Program Overview

The Southeastern University Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) provides advanced biblical studies, including an advanced biblical language (Greek or Hebrew). The purpose is to provide advanced academic work in biblical studies for teaching, research, or ministry. In that Pentecostals historically have contended that the foundation for ministry is biblical literacy, this degree provides a standard for a Pentecostal institution in the forefront of theological education. This is an avenue for students to pursue a PhD in biblical studies. It is also an appropriate degree to prepare for teaching at the undergraduate level.

Through this program students will:

1.0 - Biblical Knowledge - Apply biblical interpretation and proclamation in light of social cultural contexts, ancient and contemporary.

 

2.0 - Spiritual and Theological Formation - Formulate personal and communal spirituality informed by historic Christian theology and spiritual practices, emphasizing Pentecostal theology-spirituality.

 

3.0 - Advanced Biblical Studies- Demonstrate a knowledge of the critical methodologies utilized in academic biblical studies by reviewing the literature of the discipline.

4.0 - Research - Contribute to the general knowledge and insight in the field of biblical studies by producing a master’s thesis or capstone project, demonstrating proficiency in a biblical language. 

 

Career Options: 

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Bible Teacher

Religion Writer/Editor

Church Administrator

Pastor

Parachurch Leader

Overseas Missionary

Church Planter

Campus Pastor

Program Sequence

    Total Credits - 48 credit hours with five components:

Core Courses (21 hours)

Pentecostal Studies Courses (3 hours)

Biblical Studies Courses (12 hours)

Biblical Languages Courses (9 hours)

Summative Evaluation (3 hours)

 

    Program Length: 2-3 years

        Full-time students (6 credit hours per semester)

        Part-time students (3 credit hours per semester)

 

    Program Delivery:

Fully Online

Traditional Evening Courses - Courses meet on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings on Lakeland Campus

 

Entrance Requirements

All of the components listed below are required and will be utilized by the Graduate Program Coordinator and School of Divinity Chair in making an admittance decision.  However, failure to meet one of these standards may not immediately disqualify a candidate depending upon the strength of their other components. Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision of the School of Divinity Chair is final.

Regionally accredited undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA

One Academic or Professional Reference

One Christian Character Reference

Academic writing sample of at least five pages indicative of writing and research ability to interact with scholarly sources in a critical manner or a statement of purpose paper with response to a prompt. 

Transfer Credit

Graduate level credits may be accepted if they were earned from an accredited university (Regional and/or Association of Theological Schools Accreditation), less than 8 years old, and relevant to coursework at SEU.

The School of Divinity Chair will evaluate and award transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.  No transient credit (future courses taken at another university) will be allowed without prior approval.

Residency Requirement

Online - No residency requirement

Evening - Classes meet on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings on Lakeland Campus

Satisfactory Progress

Students enrolled in the MA (Biblical Studies) must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students can receive no more than two C family final grades in the program. Any third course or beyond that earns a C family grade must be retaken for grade forgiveness.

Summative Evaluation Requirement

The MA (Biblical Studies) program culminates with either a thesis or capstone project that provides valuable experience engaging in an extended, rigorous writing project for those students who desire to pursue further doctoral studies.