Table of Contents

1. Policies
2. Academic programs
   1. Curriculum Structure
   2. Academic Programs
3. Course listing

2a – Curriculum Structure

General Non-Academic Requirements

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Upon acceptance into the GBSC Graduate Program, all students are required to complete an Introduction to Graduate Studies module in Buzz before they can begin on any coursework. This learning module will cover topics such as how to use the Buzz platform; how to conduct proper graduate research; hardware requirements for synchronous video class interactions; ministry and mentorship requirements; etc.

Mentorship

To facilitate the application of graduate learning to life, each student is required to find a graduate mentor who is willing to meet regularly to discuss the student’s spiritual development and the implementation of their learning in life and ministry. Both the student and mentor will periodically submit reports on the student’s progress to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Guidelines for selecting a graduate mentor and policies governing the mentorship program can be found here.

Ministry Involvement

In order to encourage the immediate ministry application of a student’s studies, the GBSC graduate program requires its students to be actively involved in an approved ministry throughout their time in the program.

Guidelines for ministry involvement and policies governing it can be found here.

2b – Academic Programs

Master of Arts in Ministry

This degree targets pastors and other ministry personnel with college degrees who would like graduate-level theological and practical ministry training. With a MA core of 18 hours and 18 hours of electives, students’ degrees will be crafted to target the ministries in which they are currently serving or plan to serve.

Students must have a 2.5 GPA in order to graduate with an MA in Ministry.

Degree Objectives

Upon graduation, students will demonstrate …

1. increased ability to articulate, integrate and apply appropriately the methods of biblical, systematic, historical, and practical theology to their faith and practice;
2. deepened passion for effective application of theological learning; and
3. enhanced skill in their area of program focus.

In addition to these general objectives, students in the MA in Ministry program will, in collaboration with their academic advisor, generate degree objectives specific to their particular ministry focus, as well as appropriate assessment strategies for each. Once approved by their advisor, the student will then be assessed according to these objectives.

Admissions Requirements

• • Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of Bible and Theology
  • 2.5 undergraduate GPA

Courses

MA Core – 18 credits

• • Biblical Hermeneutics – 3 credits
  • Biblical Theology of Holiness – 3 credits
  • Biblical Theology Elective – 3 credits
  • Wesleyan Historical Theology Elective – 3 credits
  • Systematic Theology Elective – 3 credits
  • Biblical Languages & Technology – 3 credits

Concentration Electives – 18 credits
(chosen from the following areas)

• • Bible
  • Theology
  • Biblical Counseling
  • Church Planting & Discipleship
  • Expository Preaching/Teaching
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Evangelism and Apologetics

Because this is a ministry degree, at least 6 credits must be practical theology.

Total credits – 36

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The MA in Biblical Studies is designed for those who want to pursue further academic biblical studies in preparation for a teaching ministry either on the high school, Bible institute, local church institute (overseas) or undergraduate level. If a student plans to teach on a college level, this MA will provide a solid, transferable platform to a MDiv or PhD program. For those who desire a biblically deeper and theologically mature pastoral ministry, this degree will provide them with advanced exegetical skills and theological understanding to equip our laity for more capable service in the church and the world.

Students must complete one Greek exegesis elective and one Hebrew exegesis elective. If desired, students may request to take the exegetical proficiency exam for either Greek or Hebrew. If they pass the exam, they may be granted permission to take both exegesis electives in the language in which they have not yet demonstrated exegetical proficiency.

Students must have a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate with an MA in Biblical Studies.

Degree Objectives

Upon graduation, students will demonstrate …

1. increased ability to articulate, integrate and apply appropriately the methods of biblical, systematic, historical, and practical theology to their faith and practice;
2. an ability to translate and exegete the text of Scripture in the original languages;
3. an awareness of the methods, contexts, and critical issues associated with both OT and NT studies;
4. the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue an MDiv or PhD; and
5. deepened passion for effective application of theological learning.

Admissions Requirements

• • Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of Bible and Theology
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Language proficiency in Greek and Hebrew

Courses

MA Core – 30 credits

• • Old Testament Introduction – 3 credits
  • Old Testament Theology – 3 credits
  • New Testament Introduction – 3 credits
  • New Testament Theology – 3 credits
  • Biblical Hermeneutics – 3 credits
  • Biblical Theology of Holiness – 3 credits
  • Wesleyan Historical Theology Elective – 3 credits
  • Systematic Theology Elective – 3 credits
  • Greek/Hebrew Exegesis Electives – 6 credits
    (Prerequisites: Greek I & II; Hebrew I)

Practical Theology Electives – 6 credits
(chosen from the following areas)

• • Biblical Counseling
  • Church Planting & Discipleship
  • Expository Preaching/Teaching
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Evangelism and Apologetics

Total Credits – 36