Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program is under the leadership of Dr. Wayne Ballard, Head of the Department of Biblical Studies.

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program is under the leadership of Dr. Wayne Ballard, Head of the Department of Biblical Studies. It is a sixty-six (66) semester credit hour Master of Arts program. This program provides the student with an in-depth study involving course work, research, practicum, internship, and a thesis. The educational goal of the MABS program is professional church employment as a pastor or teacher or pursuing a terminal degree.

The learning outcomes of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Programs are:

  1. To identify and understand intermediate and advanced terms and concepts in the biblical studies disciplines;
  2. To analyze and evaluate methods, interpretations, and difficulties in the biblical studies disciplines;
  3. To synthesize and integrate concepts and habits from the biblical studies disciplines into life and worship.

The educational goal of the MABS program is professional church employment as a pastor or teacher or pursuing a terminal degree.

Students enrolled must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher to continue in the program. Students are expected to strictly follow the required course of study for the degree concentration. Students can choose from the following three (3) concentrations:

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Core Requirements

CH 635 History of the Christian Church I | 3 Hours

A general introduction to the history of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age to the Protestant Reformation. Studies will include the early church and the Roman Empire, major ecclesiastical and doctrinal developments, the rise of the Papacy, the development and impact of monasticism and scholasticism, the Eastern and Western church split, the characteristics of the Eastern Church, and the theological and political forces leading to the Reformation.

CH 636 History of the Christian Church II | 3 Hours

A general introduction to the history of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the twenty-first century, including Protestant origins and development. Special emphasis will be given to the Western Church including Reformation movements, the Counter-Reformation, rationalism and pietism, revivalism, the growth of denominations, liberalism, Vatican II and liberation theology, the modern charismatic movement, the New Age movement, modern-day secularism and pluralism.

CP 531 Spiritual Formation and Growth | 3 Hours

This course introduces students to the immediate knowledge and skills of spiritual formation and growth of members in both parish and non-parish settings. Using a heuristic approach to study the sense and use of self and others in relations, students gain better insights into what it means to be a student, person, and a pastor. The course requires the completion of a spiritual formation and growth paper that highlights insights gained that can be translated into a specialized ministry of choice.

NT 631 New Testament Introduction | 3 Hours

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the New Testament: composition, authorship, date, and content of each book.

OT 631 Old Testament Introduction | 3 Hours

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the Old Testament: composition authorship, date, and content of each book. Special emphasis will be placed on the refutation of higher critical view.

TH 528 The History of Biblical Interpretation | 3 Hours

This course examines predominant theological systems. Their respective strengths, weaknesses, and relationship to Scripture will be examined as well as leading writers in both theological camps.

TH 531 Systematic Theology I | 3 Hours

A systematic topical overview of Christian doctrine with special emphasis of five of the ten classic topics in biblical theology: Bibliology, Theology Proper, Christology, Pneumatology, and Angelology.

TH 532 Systematic Theology II | 3 Hours

A systematic topical overview of Christian doctrine with special emphasis on five of the ten classic topics in biblical systematic theology: Anthropology, Harmartiology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.

TH 533 Principles of Hermeneutics | 3 Hours

An intensive study of the science and methodology of interpretation of the Bible based on principle found in Scripture.

TH 539 Christian Ethics | 3 Hours

A systemic study of Christian ethics and various ethical systems.

TD 531A Master’s Thesis | 1.5 Hours

Required of all students in the Master’s Degree program and offered in the fall semester of the senior year, this course will function as a writer’s group in order to help the student significantly advance the process of conceptualizing, organizing, and writing a research-based text. In class students will read each other’s work, discuss the concepts, methods, and mechanics of constructing and writing a thesis, and provide comment to help with the process. Thesis topics will be approved and students will begin writing the thesis prior to the end of the semester.

TD 531B Master’s Thesis | 1.5 Hours

This course is a continuation of TD 531A and is offered in the spring of the senior year. Students will work independently with the instructor writing the actual thesis according to the parameters set in the first semester. The completed thesis is submitted by mid-semester to a team of readers that will serve as the thesis defense committee (thesis reader fees apply).

Elective Requirements

Electives | 12 Hours

Concentration in Old Testament

Concentration Requirements

LA 538 Hebrew III | 3 Hours

A comprehensive study of biblical Hebrew syntax, vocabulary, and exegesis. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the Old Testament. (Prerequisite LA 537)

LA 539 Hebrew IV | 3 Hours

A continued comprehensive study of biblical Hebrew syntax and vocabulary. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the Old Testament. (Prerequisite LA 538)

OT 536 Theology of the Old Testament | 3 Hours

A study of the introduction and unfolding of theology through the Old Testament.

OT 538 Old Testament Prophecy | 3 Hours

A study of prophetic passages in the Old Testament with relation to Israel and the Gentile world. Particular emphasis is placed on the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

OT 632 Pentateuch | 3 Hours

A survey of the first five books of the Old Testament, a review and evaluation of critical theories regarding these books, and an intensive study of selected passages on the basis of the Hebrew text.

OT 633 Psalms | 3 Hours

A thorough survey of all the Psalms and their historical and theological background. Selected Psalms will be read in Hebrew and interpreted on that basis.

OT 549 Old Testament History | 3 Hours

A survey of the historical books of the Old Testament, from Joshua to Nehemiah, along with the parallel history of the ancient near-east of that period.

Concentration in New Testament

Concentration Requirements

LA 534 Greek III | 3 Hours

Readings and interpretation of various passages in the Greek New Testament including advanced grammatical study with a brief introduction to textual criticism. (Prerequisite LA 533)

LA 535 Greek IV | 3 Hours

A comprehensive study of biblical Greek syntax, inflection, and vocabulary. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the New Testament. (Prerequisite LA 534)

NT 521 Romans | 3 Hours

An exegetical study of Romans including a brief study of the authorship, background, destination, and purpose.

NT 530 The Four Gospels | 3 Hours

An examination of the Four Gospels including a study of authorship, background, destination, and purpose.

NT 538 New Testament Theology | 3 Hours

Major subjects related to New Testament theology are selected and studied in detail. The student will learn the major themes and how they run throughout the New Testament.

NT 549 New Testament Historical Background | 3 Hours

A detailed study of Greco-Roman and Jewish background of New Testament times.

NT 630 New Testament Textual Criticism | 3 Hours

An advanced study of the history, materials, and methodology of the textual criticism of the New Testament. The student learns to use the critical apparatus of the Greek New Testament.

Concentration in Theology

Concentration Requirements

2 Language Courses | 6 Hours

Either Greek III and IV, Hebrew III and IV, or Greek II and Hebrew II.

TH 525 Theological Foundations | 3 Hours

An in-depth study of theological foundations, including prolegomena, methodology and the theological enterprise.

TH 526 The Triune God | 3 Hours

An in-depth study of the doctrine of God with emphasis on the doctrine of the Trinity.

TH 534 Soteriology | 3 Hours

The theological doctrine of salvation as effected by Jesus Christ.

TH 537 Apologetics | 3 Hours

An in depth study of thought that reflects a valid and logical defense of the Christian faith. A working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew will be helpful but is not prerequisite.

TH 538 Contemporary Issues in Theology | 3 Hours

An examination of contemporary issues in theology such as New Age theology, open theism, and postmodernism.

Contact CCCTS

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Physical Address
7520 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28227-9664

Phone: 704-334-6882