The concentration is designed for those students who intend to pursue further graduate education in theology or its cognate disciplines or those who seek additional depth of knowledge in a particular field of study. It may be appropriate in some cases for those who do not plan to pursue doctoral study but who expect to teach in a specific discipline in institutions overseas.

Graduation from the School of Theology follows the successful completion of all requirements for the specified program of study and the approval of the degree by the Senate of the University upon nomination by the Faculty of the School of Theology.

A Master of Arts student who has successfully completed all prescribed work, has completed all non-credit degree requirements, has submitted a complete portfolio if applicable, and has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.33 is eligible to be awarded the Master of Arts degree. Work toward the degree is to be concluded within four consecutive years from the date of matriculation.

Additionally, a student must satisfy all financial obligations to the University. The University will neither confer a degree nor provide transcripts to any student or former student who has unsatisfied financial obligations to the University.

Requirements

Students pursuing a concentration in Bible complete a core curriculum, do additional coursework in the area of concentration, and complete a research paper in the area of concentration. They must also complete certain non-credit degree requirements. Courses taken in the core curriculum may be counted towards the hours required for a concentration.

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Hours
Core Courses
BIBL 501	Old Testament I: From Prehistory to the Promised Land	3
BIBL 502	Old Testament II: Prophets, Exile, and Aftermath	3
BIBL 511	New Testament I: The Gospels in Context	3
BIBL 512	New Testament II: The Bible after Jesus	3
CHHT 511	Church Histories I: Asia and Africa	3
CHHT 512	Church Histories II: Europe and North America	3
CEMT 511	Introduction to Moral Theology	3
THEO 511	Introduction to Christian Theology	3
Concentration
Select six hours in a Biblical language		6
Select three additional hours in Biblical studies (BIBL)		3
Select twelve semester hours of electives (to include three hours in ethics)		12
THEO 598	Research Project 1	3
Total Semester Hours		48

¹

A research paper is required of those Master of Arts students pursuing a concentration. The student must obtain the approval of a faculty member in the area of concentration, who will serve as supervisor of the paper. The student then registers for three credit hours of research (THEO 598). The student meets regularly with the supervisor for guidance in research and writing. The research paper is to be a contribution to scholarly discussion. It is to be 5,500 to 7,500 words in length, and is to be submitted to the supervisor once it is completed. Once the supervisor approves the paper, they submit a grade for the paper to the Coordinator of Academic Affairs.

Non-credit Degree Requirements¹

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Hours
Bibliography, Research, and Writing Workshop
Cultural Diversity Workshop
Safeguarding God's Children Workshop
Safeguarding God's People Workshop
Education for Ministry (EfM) Workshop

¹

For details on these workshops, see the Non-credit Degree Requirements for Graduation section.