Master of Arts in Biblical-Theological Studies (MABTS)

Oriented towards theological teaching and research

This is an academic program that focuses on the study of the Bible, with emphases on its
origin, theology, and application to the contemporary world. The MABTS was developed
because of a need of current society’s knowledge concerning the study of the origin and the
interpretation of the biblical text of Scriptures. In the West, Christianity is but an option for
many, due to the estrangement of the Judeo–Christian Traditions. The courses in the area of
Old and New Testaments are designed to expose the students to independent exegetical,
socio–cultural, and historical analyses. The program prepares the students to enter doctoral
programs in the area of biblical–theological studies, Old and New Testament. Admission to
the program requires that the student already brings a foundation in formal biblical–
theological studies. The program is not limited to students who are members of the
Seventh–day Adventist Church, but it does require that they have knowledge of the
Adventist worldview and hermeneutics to study the Bible as the courses are offered from
that perspective and assuming the familiarity with certain methods.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s Degree (diploma) in Theology or Religion. If the undergraduate degree is not in Theology or Religion, the candidate must have a Major or at least a Minor or Associate in Theology or Religion.
2. At least one year of experience in pastoral ministry, religious teaching, or chaplaincy.
3. Transcripts of Bachelor degree with a minimum 80% equivalent G.P.A. (sent directly from the university granting them to IATS).
4. Three letters of recommendation:
   • One of sponsorship or of endorsement by the local field (or institution) of the applicant’s origin
   • One by a pastor
   • One by a local church elder where the applicant ministers or attends
5. Proof of having approved the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum of 400 points.
6. Love for the church and willingness to support it in the fulfillment of its mission evidenced in a Personal, written Statement, on the purpose of the aspirant in undertaking graduate studies.
7. Having fulfilled the above requirements, provide the additional documentation and payments required by the Finance and Admission Offices, respectively, at the IATS Site where the applicant wishes to enroll.
8. If you are a professional with a university degree that is not in Theology or Religion, you can access the program by taking the intensive classes of prerequisites mentioned below under the guidance of the local IATS Coordinator.

*Basic Greek and Basic Biblical Hebrew. Students entering this program will need to take a test on their Biblical language skills. 

For more detailed information about the program description, the admission process, etc. click here to see the Catalog.