Master of Arts in Biblical-Theological Studies (MABTS)
The Master of Arts in Biblical Theological Studies (MABTS) concentrates on the study of the Bible with emphasis on its origin, theology and application to the contemporary world. The MABTS was created to meet the need for an academic focus in ministerial circles in the Inter-American region. Through courses in the areas of Old and New Testament, students acquire knowledge, exegetical tools and sociocultural, historical and theological analysis in all sections of the Bible. The content of the MABTS is also intended to prepare students to enter doctoral programs in the areas of Biblical Theological Studies.
Competencies
- To prepare people involved in pastoral ministry and/or in the magisterium to be qualified professionals who provide the necessary tools in the society in which they live.
- Provide solid theological content to train students in the acquisition of educational tools for the design, execution and evaluation of academic programs in the different areas of study.
- Motivate research that contributes to a better understanding of the needs and processes of the community in which they live.
- To train students in the most fundamental aspects of biblical theological studies in order for them to pursue a doctorate in specialized areas.
Curriculum
To earn the MABTS degree, each student is required to take at least 36 credits. These must include 6 credits of Research, 21 credits of Biblical Studies (Major), and 9 credits in Biblical Studies (Minor) according to their emphasis.
Study Plan (36 Credits)
MABTS with an Emphasis on New Testament
| Year* | Code | Course Title** | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GSEM620 | Research Methods | 3 |
| OTST685 | Principles of Hermeneutics | 3 | |
| OTST552 | Intermediate Hebrew | 3 | |
| 2 | GSEM697 | Master’s Thesis | 3 |
| NTST606 | Formation and History of the New Testament | 3 | |
| NTST552 | Intermediate Greek | 3 | |
| 3 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| OTST600 | Preaching from the Old Testament | 3 | |
| OTST619 | Theology of the Old Testament | 3 | |
| NTST667 | Studies in New Testament Theology | 3 | |
| 4 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| OTST639 | Studies in Old Testament Theology | 3 | |
| OTST647 | Eschatology in the Old Testament | 3 | |
| OTST610 | Biblical and Historical Archaeology of the Ancient Near East | 3 |
Study Plan (36 Credits)
| Year* | Code | Course Title** | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GSEM620 | Research Methods | 3 |
| NTST685 | Principles of Hermeneutics | 3 | |
| OTST552 | Intermediate Hebrew | 3 | |
| 2 | GSEM697 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
| NTST552 | Intermediate Greek | 3 | |
| NTST606 | Formation and History of the New Testament | 3 | |
| 3 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| NTST600 | Preaching from the New Testament | 3 | |
| NTST667 | Studies in New Testament Theology | 3 | |
| OTST650 | Theology and Exegesis of the Old Testament | 3 | |
| 4 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| NTST646 | Studies in New Testament Exegesis | 3 | |
| NTST647 | Eschatology in the New Testament | 3 | |
| OTST610 | Biblical and Historical Archaeology of the Ancient Near East | 3 |
Study Plan (36 Credits)
| Year* | Code | Course Title** | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GSEM620 | Research Methods | 3 |
| NTST685 | Principles of Hermeneutics | 3 | |
| NTST552 | Intermediate Greek or Intermediate Hebrew | 3 | |
| 2 | GSEM697 | Master’s Thesis | 3 |
| THST619 | Principles and Methods of Theology | 3 | |
| NTST650 | Theology and Exegesis of the New Testament or the Old Testament | 3 | |
| 3 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| THST616 | Doctrine of God | 3 | |
| THST540 | Doctrine of Salvation | 3 | |
| NTST600 | Preaching from the New Testament or the Old Testament | 3 | |
| 4 | GSEM688 | Master of Arts Degree - Continuation | 0 |
| THST530 | Doctrine of the Sanctuary | 3 | |
| THST679 | Seminar on Theological Topics | 3 | |
| THST628 | Contemporary Theology | 3 |
*Basic Greek and Basic Biblical Hebrew. Students entering this program will need to take a test on their Biblical language skills.