Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies in the Eurasian Context)

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts is to produce biblically, theologically, and spiritually discerning Christian thinkers who can serve the body of Christ in lay, parachurch or academic ministries. The Master of Arts program provides both a general biblical, theological, and spiritual foundation for reflection and a specialized focus on a discipline crucial to fulfilling Talbot's mission and from which students can serve or go on for advanced study. These disciplines include Bible Exposition, Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified, Biblical and Theological Studies in the Eurasian Context (Kyiv extension only), New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Spiritual Formation, and Theology.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts, students will be able to:

1. Integrate a sound understanding of Scripture with the contents of their respective emphasized disciplines (ULO 3).
2. Explain the major doctrines of Christianity, including their biblical basis and contemporary relevance (ULO 1).
3. Students will be able to demonstrate abilities relevant to personal spiritual formation, including an understanding of spiritual theology, knowledge of God & self, relational skills, and an understanding of their vocation (ULO 1, 2, 3).
4. Perform and report research in their respective disciplines at a level sufficient to begin a doctoral program (ULO 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Biblical and Theological Studies in the Eurasian Context (Kyiv Extension) Learning Outcomes

As a result of this program, students will:

1. Be able to recall the key contents of the Old and New Testaments and will identify important historical and cultural background information relevant to the study of the Old and New Testaments.
2. Be able to exegete and apply a biblical text through the application of historical-grammatical hermeneutics.
3. Be able to articulate the major elements of orthodox Christian theology, including biblical foundations, and will be able to apply this theology to an issue in the Eurasian church context.
4. Be able to explain the theory of "the sanctification gap"¹ and will reflect upon the calling(s) of God in their lives.

¹

For the purposes of assessment, "sanctification gap" is defined as the perceived gap between the goal of sanctification and one's present spiritual life.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited institution may still apply and may be provisionally admitted at the discretion of Talbot School of Theology. Additionally, applicants should have completed an accredited course in Old Testament survey and in New Testament survey prior to matriculation. If the prerequisite courses are not completed prior to matriculation, the student is required to take TTBE 519 and TTBE 520 as elective credits during their program.

All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives.

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactorily complete 51 credits as outlined in the curriculum requirements below. 
2. Students without previous courses in Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey must take TTBE 519 and TTBE 520, which are not for credit unless taken in place of elective credits.
3. Submit an acceptable capstone project, as determined by the department of specialization. Students will receive specific directions about their capstone project from their respective departments.
4. Obtain a 3.0 average with no grade below a "C-" in all courses to be credited toward graduation.
5. Complete the entire program in no more than five years.
6. Meet with a graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section.)

Specialization Requirements

Program Structure

The academic programs leading to the degree Master of Arts with a specialization in Biblical and Theological Studies in the Eurasian Context is comprised of 51 credits, including:

1. Biblical and theological foundations.
2. Spiritual Formation Focus (SFF).
3. Academic specialization in Biblical Studies and Theology.
4. Additional elective courses determined by the student in consultation with the advisor.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have taken undergraduate courses in biblical or theological studies may request advanced standing based on collegiate work. See Talbot Admissions Requirements for details. Note: if master's level courses are given advanced standing based on undergraduate coursework, some Ph.D. programs may require additional graduate courses in order to meet doctoral program requirements.

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Should be taken as the theme of Central Prophetic Passages.

²

Students may count TTBE 519 and TTBE 520 towards their elective courses.