Young Professional Biblical and Theological Student

Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies offers lay-leaders or ministers an opportunity to focus their attention specifically on biblical and theological content for the purpose of better teaching and serving the church in their context. Often people express interest in furthering their biblical/theological education, but are not interested in long degrees, such as the MDiv. This 30-hour degree is not intended as a precursor for any other degree.

Course Format

The Masters of Biblical and Theological Studies comes in two delivery modes: Classroom and Online. You are not locked into either of these formats throughout your program and course format may be subject to availability. Course duration will be seven-week terms (online) or fifteen-week semester (seated). You may take up to four courses per term (full-time student), but typically graduate students take one or two courses per term. The reduced schedule allows students to comfortably work and earn their degree at the same time. Online courses meet once a week, at most, via Zoom during the evening hours to alleviate schedule conflicts as much as possible.

Adult earning his Master of Biblical and Theological Studies degree online via zoom

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Program Overview

Anderson University offers a wide arrange of courses to fully prepare you for a successful career in ministry. Our seasoned professors understand the challenges facing ministry leaders today and are driven by a desire to see you not only survive but thrive in ministry.

To overview a list of the courses you will be taking in the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, visit Anderson University (Course Requirements)

Admissions and Requirements

Anderson University accepts students on the basis of academic qualification, character and evidence of the potential to benefit from the university experience. Each applicant’s record will be examined for evidence reflecting potential for intellectual and social growth, strength of character, and seriousness of purpose. The University considers all qualified applications without regard to race, religious creed, place of national origin, sex, disability, or ethnic group. Admission will be on a competitive basis, with the best qualified students receiving priority.

Transcripts

Official transcripts for all coursework leading to completion of a bachelor and/or graduate degree(s) from a regionally-accredited institution that demonstrates an acceptable undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

3 Recommendation Letters

These forms will become available to you during the application process. At least one must be from the pastor/minister of the local church where you are currently a member. If you are the pastor, then it may come from another ministry leader within the church. 

Essay

A one page essay explaining the reason for your application and the potential impact of this degree on your ministry. The purpose of the essay is to establish the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the degree and the applicant’s professional goals.
Official sealed transcripts are to be directly mailed to Admission Operations, 316 Boulevard Box 1127, Anderson, SC 29621

Transfer Hours

Up to 6 semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally-accredited college, university or seminary may be transferred into the degree program at the time the student is admitted, provided the grades earned were B or higher. Transferability of hours will be determined by the Dean based on equivalence to courses required in the MABTS program.

Provisional Acceptance

We understand that sometimes your educational journey does not work out the way you had originally planned. Clamp Divinity School offers Provisional Acceptance for those who are unable to meet the admissions requirements. The Admissions Committee of the Clamp Divinity School may establish additional conditions in order to have the provisional status removed. Student performance in the program will strongly factor into committee decisions.

Non-degree Seeking Student

Students who do not meet the prerequisites may also attend courses on a non-degree basis. Students must still complete the application process. Non-degree students will not receive academic credit, and courses will not apply toward an academic degree or be transferred to another institution.

Tuition and Financial Aid

U.S. News & World Report for 2023 named Anderson University as one of the “Best Value” schools among regional universities in the South, and the Wall Street Journal for 2022 named Anderson #25 for best student engagement among all universities in the United States. Clamp Divinity School seeks to offer you the highest quality education at the greatest value. For the most current tuition and fee information, visit andersonuniversity.edu/tuition-fees

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Why consider the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies?

Fully Accredited

At Anderson University, you are benefiting from the quality of one of the finest Christian universities in the nation. Anderson is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Regional accreditation is the national standard for education quality and is a mark of excellence.

Solidly Biblical

We are committed to biblical fidelity and authority as a standard for life and ministry. We believe in the full truthfulness and inspiration of holy Scripture, which is the foundation for all we teach.

Intensely Practical

We emphasize leadership training. Compared to many seminaries – where you might have one course on church administration – the M.Div. at Anderson University requires three courses in leadership, dealing with practical issues like budgets, staff, working with volunteers, conflict management, managing change, and vision.