Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
- Jan. 1 – Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
- March 15 – Deadline for international students
- May 30 – To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
- Aug 1 – Final application deadline
- After Aug 1 – Call the admissions office for options!
Spring Semester (starts mid January)
Apply by:
- Dec 10 – For best financial aid opportunities
- After Dec 10 – Call the admissions office for options!
Why an M.A. in Biblical Studies?
Whether you are teaching, counseling, pursuing justice, working with a non-profit organization, or sharing the good news, the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies will prepare you through the study of original languages and biblical texts to form a biblically-based, contextually informed, and culturally sensitive grounding for your ministry.
- Engage with original languages and biblical texts, think theologically about biblical interpretation and increase your ability to articulate a biblical theology for your personal life and ministry.
- Biblical language courses (4) must be taken either on-campus or through a hybrid design combining online learning with on-campus intensives. Other courses may be taken on-campus or in a hybrid format.
- Complete this program in two years, or take one class at a time to fit within your life and ministry.
Why Western Theological Seminary?
Requirements & Curriculum
Our Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree is designed for the Christian desiring a greater capacity to understand and articulate the intent of scripture through the study of biblical languages and a deep understanding of themes, narratives, and original context.
If you are a ministry leader, small group leader, writer, teacher, or someone who wants to think theologically about scripture, the MA in Biblical Studies provides you with a program that fits your life.
You can complete your master’s degree in two years or customize your course load to suit your schedule.
Distance Learning
Online Master of Arts
Western Theological Seminary’s highly effective and relationship-rich distance learning environment makes coursework available wherever you are and whenever you want. All core required courses are delivered completely online. Some electives may use a hybrid design, blending online learning with 5 days per semester of face-to-face instruction on the WTS campus.
Two distance learning semesters and two short online terms annually:
Fall Semester: 14 weeks, early September-December. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-October.
Spring Semester: 14 weeks, January-April. Hybrid courses that blend online and classroom learning include a required 5-day on-campus intensive in Holland, MI in mid-February.
Summer Term: 7 weeks, early May-late June, fully online courses
Are you a Distance Learner?
How do you learn best? What environment do you prefer? Before signing up for any online course or stepping into a classroom, it is important to discern your own learning style.
In-Residence Learner
- Prefers the physical environment of the classroom
- Enjoys regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
- Needs a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats
Distance Learning Learner
- Self-motivated, independent learner
- Wants flexibility of organizing his or her own learning schedule
- Disciplined, can set aside 15-20 hours per week to study and participate in an online setting
- Prefers to continue in current ministry or home situation
- Can travel twice a year for classroom-based intensives on campus in Holland, MI
Program Leaders
Kristen Deede Johnson
Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, G.W. and Edna Haworth Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership
John Brogan
Associate Academic Dean, Professor of New Testament, Director of the M.Div. and M.A. Programs, Director of the GPCE
