The Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies is a degree that offers a specialization in the Bible, its world, and its interpretation. Crucial to this program is the student's ability to become sufficiently acquainted with the Hebrew and Greek languages to use them as basic linguistic tools in this undertaking. The student my also choose Aramaic and Akkadian (for Old Testament concentration) to aid further investigation into the interpretation of Scripture. There is heavy emphasis on scholarly biblical research in this degree track to provide for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders, especially as teachers and scholars who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. One very important goal is for the student to develop a professional, scholarly approach to interpreting the Bible. If this goal is attained, this program provides a proper foundation for students to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University, as well as be equipped to teach on the college or university level. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree. The one and only major for this program is Biblical Studies. A student may specify an area of concentration by earning 15 semester hours of courses in either Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies. In that case, one Testament would be the student’s major, while the other would be classified as the student’s minor.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as teachers in a college or university setting.
2. Become sufficiently acquainted with the biblical languages to be able to exegete passages from the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament. The study of biblical languages is integral to this degree program.
3. Mastered the principles of textual criticism in order to deal with difficult problems in the establishing of the best text.
4. Developed an objective approach to interpreting the Bible, with special attention to scholarly research and writing.
5. Attained a survey knowledge of various disciplines, which are related to the students focused discipline.
6. Have been provided with a foundational understanding of one of two designated areas (the focused knowledge) — Old Testament and New Testament — as a basis for more advanced study.