Master of Biblical Studies

Bob Jones University’s accredited Master of Biblical Studies degree is designed to give you advanced education in the theology of the Bible to strengthen your ability to carefully exegete and teach the text.

Credits

Next Start

Jan. 17

Cost Per Credit

$450

Months

Apply Now Request Info 2-Year Schedule

Key Outcomes & Cost • Why SCOPE • Courses • Faculty • Admissions • FAQs Next Start: Jan. 17

Why Earn a Master of Biblical Studies Degree?

The Master of Biblical Studies is a flexible degree program for students who desire advanced education in the theology of the Bible with a goal of strengthening the student’s ability to carefully exegete and teach the text.

At BJU Seminary we are committed to the careful teaching of the authoritative Word of God and the application of the Word in various ministries. That is why we have designed our Master of Biblical Studies to focus on excellence in the interpretation of the biblical text and the communication of that text.

Program

Life is very busy for a committed pastor or a faithful layperson, and the idea of enrolling in a degree program may seem daunting in terms of time commitment and academic difficulty. While our seminary seeks a high standard of excellence, we also want the Master of Biblical Studies to be as accessible as possible for our students. All of the courses are offered either in residence or online. Furthermore, each course is taught by a professor who is committed to helping you succeed in the classroom as well in your ministry.

Key Outcomes

Skills You'll Acquire:

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills employers seek.

Knowledge and Persuasive Communication of Christian Doctrine — Articulate and defend Christian doctrine in an organized fashion.
Critical Thinking and Defense of the Doctrine of Bibliology — Analyze and critique theories that challenge the divine origin and inerrancy of Scripture.
Exegetical and Hermeneutical Analysis of the Bible — Exposit Scripture using principles of sound biblical interpretation.
Sermon/Lesson Preparation — Construct sermons and/or teaching lessons that reflect good exposition, valid application, and clear communication.
Counseling Application — Understand and apply basic principles of biblical counseling to typical counseling problems within the local church.
Biblical Interpretation — Evaluate and solve difficult interpretive issues of Scripture using sound biblical hermeneutics.
Analysis of Sanctification Models — Investigate and evaluate various models of sanctification.

Careers You Can Pursue:

Pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor
Pastoral counselor
Missionary
Christian school teacher
Lay leader in a local church
Leader in a parachurch organization

Months to Complete

With our flexible learning paths, you can complete your degree in as little as 12 months.

$16,200

Tuition Costs

Cost per credit: $450

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Why SCOPE?

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

Central in every course

FLEXIBLE PATHS

Tailored for your goals and schedule

APPLIED TO LIFE

Learning experiences designed for real-life relevance

CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Job-ready skills for your success

AFFORDABLE AVENUES

Cost-effective programs to achieve your outcomes

Why SCOPE?

Learn More

Courses

No Greek or Hebrew language requirements
All credits may be applied toward your MDiv
Advanced modules, evening flex classes, and livestream class options

Required Courses

Admissions

Steps to Apply

1. Review the admission requirements

Prerequisite: Our master’s degree programs require an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Note: International students or students with degrees from unaccredited institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

GPA: Our master’s degree programs require a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA:

2.0 GPA for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling programs
3.0 GPA for the Master of Public Health (MPH) programs
2.5 GPA for all other master’s degree programs
Note: If your GPA is at least 2.4, we would encourage you to apply as some exceptions are granted

2. Start your application

To begin your online application, you will need to create a Bob Jones University account.

3. Gather your required materials

You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official Transcripts

If you are a new student, you must request an official transcript from the institution granting your undergraduate degree. Your transcript should be sent to the Office of Admission for graduate study approval before admission.

Office of Admission
Bob Jones University
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC 29614

If you are a BJU graduate, your BJU transcript will be reviewed as part of the approval process before admission.

Reference Requests

You will need to submit the names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation. References must be submitted for your application to be considered complete.

Reference 1: a church leader (pastor or pastoral staff, non-relative)
Reference 2: an academic recommendation from a school official if you have been enrolled within the past 12 months; if you have not been enrolled in the past 12 months, submit a general reference.

4. Fill out your FAFSA

If you are interested in Financial Aid, please complete your FAFSA information.

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FAQs

Which master's program transitions most seamlessly into the MDiv degree?

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) degree flows most easily into the Mdiv program.

Do I need to take Greek or Hebrew to earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree?

No. Neither Greek nor Hebrew are required courses within the MABS degree.

Will all my credits in the MABS degree transfer into the MDiv program?

Yes, all credits in the MABS program will transfer into the MDiv program.

Can I add Greek or Hebrew to my program?

Yes, you can always add elective hours to the degree requirements.

Can I count undergrad Greek toward my credits or as a substitute for other credits?

Undergrad Greek cannot count or be substituted for any MA classes.

If I've taken undergrad Greek, can I take more advanced Greek in my MABS?

Yes, if you have taken at least 9 hours of undergraduate Greek, you can take Methods of Greek Exegesis in place of an Exposition course or perhaps Methods of Exposition or Teaching Bible if you have had similar courses in your undergraduate work.

Can I finish this degree in 2 years?

Yes, if you complete 3 courses each semester and/or at least one course in the summer you can finish in 2 years.

Is this degree just for men in pastoral ministry?

No, this degree can be completed by women as well who are serious about honing their bible study skills for use in discipleship, counseling, and women’s or children’s ministries.

If I already have another MA from BJU Seminary, can I do an MA in Biblical Studies?

Yes, provided you do at least an additional 15 credits unique to the MABS degree program.

Results

EARN A MASTER OF BIBLICAL STUDIES DEGREE FROM

BOB JONES UNIVERSITY

Unlock your next impossible through an accredited master's degree through SCOPE.

What's the Value of a Master's Degree?

Greater Earnings Potential: On average, those with a master’s degree earn higher income than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Increased Job Stability: Those with a master’s degree have a higher chance of landing a professional role after graduation.

Stay in Demand: A master's degree can help you stay current in your field and relevant in the market.

Stay Employed: A master's degree reduces the likelihood of experiencing unemployment when compared to those with just a bachelor’s degree.

Stay Ahead Financially: The future gains for those with a graduate degree outpace those with a bachelor’s degree.

Our Master's Degrees Come with a Guide: Our Pathway Partners can support your next steps towards a graduate degree. They help you see the path forward, monitor your progress, and help you know what to do next.

Program Coordinator

Bruce Meyer

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Call (888) 253-9833 or fill out the form below.

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