Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies) 

Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies)

Exegetical Track

San Jose

  • Spiritual and personal formation studies 8

    • MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Your Ministry Potential 2 This personal assessment course uses a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain greater insight into how your gifting, personality, passion, and background might best be matched with potential ministry opportunities. Substantial attention will also be given on how to gain maximum profit from formal and informal ministry training. An additional materials fee will be charged. This course should be taken during your first term of studies. 2 credits.
    • SFS 501 Learning to Love God and Others 2 The theological and practical dynamics of evangelical spirituality will be examined to provide a solid foundation for rich fellowship with the Triune God and for living out of the Great Commandment. The nature of spiritual maturity will be examined (including a biblically-balanced model of priorities) and practical experiences for nurturing that maturity will be provided. 2 credits.
    • SFS 502 Practicing Prayer and Other Key Disciplines 2 Growing more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions can be nurtured through the spiritual disciplines taught by Scripture and practiced by believers throughout the ages. You will learn, from an evangelical perspective, the contribution each activity can make to your spiritual growth and how to enhance your actual practice of these holy habits. Extended attention will be given to developing a biblical understanding and practice of prayer. 2 credits.
    • SFS 504 Growing into Ethical Maturity 2 The ability to discern right from wrongand to act appropriately in light of that assessmentis essential if church leaders are to maintain and model ethical integrity. Your moral sensitivity will be enhanced as you become acquainted with some of the fundamental issues involved in developing a biblically-informed personal, professional and social ethic. 2 credits.

  • Biblical interpretation studies 16

    • DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture 4 In this course you will study the foundational principles and interpretive procedures of the grammatico-historical method of biblical interpretation. You will also apply these principles and procedures in actual Bible study, using the English Bible. Required during the first year of M.A. or M.Div. studies. 4 credits.
    • BLS 501X Interpreting the Old Testament I: Genesis to 2 Samuel 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 501Y Interpreting the Old Testament II: 1 Kings to Song of Solomon 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 502X Interpreting the Old Testament III: Isaiah to Malachi 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 502Y Interpreting the New Testament I: Gospels 2 Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 503X Interpreting the New Testament II: Epistles 1 2 The course will focus upon Acts, Galatians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Corinthians, Romans. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • BLS 503Y Interpreting the New Testament III: Epistles 2 2 The course will focus upon Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Timothy through the Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.

  • Biblical language studies 18

    • NTS 508 Introducing the Foundation of Greek Exegesis 3 Recognizing the importance of using the original language for the interpretation of the New Testament, you will acquire a thorough foundation in biblical Greek. You will learn the essentials of grammar and an adequate vocabulary by doing exercises, by reading 1 John, and by the use of appropriate language and computer tools. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • NTS 509 Greek Reading and Syntax: Building on the Base for Exegesis 3 Building upon the foundation of grammar and vocabulary, you will read substantial portions of theologically significant passages in all genres of the literature of the New Testament in order to build vocabulary and discover the value of the Greek New Testament for theological thinking and Christian living. To these passages you will apply the essentials of Greek syntax with a view to gaining an ability to think syntactically when reading the text and for solving significant doctrinal issues practical to spiritual life and ministry. Prerequisite: NTS 508. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • OTS 508 Introducing the Foundation for Hebrew Exegesis 3 In this class, you will acquire a good foundation of Biblical Hebrew. You will learn the basic grammar up to the strong verb. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of basic Hebrew Syntax. You will further sharpen your Hebrew skills by doing exercises, by reading the book of Ruth, by memorizing some basic vocabulary, and by the use of appropriate Hebrew language tools. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • OTS 509 Hebrew Reading and Syntax: Building on the Base for Exegesis 3 A short systematic review and presentation of the grammar and syntax will be given, and then, building on the foundation of grammar and vocabulary, the grammar of the weak verb is covered. This knowledge will be further strengthened by reading the book of Jonah, and other various selected passages, with special attention to different points of syntax. An in-depth instruction is given in the use of various computer tools, which will help us in our quest for the meaning of the text. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
      • NTS 515 Principles of Exegesis 2 In this course students will learn the principles of exegesis following the steps of a method common to both testaments with specific application to the Greek language. Topics include the definition and distinctions of exegesis, the relation of exegesis to other disciples, and contextualizing the text. Prerequisite: NTS 509 2 credits
      or
      • OTS 515 Principles of Exegesis 2 In this course students will learn the principles of exegesis following the steps of a method common to both testaments with specific application to the Hebrew language. Topics include the definition and distinctions of exegesis, the relation of exegesis to other disciples, and contextualizing the text. Prerequisite: OTS 509 2 credits
    • NTS 5xx Exegesis Elective 2
    • OTS 5xx Exegesis Elective 2

  • Theological studies 12

    • THS 501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 4 You will begin to cultivate your ability to think theologically by exploring how theology is done in various approaches in order to develop a practical theological method. Then you will probe God's progressive revelation focusing on the nature and authority of Scripture before pondering God's triune nature and work culminating in the incarnation of the Son. Your passion for carrying out God's mission in His world will expand as you begin to understand how the Father's revelation has impacted the world He created. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 502 Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 4 Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God and its depravity as sinful beings, the reality and impact of spiritual beings as backdrop for the atoning work of the Son and its application in the aspects of our salvation. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 2 You will culminate the process of learning to think theologically by exploring the Spirit's life-giving work. Then you will investigate the church as God's covenant community and instrument of His present working, ending with the consummation of His kingdom program in end time events. Throughout the course the Spirit will transform us as we see our part in His grand work. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
    • THS 508 Integrating Ministry and Theology 2 Building on the exegetical, theological and ministry foundations laid in the seminary curriculum, students will build an integrative approach to such issues as women in ministry, divorce, bio-ethics, and church discipline. Students will also work toward this integration by finalizing and defending their personal doctrinal statements. Prerequisites: THS 501, 502, 503 or permission of instructor. 2 credits.

  • Thesis or restricted electives 4

      • RES 500/600 Graduate Research and Writing 1 Necessary tools and methodology required for graduate-level study concentrating on the theological disciplines are examined in this course. Investigation is made of various library research tools, including the use of the computer in research and writing. Also studied are matters of proper form and style for academic writing. The course is required of students selecting the thesis option in their programs and is available as an elective for all students. 1 credit.
      • RES 502/602 Thesis/Product 3
      or
      • Restricted electives chosen in conjunction with advisor 4

  • Open Electives 6

Total Credits 64

 

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