

Apologetics

Apologetics is one of the cornerstones of each degree program at SES. Through the M.Div. in Biblical Studies program, you will understand the needs and issues at stake in our cultural debates and be ready to engage.

Biblical Languages

Biblical language training in the M.Div. in Biblical Studies gets far beyond the basics. You will explore Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin grammar, syntax, and the skills for interpreting the text.

Classical Theism

We begin with the bedrock tenets of God’s simplicity, impassibility, and more. With the proper foundation for demonstrating the nature of the existence of God, we may confidently build new skills and understanding for cultural engagement and upholding the hope of the Gospel.

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

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.Div. 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!

"In our day and age, the watershed issue is believing the message of the Bible. There are many movements and ideologies fighting to eclipse the biblical message and the foundations of true truth that undergird the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. Southern Evangelical Seminary has uniquely fought this battle by standing for the total truthfulness of Scripture in an age compromised by skepticism, agnosticism, postmodernism, social justice, critical race theory, and any other ‘ism’ that raises itself up against the knowledge of God."

Bill Roach

SES ALUM

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

Advanced Greek Exegesis

Delve into the original Greek of select New Testament texts equipped to apply your knowledge of syntax and grammar and produce your own translation.

Hermeneutics

Explore the core skills for research and nuance of translation work in this course that will equip you for advanced teaching and writing in ministry.

Additional Language Electives

M.Div. in Biblical Studies students also have access to additional language elective classes, including Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin that will help round out the extensive language focus of this degree.

Full Course Listing

PREREQUISITE COURSE – 3 hours Pass/Fail

SM501 Writing & Research Skills (3)

APOLOGETICS – 6 hours

AP501 Intro to Christian Apologetics (3)
AP512 Ethics (3)

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES – 18 hours

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

BIBLICAL STUDIES – 15 hours

OT501 Old Testament Survey 1: Genesis–Esther (3)
OT502 Old Testament Survey 2: Job–Malachi (3)
NT501 New Testament Survey 1: Gospels & Acts (3)
NT502 New Testament Survey 2: Epistles & Rev. (3)
OT/NT Elective (3)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – 3 hours

CE501 Educational Program of the Church (3)

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 3 hours

HT510 Church History (3)

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM – 6 hours

ME505 Practical Evangelism & Apologetics (3)
ME507, 508, or 510 History of Missions & World Christianity, Biblical Theology & Principles of Missions, or Culture & Worldview (3)

PASTORAL THEOLOGY – 12 hours

PT501 Homiletics (3)
PT503 Biblical Counseling (3)
PT504 Pastoral Leadership (3)
PT507 Expository Preaching (3)

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 15 hours

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

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE – 3 hours

ME500 Ministry Practicum (3)

ELECTIVES – 3 hours

Any Elective (3)

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.