The 60-credit Scholar’s Master of Arts Program at Reformed Baptist Seminary offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced theological education through one of two academic tracks: Biblical Studies or Theological Studies. Building upon foundational biblical and theological training, the program equips students to engage Scripture with sound hermeneutical principles, careful exegesis, and thoughtful theological reflection while interacting responsibly with the historic Christian tradition and contemporary scholarship. Through rigorous coursework, disciplined academic research, and guided writing, students develop the ability to interpret the biblical text, analyze and articulate central Christian doctrines, and communicate their conclusions with clarity and scholarly precision. At the same time, the program encourages the integration of theological learning with the life and mission of the church, fostering spiritual maturity, Christlike character, and the thoughtful application of biblical and theological knowledge for Christian service, church ministry, and preparation for further graduate study.

Program Outcomes

Biblical Studies

PLO 1: Biblical Interpretation and Exegetical Competence– Graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret Scripture faithfully through sound hermeneutical principles, careful exegesis, and responsible engagement with the biblical text and its historical and linguistic context.

PLO 2: Theological and Doctrinal Understanding – Graduates will demonstrate a coherent understanding of central biblical and theological doctrines and the ability to articulate and evaluate those doctrines in light of Scripture and the broader Christian theological tradition.

PLO 3: Scholarly Research and Academic Writing – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct rigorous theological research and communicate their findings through clear, well-structured academic writing that engages both biblical texts and scholarly literature.

PLO 4: Spiritual Maturity and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply biblical and theological knowledge in ways that strengthen the church while exhibiting growing spiritual maturity, Christlike character, and readiness for faithful Christian service.

Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.

Theological Studies

PLO 1: Biblical and Theological Understanding – Graduates will demonstrate advanced understanding of Scripture and of the major doctrines, themes, and categories of Christian theology as developed through biblical, systematic, historical, and practical study.

PLO 2: Interpretation, Analysis, and Theological Judgment – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret Scripture responsibly, analyze theological claims critically, and formulate sound biblical and theological judgments in conversation with the Christian tradition and contemporary challenges.

PLO 3: Scholarly Research and Theological Communication – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct disciplined theological research and to communicate biblical and theological truth clearly, accurately, and persuasively in written form.

PLO 4: Spiritual Maturity and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate growing spiritual maturity and the ability to apply biblical and theological truth in ways that promote faithful service, wise leadership, and the strengthening of Christ’s church.

Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.

Program Requirements

Individuals with an earned bachelor’s degree are eligible to earn either a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) degree or a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree. Those without a bachelor’s degree are eligible for an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (AABS) or Associate of Arts in Theological Studies (AATS). Students who complete at least 50% of the Associate of Arts may apply for an upgrade to Master of Arts if they meet the degree upgrade criteria (see below). The student must complete the Scholar’s program within 7 years.

Biblical Studies

Seminary Prep (3 credits)

  • SP401 Research & Writing (2)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

Biblical Languages (18 credits)

  • BL501 Hebrew 1 (3)

  • BL502 Hebrew 2 (3)

  • BL503 Hebrew 3 (3)

  • BL511 Greek 1 (3)

  • BL512 Greek 2 (3)

  • BL513 Greek 3 (3)

Exegetical Theology (19 credits)

  • ET500 Hermeneutics (3)

  • ET510 OT Introduction (3)

  • ET515 NT Introduction (3)

  • ET530 Biblical Theology (3)

  • ET531 Bible Survey (3)*

  • ET663 Message of Isaiah (2)

  • ET675 Message of Acts (2)

Historical Theology (2 credits)

  • HT500 Baptist Symbolics (2)

Systematic Theology (6 credits)

  • ST501 Apologetics (3)

  • ST502 The Word (3)


Electives (12 credits)

  • 12 Elective Credits from any ET, HT, ST, or PT

Total Credits: 60

Theological Studies

Seminary Prep (3 credits)

  • SP401 Research & Writing (2)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

Exegetical Theology (6 credits)

  • ET500 Hermeneutics (3)

  • ET530 Biblical Theology (3)

Historical Theology (14 credits)

  • HT500 Baptist Symbolics (2)

  • HT611 Early Church (3)

  • HT612 Medieval Church (3)

  • HT613 Reformation Church (3)

  • HT614 Modern Church (3)

Systematic Theology (29 credits)

  • ST501 Apologetics (3)

  • ST502 The Word (3)

  • ST503 God & Decree (3)

  • ST504 Man & Sin (3)

  • ST505 Christ & Covenants (3)

  • ST506 Salvation Applied (3)

  • ST507 Holy Spirit (3)

  • ST508 The Church (3)

  • ST509 Last Things (2)

  • ST510 Ethics (3)

Electives (8 credits)

  • 9 Elective Credits from any ET, HT, ST, or PT

Total Credits: 60

 

Apply for the Scholar's Program

* This course is under development and will be offered the 2026–27 academic term.