Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
Overview
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.) is a fully online degree program. It is a basic ministry training degree for church leaders and those who desire to serve at associate levels of Christian ministry. The M.A.B.S. provides an introduction to the Old and New Testaments, Christian theology, and practical ministerial skills in both studying and teaching the Bible.
Purpose
The M.A.B.S. is a well rounded degree that introduces students to basic ministry skills that will equip the student to be an effective associate level minister or Christian leader. The M.A.B.S. introduces students to the Old and New Testaments, Christian theology, hermeneutical skills, history of the church, apologetics, and the Calvary Chapel movement.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Biblically state and identify the principal doctrines of evangelical Christianity.
- Identify the major themes of both the Old and New Testaments.
- Evaluate the challenges to a Christian worldview and formulate Biblical rebuttals.
- Develop basic pastoral skills necessary for successful ministry in the local church.
Program Structure
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is 36 credits and features 8 biblical core courses and 4 courses specific to the student’s selected specialization. The method of instruction is 100% online, asynchronous format, and also video conferencing.
M.A.B.S. Core Courses
Course ID |
Course Name |
Credits |
| APO501 | Apologetics 2 | 3 |
| THE502 | Theology 1 | 3 |
| THE503 | Theology 2 | 3 |
| THE519 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BIB501 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIB502 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| EVAN501 | Evangelism and Missions | 3 |
| MIN512 | Calvary Chapel Distinctives | 3 |
| Specialization Courses (12 hours) | ||
| 3 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 36 |
Graduation Requirements Complete 36 hours A maximum of 12 of the 36 credits may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Calvary Chapel University on the same academic level. 2.0 GPA No more that 2 grades of C may be applied to the degree (includes C+ & C-)
No grades of D or below may be applied to the degree (includes D+ & D-) Degree must be completed within 7 years Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date Revised: 04/27/2020 Effective Catalog Term: 2020-2021
2020-2021 M.A.B.S. Specialization Courses
| Course ID | Course Name | |
| BIBLICAL THEOLOGY | ||
| THE570 | Christology | |
| THE571 | Pneumatology | |
| THE572 | Eschatology | |
| THE573 | Ecclesiology | |
| BIBLICAL COUNSELING | ||
| BC501 | Biblical Counseling: One-on-One Discipleship | |
| BC512 | A Theology of Biblical Counseling | |
| BC513 | Methods of Biblical Change | |
| BC514 | Marriage and Family Counseling | |
| CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | ||
| ED541 | History and Philosophy of Education | |
| ED548 | School Culture and Classroom Dynamics | |
| ED582 | Instructional Design | |
| ED529 | Current Issues in Education | |
| CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP | ||
| CBL503 | Leadership Planning | |
| CBL510 | Theology of Leadership | |
| CBL511 | Communicating Vision | |
| CBL551 | Studies in Team Building | |
| WOMEN’S MINISTRY | ||
| MIN514 | Leadership Development for Women’s Ministry | |
| MIN611 | Teaching Women | |
| MIN612 | Women’s Ministry in the 21st Century | |
| MIN655 | Counseling Women |
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies graduate program requires a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least a 3.0 undergraduate G.P.A.
Individuals seeking admission to a Calvary Chapel University undergraduate program must:
- Fill out and submit the online application;
- Pay a $100 non-refundable application fee;
- Request official transcripts for undergraduate degrees completed. Conferred Bachelor’s degree must be verified by the Registrar through official transcripts prior to admissions, enrolling, and matriculation.
- Minimum overall grade point average is 3.0.
- Complete Student Reference Requests.
Official transcripts with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 must be received and verified by the Registrar prior to course enrollment.
The spiritual requirements for admission involve demonstrating an unwavering commitment to Christ and the inspired and inerrant Scriptures, having consistent Christian character, utilizing one’s spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ and your professional vocation, and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s call to service and Christian growth.
Technology Requirements
- 2.0 GHz processor or higher
- 4 GB RAM
- High Speed Internet
- Speakers/Headphones
- Microphone (external or built-in)
- Webcam (internal or external)
Software
- Zoom
- Google Suite of applications
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (available free from the Adobe website)
Competency Assessment
Applicant’s skills and competencies to succeed in a distance education environment are assessed prior to acceptance via official transcripts, the online application, and required admission materials including a personal testimony to determine spiritual readiness.
Online Instructional Methods
Courses are disseminated 100% online through Populi.com. The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program will use instructional methods such as, but not limited to: video lectures, reading and writing assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, and tests.
Online Grading Practices
Final tests or examinations are course specific and assessed with a rubric. Passing grades are determined by each instructor and stated in the course syllabus. Within 48 hours of submitting assignments, work is evaluated and a grade is posted in the online course grade book. Students have access to view their personal grades at any time. There is no mailing of institutional responses or evaluations of students’ work. All grading and communication with students is conducted within Populi, the online operating system.
Graduation Requirements
CCU awards an academic degree or diploma to students who are in good standing upon the satisfactory completion of all degree requirements, as listed in the University Catalog for the year during which the student first enrolled.
To be eligible for a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, a student must:
- Complete the approved program consisting of 36 credits;
- Complete a minimum of 27 credits through Calvary Chapel University (CCU), not to include credits from a prior degree earned through CCU; and
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
- Meet all University financial obligations.
Note: No grade below a C- will be applied toward a Master’s degree at Calvary Chapel University. Please submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester. In order for you to receive your diploma all financial obligations must be met.