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 Biblical Hebrew or the Certificate in New Testament Greek Exegesis 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 Exegesis 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.
- Completion of a full beginning Greek sequence, normally involving two years of undergraduate study. If a Greek sequence has not been completed, several options are available to early meet this requirement. In all cases, students are required to complete the Greek Proficiency Exam for placement in the Greek Exegesis course sequence.
PREPARATION IN GREEK
If still completing undergraduate studies, it is advisable to incorporate Greek into your coursework. Students may also study Greek independently or through a repeatable online course (available through TEDS Online Distance Education Office). Additional study in syntax is usually recommended in conjunction with the DE course. A popular option is to complete Trinity’s beginning Greek sequence (NT 4030, NT 4031) offered in a July/August six-week summer session or during the first two fall/spring semesters of your enrollment. These are undergraduate-level courses not credited toward your graduate degree.
For those who have completed prior study, Greek proficiency is examined through a proficiency exam offered each spring and summer. 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 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.
- Complete the MA/BL capstone project in the form of an integrative paper that focuses on the biblical languages.
The MA/BL focuses on the biblical languages; students, however, also take foundational biblical and theological coursework as indicated in the curriculum.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | ||
| NT 5000 | Intro to the New Testament 1 | 3 |
| OT 5000 | Intro to the Old Testament 1 | 4 |
| Theological Studies | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 3 |
| ST 5201 | Theology I: The God of the Gospel | 3 |
| ST 5202 | Theology II: The Gospel of God | 3 |
| Concentration Core ̶ Hebrew | ||
| OT 5240 | Elementary Hebrew I 2 | 3 |
| OT 5241 | Elementary Hebrew II 3 | 3 |
| OT 5242 | Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| Concentration Core ̶ Greek | ||
| NT 5251 | Greek Exegesis I 4 | 2 |
| NT 5252 | Greek Exegesis II | 2 |
| NT 6251 | Interpreting the Synoptics and Acts | 3 |
| or NT 6252 | Interpreting Paul and General Epistles | |
| NT 6253 | Interpreting Johannine Literature | 2 |
| Electives (must include at least one OT course and one NT course) | 6 | |
| Interpreting the Pentateuch and Former Prophets | ||
| Interpreting the Latter Prophets | ||
| Interpreting the Writings | ||
| Hebrew Reading Skills | ||
| Biblical Aramaic | ||
| Interpreting the Synoptics and Acts 5 | ||
or NT 6252 | Interpreting Paul and General Epistles | |
| Septuagint & the New Testament | ||
| Select one option from the following: | 0 | |
Option 1: | ||
| Field Education (two semesters) | ||
Option 2: | ||
| Formation Group (two semesters) | ||
| Field Education (one semester) | ||
| Total | 42 | |
- 1
Students who have completed an undergraduate course that covers the same material as OT 5000 or NT 5000 may petition to substitute a more advanced elective in Old Testament or New Testament. Students must satisfy all prerequisites for any substituted course.
- 2
If a student establishes proficiency in biblical Hebrew at a level equivalent to the completion of TEDS OT 5240 through writing the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam prior to beginning courses at TEDS, then the student may substitute an OT elective course provided that all prerequisites are satisfied for the substituted course.
- 3
If a student establishes proficiency in biblical Hebrew at a level equivalent to the completion of TEDS OT 5241 through writing the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam prior to beginning courses at TEDS, then the student may substitute two OT elective courses provided that all prerequisites are satisfied for the substituted courses.
- 4
Passing of NT 4030 and NT 4031 OR of the Greek Proficiency Exam is required before taking Greek Exegesis courses.
- 5
The elective cannot be the same NT 625X course the student has chosen for the concentration core requirement.