Discover an unparalleled option for cultivating a robust foundation in research, writing, and teaching with our accredited Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. In this extensive 63-hour degree program, students delve deeply into the grammar, syntax, and interpretation methodologies for Greek and Hebrew. Further enrich your expertise in Biblical languages with courses in Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin. Committed to excellence, our program uniquely integrates a special emphasis on apologetics. Beyond understanding Scripture, we equip you with the skills to proclaim and defend the truth of the Gospel in one-on-one conversations, public debates, and various ministry settings.
Choosing SES for your M.A. in Biblical Studies means embracing our commitment to teaching from a foundation of classical theism. We believe in the essential nature of the immutable tenets of this philosophical and theological framework for a coherent study of the Bible and an effective defense of Scripture’s truth. Unlike many other seminaries, SES takes a strong stance on biblical inerrancy, making our program a unique and compelling choice for those seeking a comprehensive and rigorous biblical education.
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.
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.
SES provides a fully immersive digital campus experience where every aspect of traditional education is achieved in a virtual environment. Many courses are live-streamed, while others are offered asynchronously (recorded) with live-streaming components. Our innovative online education can deliver the training you need in a way that fits your schedule and budget.
The seminary-level M.A. in Biblical Studies can lead to future doctoral work and is ideal for those preparing for:
If you’ve delved into insightful works by Frank Turek, Alisa Childers, Greg Koukl, and other notable authors, you’ve laid a solid foundation. Yet, you may be at a juncture in your self-guided study where you recognize the need to elevate your preparation for defending the faith. To effectively engage the culture with the Gospel, you will need a deeply integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This integrated approach is the core of every SES program and what makes SES one of the premier apologetics-focused seminaries in the country. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certificate in apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, or something else, the foundation is the same. Good philosophy provides a solid foundation from which to do theology, and both provide necessary tools for sound apologetics. Together, all three disciplines aid in removing obstacles to the Gospel (evangelism) and in building mature disciples who live the Gospel (discipleship) and are steadfast in the truth. Choose a degree or certificate from SES to benefit from our unique integration, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with today’s issues and defend your faith effectively.
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.
(With our membership as a supporting sponsor of the Digital Theological Library)
At SES, you will have the opportunity to study under some of the best Christian thinkers in the world. Many of our professors studied under SES co-founder Dr. Norman Geisler, while others have their own distinguished educational linage. Each of them bring their unique areas of expertise to the classroom as well as a genuine desire to see their students grow, not only intellectually, but in spiritual maturity as well. Here are just some of the professors from whom you’ll be learning:
Provost, Professor of Philosophy & Apologetics, Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics
Director of SES Ph.D. Program, Associate Professor of Philosophy & Theology
Dean of Education, Associate Professor of Philosophy
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.
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.
This foundational course will cover the historical development of Christian apologetics, introduce you to contemporary issues, and prepare you to engage our culture.
Provisional Requirement Notice:
If one does not meet the undergraduate GPA requirement, they 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.
Contact the Admissions Department with any specific questions you may have or visit our FAQ page.
Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary. You will also not be bogged down with numerous fees.
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.
(Graduate)
Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.
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.
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.
We’re convinced that you won’t find a higher quality option for seminary or the apologetics training we offer with a more affordable price or flexible payment options. Take the next step in answering the call to ministry or furthering your education today and begin the application process. You can get started in minutes and we are here to help you if you have questions.
This seminary-level degree will take your apologetics training to the next level by layering in important theological study
For a more traditional seminary degree with an apologetics focus, this M.Div. may the right path for your future ministry
This extremely practical and hands-on degree will prepare to for apologetics ministry in a variety of ministry contexts