Quick Facts
Credit hours: 61
Completion time: 2 years (full-time study)
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Program Overview
Develop a strong biblical foundation and prepare for various forms of ministry or further studies with the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies). You’ll receive an advanced understanding of the Old and New Testament with emphasis on the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. Building on our long-standing commitment to and respect for the original language, the MABS will challenge you go deeper into God’s Word through exegesis courses in the original languages.
Program Distinctives
- Embodiment of the institution’s commitment to the original text and biblical languages
- Rigorous courses offered in various formats (evenings, weekends, week intensives and online/hybrid) to accommodate your schedule
- Convenient, economical and innovative adult education system
- Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
- Access to research and annual lectureship series through The Robert C. Cooley Center for the Study of Early Christianity
- Access to library resources and classes at other top-tier institutions through the Carolina Theological Consortium
Typical Student
Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) students are typically interested in pursuing doctoral work, for which this degree is excellent preparation. Others are full-time pastors, bi-vocational pastors or non-ordained staff seeking to increase their ministry effectiveness in the church, workplace or other vocations.
Potential Careers
- Doctoral studies
- Missions
- Campus ministry
- Para-church ministry
- Church ministry
- Teaching in Christian education
Degree Goals
- To understand the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings as well as the historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
- To gain an intermediate competency with biblical Hebrew and Greek in order to develop exegetical and hermeneutical skills using the original languages, and also to acquire competency in ancient languages other than Hebrew and Greek
- In keeping with the highest tradition of Christian scholarship, to develop advanced skills for biblical research and writing, using original languages, and to develop an awareness of important bibliographic resources
- To foster love for God and his Word and therefore to cultivate the practices of spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, and to understand the Christian’s ethical responsibility in church and society
- To acquire a biblical perspective and Christian worldview on the forces in our culture and to learn to engage those as they are at work both outside and inside the life of the church
- To understand the historical and theological development of the Christian faith in order to integrate this faith with global ethical and missiological issues.
Spotlight Alum
At Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte, I was able to customize almost every class I took to prepare me well for doctoral studies. The weekend format was ideal for a stay-at-home mom who needed to chip away at a degree little by little in the midst of a very full life. I will always be grateful for the quality of the education I received at Gordon-Conwell and the way it prepared me to embrace my calling to teaching ministry.”
Carmen Imes, MABS ‘11
Ph.D. Student in Biblical Theology, Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL