In the summer of 2021, Gordon-Conwell formally transitioned to new degree programs. Learn More. The program below remains active for students who entered before that time who have not yet graduated. No new students are being accepted into this specific program.
Quick Facts
Credit hours: 60
Completion time: 2 years (full-time study)
Digital Option: Up to 50% digital/remote
Degree requirements »
Program Overview
Develop a strong biblical foundation and prepare for various forms of ministry or further studies with the Master of Arts — Old Testament. You’ll receive an advanced understanding of the Old Testament with emphasis on the original Hebrew and Aramaic text. Building on our long-standing commitment to and respect for the original language, the MAOT will challenge you go deeper into God’s Word through exegesis courses in the original languages.
Hamilton Campus
Program Distinctives
- Embodiment of the institution’s commitment to the original text and biblical languages
- Exegesis courses taught in Hebrew and Aramaic to thoroughly integrate Old Testament language with Old Testament studies
- Rigorous courses range from in-depth language study to a survey of other disciplines, providing students with a holistic theological education
- Thesis track option per invitation by a faculty member
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Institute
Quick Facts
Credit hours: 60
Completion time: 2 years (full-time study)
Digital Option: Up to 100% digital/remote
Degree requirements »
Program Overview
Develop a strong biblical foundation and prepare for various forms of ministry or further studies with the Master of Arts — Old Testament. You’ll receive an advanced understanding of the Old Testament with emphasis on the original Hebrew and Aramaic text. Building on our long-standing commitment to and respect for the original language, the MAOT will challenge you go deeper into God’s Word through exegesis courses in the original languages.
Charlotte Campus
Program Distinctives
- Embodiment of the institution’s commitment to the original text and biblical languages
- Exegesis courses taught in Hebrew and Aramaic to thoroughly integrate Old Testament language with Old Testament studies
- 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 (Old Testament) students are typically interested in pursuing doctoral work, for which this degree is excellent preparation. Some may choose to earn a dual degree with Biblical Languages or New Testament to enhance their preparedness for further studies. If you are interested in Bible translation, teaching or other related ministries, the MAOT will prepare you well by equipping you with essential exegetical and hermeneutical skills using the original languages.
Potential Careers
- Doctoral studies in the Old Testament
- Bible translation
- Teaching in Christian education
Degree Goals
- To develop an intermediate understanding of the content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings
- To understand the basic historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
- To gain an intermediate competency with biblical Hebrew in order to develop exegetical and hermeneutical skills using the original languages
- In keeping with the highest tradition of Christian scholarship, to develop advanced skills for biblical research and writing, using original languages, and 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
The faculty and staff at Gordon-Conwell modeled humble, faithful Christian scholarship in the service of Christ’s Church. They did not simply teach their students—they loved and cared for them, too. Many of the relationship that started in the early 1990s continue to sustain me in my own vocational calling.”
Miles Van Pelt, MAOT ‘94
Alan Belcher Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages; Director, Summer Institute for Biblical Languages; Academic Dean | Reformed Theological Seminary | Jackson, MS