Onsite Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies

Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies is a 12-month residential academic program built on the foundation of ministry undergraduate programs. Graduates will be equipped to serve in local churches, higher education, or Christian organizations. Additionally, an accessible pathway is available for those interested in pursuing doctoral-level studies.

Why Pursue My Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies at IWU?

This IWU master’s program emphasizes real-world ministry experience and theological training. Students benefit from a strong network of peers and supportive faculty members invested in your spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Professors from Wesley Seminary and IWU's School of Theology and Ministry offer individualized guidance and care throughout the student journey.

What Will I Learn in this Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies Program?

Students in the program will engage in coursework that includes Old and New Testament studies, theology, church history, and spiritual formation. This curriculum ensures all graduates possess a deep understanding of biblical and theological frameworks while also receiving hands-on ministry preparation.

This 12-month residential academic program provides options for specialized study in four areas: biblical exegesis, biblical languages, Christian thought, or Near Eastern studies.

Tuition & Aid

36 Credit Hours

$551/ Credit Hour

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

This program takes one academic year and consists of 36-credit hours. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will know how to:

Integrate Christian history, scripture, and theology in the practice of ministry.
Synthesize advanced knowledge of the theological disciplines.
Apply Christian Scripture to contemporary issues for effective Christian service and discipleship.

Elective Courses:

6 UNDUPLICATED CREDITS FROM:

BIBL-500/600 (3 cr/ea)
GRE-500/600 (3 cr/ea)
HBR-500/600 (3 cr/ea)
NES-500/600 (3 cr/ea)
THEO-500/600 (3 cr/ea)

3 UNDUPLICATED CREDITS FROM:

RSCH-591 (1 cr) AND RSCH-592 (1 cr) AND RSCH-593 (1 cr)

Any Wesley Seminary 500/600 course(s)

General Elective or Research (3 cr)

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

BIL-530,BIBL-580,REL-539,THE-535,WSEM-551,SPIR-512,SPIR-514

Four available Specializations

BIBLICAL EXEGESIS SPECIALIZATION

Two required courses (BIBL-588,BIBL-590.) Plus, choose:

HBR-500 or GRE-500

-and-

HBR-523 or GRE-523 or NES-500

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES SPECIALIZATION

Two required courses (GRE-500,HBR-500.) Plus, choose six (6) credits from these four courses:

GRE-523
GRE-524
HBR-523
HBR-524

CHRISTIAN THOUGHT SPECIALIZATION

Two required courses (CHST-587,THEO-581.) Plus, choose one:

MISS-650 or THE-588 or THE-589

NEAR EASTERN STUDIES SPECIALIZATION

Four required courses (NES-500,NES-570,NES-580,NES-600)

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MABTS program begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations.

Wesley Seminary shall determine admission status from the completed forms and student file and notify the applicant in writing of the admission status granted. Regular admission to the seminary constitutes admission to candidacy for the master’s degree.

The basic criteria for regular admission to the MABTS program within the seminary are as follows:

A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a member agency of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) or by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
A minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the discipline of ministry from the degree granting institution.
An official transcript from the degree granting institution must be sent to Wesley Seminary.
Two recommendations including:
- One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
- One from a professor from your undergraduate ministerial program.
A three-to-four-page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one's sense of God's direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.
A criminal history background check must be completed before acceptance into any Wesley Seminary degree program if a felony was disclosed by the student on the application form

Required competencies for admission:

6 hours of undergraduate coursework in Bible: Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.
3 hours of undergraduate coursework in Theology.
3 hours of undergraduate coursework in Philosophy for the Christian Thought concentration.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of core requirements.
Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
Successful completion of the Bible Content Exam with a 70% or higher.
All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Association of Theological Schools (ATS)

Wesley Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools and is approved to offer the following degrees: Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, and the Doctor of Ministry.

Onsite M.A. Biblical and Theological Studies

Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies

Courses in this Program

Four available Specializations

Related Pages