Purpose & Distinctives
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA/BS) is an advanced graduate degree fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA).
With an uncompromising focus on in-depth exegesis of Scripture, this program equips pastors, Bible teachers, and ministry leaders with rigorous textual tools to faithfully handle the Word of God in church pulpit ministry and biblical instruction.
16 Credits Dedicated to Biblical Book Studies:
While sharing the comprehensive theological foundation of the MA/CS, the MA/BS concentrates heavily on book-by-book exegesis (at least 16 credits covering both Old and New Testament books). All 60 credits completed in the MA/BS are 100% transferable into the Master of Divinity (MDiv).
Target Audience & Prerequisites
Designed for full-time pastors or active bi-vocational ministry leaders with an associate, bachelor's, or equivalent theological degree.
Applicants must have at least two years of active teaching or preaching experience (including pulpit preaching, Bible classes, or Sunday school instruction).
Delivery Format: Modular intensives and digital online courses, learning directly from globally recognized commentary authors.
Curriculum Framework & Requirements (60 Credits)
Composed of 6 core modules, credits valid up to 7 years. Fully transferable to MDiv.
| Curriculum Module & Course Details |
Credits |
| 1. Foundational Courses (3 Credits) |
| Theological Reading & Critical Reflection (ID5110) |
1 |
| Theological Research & Academic Writing (ID5120) |
1 |
| Sermon Preparation (ID5130) or Teaching Preparation (ID5140) |
1 |
| 2. Biblical Foundations (15 Credits) |
| Old Testament Survey (OT5000) |
4 |
| New Testament Survey (NT5000) |
4 |
| Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation (HBL5000) |
4 |
| Inductive Bible Study Method & Practice (HBL5090) |
2 |
| Introduction to Lectio Divina (HBL5001) |
1 |
| 3. Biblical Book Studies Concentration (16 Credits) |
| Expository Book Courses (Must include at least one Old Testament and one New Testament book, e.g. Psalms, Deuteronomy, Ezekiel, John, Romans, Corinthians, Hebrews) |
16 |
| 4. Theology & Church History (12 Credits) |
| Systematic Theology |
4 |
| Church History: New Testament to Modern Era (CH5020) |
4 |
| World Religions & Cultural Engagement (MI6702) |
4 |
| 5. Practical Theology & Leadership (12 Credits) |
| Missions, Counseling & Educational Ministry Electives |
8 |
| Pastoral Core: Spiritual Formation (PM5010) & Intentional Discipleship (PM6100) |
4 |
| 6. Supervised Ministry Practicum (2 Credits) |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum I (PM6901) |
2 |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation |
60 Credits |
8 Key Academic Guidelines & Policies
1. Non-Bachelor Applicant Evaluation
Applicants without a bachelor's degree will be evaluated for prerequisite credit requirements (contact admissions at ruxuezu@timotai.org).
2. Returning Student Credit Transfer
Existing coursework may be evaluated toward degree candidacy via the registrar (jiaowuzu@timotai.org).
3. Mandatory 3 Foundational Courses
ID5110, ID5120, and ID5130/5140 are mandatory prerequisites assessing academic readiness.
4. Standard Bible Contents Test Waiver
Passing students may substitute survey courses with advanced book studies.
5. Practicum Prerequisites
Practicum I (PM6901) requires 40 credits: 3 foundational, 15 biblical, and 22 degree course credits.
6. Program Time Limit
Course credits are valid for up to 7 years from matriculation.
7. Minimum Graduation GPA
Minimum GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (3.3 for associate degree admits without extra credits).
8. Practical Theology Electives
8 credits in Missions, Counseling, or Education; PM5010 and PM6100 are core requirements.