Wesley Biblical Seminary Academics

Degree Programs

Master of Arts

  • Academic degree designed for theological development and foundational learning
    • scholars
    • teachers
    • lay leadership
  • Fifty (50) hours of study beyond the undergraduate level
    • broad exposure across disciplines
    • focus in one of three concentrations

Goal of the M.A.

Students who graduate from WBS with the Master of Arts degree should be able to:

1. Biblical. Interpret and apply Scripture accurately, relevantly, and effectively.

Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of and passion for Scripture.
  2. Use basic skills in accurate biblical interpretation.
  3. Deepen those skills through knowledge of original language(s) (for Theology & Biblical Literature concentrations only).
  4. Bring biblical understanding to bear on personal life and worldview.
  5. Defend the accuracy and integrity of Scripture

2. Theological. Articulate a cohesive, biblical, and consensual Christian world-view that is Trinitarian and Wesleyan in nature and serves as the foundation for personal life and public ministry.

Objectives

  1. Identify and discuss the basic theological elements of a consensual Christian worldview.
  2. Articulate the major implications of a Trinitarian theology with an emphasis on the personal nature of divine holiness and divine love.
  3. Articulate the major themes of Wesleyan theology.
  4. Reflect in personal life the basis of a life-long theological endeavor evidenced by devotion, worship, witness and servanthood which issue from holiness of heart and life for the sake of the world.

3. Spiritual. Show a deepening personal walk with God characterized by self surrender to God’s will, the Spirit-filled life, devotional exercises focused on spiritual maturity, and maintain loving relationships with those in the community of faith.

Objectives

  1. Articulate his or her experience of the Spirit-filled life in light of biblical data and our stated Wesleyan paradigm.
  2. Show passion for and involvement in local church life.
  3. Enjoy deep devotional life that sustains both personal life and ministry.
  4. Express self-giving love by consistent service to others.
  5. Demonstrate Christ-like character in responsible and loving relationships.

4. Missional. Lead in the transformation of people and societies while engaging intelligently the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual forces that would inhibit that transformation.

Objectives

  1. Can ask the right questions of culture and church context that methods might be adjusted to make responsible disciples in the image of Jesus Christ.
  2. Can take an apologetic stand for the Christian faith in the face of competing world views.

Concentrations

The four concentrations in the Master of Arts— Apologetics, Biblical Literature, Christian Studies, and Theology —provide a general academic context in which the student acquires personal enrichment through the channels of theological and biblical study. The concentrations also provide a minimal foundation for public ministry. In many respects the goals and objectives of the MA parallel those of the MDiv., especially in the Interpretation and Formation portions of the curriculum. The MA is not oriented toward goals and objectives that focus on Christian leadership such as pastoral ministry. If a student plans on pursuit of pastoral ministry, he or she should consider the Master of Divinity as the best course of study.

Apologetics (Starting in Fall 2010)

The apologetics concentration equips students to engage the world as confident and passionate witnesses filled with the love of the Triune God and to defend the Christian faith against challenges posed by other worldviews. In addition to core courses in philosophy, ethics, world religions and cults, core courses in theology, biblical studies, historical theology, missions and spiritual formation are offered, with a broad range of electives in world religions, cults and philosophy.

Biblical Literature

The biblical literature concentration in the M.A. program gives the student opportunity to study both the Old and New Testaments from the English translations as well as the original languages--Hebrew and Greek. The student will be well served to have completed one year of New Testament Greek before entrance into this concentration. No thesis is required.

Christian Studies

The Christian studies concentration provides general theological education for personal enrichment, a foundation for effective service as a laperson within the Christian community, and further academic training for those already in ministry. The intent of this experience is to provide an opportunity to integrate the learning gained in the program. No thesis is required.

Theology

The theology concentration builds on a solid biblical foundation and investigates the depths and nuances of Christian theology as interpreted by theologians in the Wesleyan tradition. Because a second year of New Testament Greek is required, t,The student will be well served to have completed one year of Greek before entrance into this concentration. No thesis is required.

 

Updated: May 18, 2009