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.