Corpus Statue at the Billy Graham Center Wheaton College
M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies
Student sitting on the window sill in the Billy Graham center
M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies

M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies

Why Pursue a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies?

Build a deeper understanding of the Bible. Inspire communities through faith. Share the Gospel in relevant ways. 

The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from the Wheaton College Graduate School prepares students to study the Bible and understand Christian theology in order to enrich both their ministry effectiveness and their own personal Christian life. The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies is perfect for ministry leaders, Bible study leaders, and anyone who seeks to understand how God’s Word relates to our lives, church, and society.

 


Why Pursue a Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College?

Biblical and Theological Training for Kingdom Service

You will gain the academic skills necessary for advanced study and service in the church and society through formation in three interrelated areas: biblical and theological knowledge; academic skills and critical reflection; and Christian life and service. Our graduate programs are committed to stimulating learning that bears fruit in lives of faithful thinking and witness for Christ and His kingdom.

A Charitable Approach

You will discuss key positions within the evangelical global church in a community that values charitable conversation. Together you and your peers will wrestle through the hard questions of faith with faculty willing to walk alongside you to find answers in evangelical theology and exegesis.

Study the Bible in Your Language

You will study Scripture in English, rather than in Greek and Hebrew. You will be equipped to use the best English-language Biblical studies tools and resources available.

At the Wheaton College Graduate School, we offer a number of programs in our School of Biblical and Theological Studies, so you can find the right fit for you:

  • The M.A. in Theology concentrates on the historical and systematic development of theological ideas and doctrines in the context of particular historical or doctrinal systems.
  • The M.A. in History of Christianity focuses on both the historiography and the history of the Christian church and on the social, political, and economic contexts in which Christianity has developed over time.
  • The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies prepares students to study the Bible and understand Christian Theology for the purposes of practical ministry and the enrichment of contemporary Christian life.
  • The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis equips students to study and interpret the Bible with a rigorous, academic knowledge of biblical languages, hermeneutics, and literary and historical backgrounds.
  • The M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology investigates the world of the Bible through the recovery and study of ancient sources in order to better understand Scripture.
  • The Ph.D. in Biblical & Theological Studies is a highly competitive, rigorous, and academic doctoral program that trains Biblical Scholars and Theologians to serve as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders in the church and the academy worldwide.

Our students come from all sorts of backgrounds, including the music industry, veterans, lawyers, accountants, publishers, students, and current and prospective pastors. The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies program offers students a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge to better serve their business, organization, small group, church, and anywhere in between.

The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies can be completed in as little as three semesters, but for our part-time students we have two- and three-year plans as well. Students can start the program in any term: fall, spring, or summer.

The Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies requires the completion of 36 hours, including courses such as:

  • Exploring the Old Testament (4 hours)
  • Christian Theology (4 hours)
  • Foundations for Biblical Interpretation (4 hours)

Wheaton M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies Admission and Tuition

The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies allows students to complete the program entirely remotely, which means you can finish the program from anywhere in the world. This is a hybrid program, so although the majority of the courses can be completed online, students will need to attend one-week intensive courses on Wheaton's campus at least three times (generally during the summer).

The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed for part-time students, featuring a combination of daytime, night, intensive, and online classes. You can start the program during any term: fall, spring, or summer.

The program allows students to learn from top Wheaton professors, gain an in-depth knowledge of the Bible and relevant theological training, all while acquiring a fully-accredited master's degree in as little as a year and a half of part-time study.

Affording your Wheaton College Graduate School degree is possible through financial aid packages and scholarships.

All incoming M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships.

Student Financial Services also provides information about additional scholarships options.

Please see the below link for more information.

Admission Requirements include:

  • Deadlines—we encourage following earlier deadlines to enhance your application experience:

    • Early Action Application: Apply by November 15 to receive an admissions decision by December 6.
    • Priority Application: Apply by January 15 to receive an admissions decision by February 5.
    • Regular Application: Apply by March 15 to receive an admissions decision by April 6.
    • Final Application (decisions after this date dependent upon availability): Apply by June 15 to receive an admissions decision by July 6. 
  • GPA 2.75 minimum
  • Résumé
  • Three References: Academic, Pastoral (or Christian Leader), and Professional

Book Cover for Marc Cortez's ReSourcing Theological Anthropology

ReSourcing Theological Anthropology

Dr. Marc Cortez presents the key texts, challenges, and conversations supporting theological anthropology. Guiding the reader through a methodology for forming a distinctly Christological and anthropological understanding, he then employs such an approach to the key issues impacting the understanding of human personhood today.

The M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies is perfect on-the-job biblical training. It’s accessible, it deepens my biblical foundation, and it shapes my ministry. — David Prince M.A., '14, Pastor at Living Word Church
Biblical and Theological Studies women enjoying a day out in Chicago

BTS Grad Women's Fellowship

The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.

 

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Dr. Andy Abernethy, alongside coauthor Dr. Gregory Goswell, discusses the themes of kingship and the Messiah as embedded within the Old Testament texts. The book also highlights how New Testament writers interpret Old Testament discussions of kingship.

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Dr. Andy Abernethy provides a discussion of the various interpretive methods used with the book of Isaiah. It gives particular attention to the reception history of Isaiah as well.