Master of Arts (Biblical Languages) (MA/BL)
MA/BL Purpose
The MA/BL provides specialized study in the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek, with an option to study Aramaic) for general educational purposes. The MA/BL is academic rather than professional in focus, preparing participants in knowledge and practice for teaching or researching in Christian secondary schools, or higher education where a doctorate may not be needed; or as an intermediate step toward further study in a related area
The MA/BL may be completed at Trinity’s Bannockburn campus, or online via asynchronous and synchronous courses. Students wishing to complete this program remotely should plan to attend some courses synchronously, which requires students to be available at predetermined times.
Program Outcomes:
Students graduating with a Master of Arts (Biblical Languages) will be able to:
- demonstrate reasonable competency in reading, translating, and basic exegesis of the biblical Hebrew and Greek text (with the option of including the biblical Aramaic text)
- articulate a linguistic understanding of biblical and theological constructs that form the foundation of evangelical Christian faith
- ground theological interpretations in the biblical text, historical developments, and contemporary context
- demonstrate an ability to contribute to biblical, historical, educational, and/or theological studies in an increasingly global and culturally diverse world
- demonstrate a breadth of perspective and focused depth for further academic work in the biblical languages
MA/BL AND THE MDIV OR A SECOND DEGREE
The MA/BL may be a complementary degree to other MA programs. Students may also complete their MA/BL degree and then apply all the hours in the program toward an MDiv degree. (See “Degree Combinations” in this Catalog.) Admission to the MA/BL does not guarantee admission to any other program at TEDS.
MA/BL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES
The admission requirements for the MA/BL are those described in the Admissions section of the Catalog and the following requirements specific to the MA/BL:
- Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accredited institution. Applicants who lack an accredited baccalaureate degree are encouraged to first complete the Certificate in Old Testament Hebrew or the Certificate in New Testament Greek in order to demonstrate their readiness for master’s level work.
- The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indicator of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply for Certificate in Old Testament Hebrew or the Certificate in New Testament Greek in order to demonstrate their readiness for master’s level work.
- Scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) (preferred) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may be required upon request from the Admissions Office.
PREPARATION IN GREEK
For students still completing undergraduate studies, it is advisable to incorporate Greek into the undergraduate coursework. Students may also study Greek independently through a TEDS approved course. Students should verify with an admissions counselor that the school chosen for this option is approved.
For those who have completed prior study in Greek as part of undergraduate studies or through another accredited school, Greek proficiency is examined through a Greek proficiency exam offered several times each year. Registration for the exam may be completed online at MyTIU > TEDS Academics > Exams > Greek Proficiency Exam. Placement in the appropriate level of Greek language sections (either beginning Greek or Greek exegesis) is based on this exam.
MA/BL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT AND PROGRAM DURATION
A minimum of 24 hours of the MA/BL coursework must be completed through Trinity coursework, with the final 8 hours taken through Trinity. The 24 hours may be completed with a combination of Bannockburn and extension site courses and through Trinity Distance Education or independent study courses as arranged with the program advisor.
MA/BL STATUTE OF LIMITATION
All MA/BL requirements must be completed within eight years of matriculation into the program. Extension of the statute of limitation for up to two years may be granted by petition when a student has demonstrated consistent program progress toward the degree.
MA/BL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs.
- Complete a minimum of 42 semester hours with a cumulative GPA for program coursework of at least 2.5, with no coursework graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree.
- All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
- Complete two semesters of Field Education; or one semester of Field Education and two semesters of Formation Group.
The MA/BL focuses on biblical languages; students also take foundational biblical and theological coursework as indicated in the curriculum.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies 1 | ||
| NT 5001 | Introduction to the New Testament 1 | 2 |
| NT 5002 | Introduction to the New Testament 2 | 2 |
| OT 5001 | Introduction to the Old Testament 1 | 2 |
| OT 5002 | Introduction to the Old Testament 2 | 2 |
| Theological Studies | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 2 |
| ST 5211 | Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father | 2 |
| ST 5212 | Theology 2: The God of the Gospel: Through the Son | 2 |
| ST 5213 | Theology 3: The God of the Gospel: In the Holy Spirit | 2 |
| Concentration Core ̶ Greek | ||
| NT 5131 | Beginning Greek 1 | 2 |
| NT 5132 | Beginning Greek 2 | 2 |
| NT 5133 | Beginning Greek 3 | 2 |
| NT 5251 | Greek Exegesis 1 | 2 |
| NT 5252 | Greek Exegesis 2 | 2 |
| Concentration Core ̶ Hebrew | ||
| OT 5131 | Elementary Hebrew 1 | 2 |
| OT 5132 | Elementary Hebrew 2 | 2 |
| OT 5133 | Elementary Hebrew 3 | 2 |
| OT 5251 | Hebrew Exegesis 1 | 2 |
| OT 5252 | Hebrew Exegesis 2 | 2 |
| Electives (must include at least one OT course and one NT course) | 4 | |
| Interpreting the Synoptics | ||
or NT 6262 | Interpreting Pauline Epistles | |
| Interpreting Acts and General Epistles | ||
| Individual NT Book Study | ||
| Interpreting the Pentateuch | ||
| Interpreting the Former Prophets | ||
| Interpreting the Latter Prophets | ||
| Interpreting the Writings | ||
| Hebrew Reading Skills | ||
| Biblical Aramaic 1 | ||
| Biblical Aramaic 2 | ||
| Select one option from the following: | 0 | |
Option 1: | ||
| Field Education (two semesters) | ||
Option 2: | ||
| Formation Group (two semesters) | ||
| Field Education (one semester) | ||
| MA/BL Capstone | 2 | |
| MA Capstone Project (OT/NT Integration) 2 | ||
| MA Major Research Paper and MA Major Research Paper | ||
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Students who have completed an undergraduate course that covers the same material as OT 5001, OT 5002, NT 5001, or NT 5002 may petition to substitute a more advanced elective in Old Testament or New Testament. Students must satisfy all prerequisites for any substituted course.
- 2
ID 7478 requires permission from both NT and OT Department Chairs.