Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies & Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies & Master of Arts in Theological Studies
- Bachelor of Arts
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
Save time and tuition by integrating your B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Be prepared to serve in an academic setting, church or para-church organization. Get advanced training in theology, Bible interpretation, and biblical languages. Complete 14 graduate credits in your undergraduate program to finish your master's degree faster.
This might be the right degree for you if you
- want to develop advanced skills in biblical studies
- desire to analyze and apply theological concepts
- want to save time and money on a master's degree
Why choose the accelerated Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) at Northwestern?
This streamlined track saves you time and money as you add a master's degree to your portfolio. Complete 14 graduate credits as part of your bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Wrap up the remaining 22 credits during one extra year of graduate study on site or online.
Study theology by themes (biblical theology) and categories (systematic theology). Grow in your faith as you learn how views have been shaped over time (historical theology).
Excel in biblical studies with advanced courses in Bible interpretation methods. Enrich your study of God's Word by learning New Testament Greek and biblical Hebrew.
Understand Scripture on a deeper level as you study the cultural and historical setting of the Bible.
Gain awareness of personal and cultural biases in biblical interpretation. Discover and develop the gifts God has given you to serve in an academic or ministry setting. Be prepared for a meaningful career.
Explore the option to write a master's thesis contributing to one of these fields of study:
- Old Testament Studies
- New Testament Studies
- Theological Studies
Writing a master's thesis is especially helpful if you are considering doctoral studies. You'll improve your skills in critical thinking, project management, and writing.
Learn from accomplished scholars in the Old and New Testaments, theology, archaeology, biblical interpretation, Septuagint studies, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Be equipped with transferable job skills in communication, research, and analysis.
During your undergraduate program
Enjoy all the benefits of a traditional undergraduate student as a Biblical and Theological Studies major:
- Attend chapels
- Engage in theological discussions in a non-denominational setting
- Study abroad in Israel
- Be inducted into Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society
- Present a paper to your peers at a local conference
- Volunteer for service projects
- Be rewarded for your achievements in Greek, Hebrew, and theology
- Deepen your understanding and appreciation of God's Word
Join Northwestern’s legacy of dedicated Christian leaders like Billy Graham and Roger Youderian.
Next Steps
Talk to your enrollment advisor and faculty as soon as you can. To earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, you must first apply and be accepted into Northwestern. Once accepted, you can submit an application for this accelerated program through the Biblical & Theological Studies department. Dedicated scholarship funds are available for qualified students in addition to financial aid.
Careers in biblical and theological studies
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a master of arts in theological studies.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Pastoral ministry
- Bible translation
- Leadership in nonprofit organizations
- Research and writing
- Theological librarian
- Chaplain
- University professor
- Para-church ministry
- Christian education
- Missions
- Communication
- Camp ministry
Who employs people with this degree?
- Christian camps
- Christian colleges
- Denominational offices
- Government
- Local churches
- Mission agencies
- Para-church organizations
- Prisons
- Seminaries
- National/International humanitarian aid organizations
- Christian service organizations
- Curriculum and publishing companies
Strategies for success:
- Motivated students can complete this major in 3.5 years! (18 credits per semester)
- Students who want to gain proficiency in biblical studies, seek to understand important theological issues, and desire to have a career with significance will benefit from this major.
- To enhance the Biblical & Theological Studies major, students can study abroad in Israel, be inducted into the national honor society Theta Alpha Kappa, present theological research to peers, participate in archaeological excavations in Israel, volunteer for service projects with Biblical and Theological Studies faculty, and get involved in local ministry.
- Many transferable skills such as analyzing and synthesizing data, research, communication skills and critical thinking are associated with the biblical & theological studies degree.
- Expertise in religious ideas can be a plus for secular work environments, as well as more traditional ones.
- An undergraduate degree prepares students for professional and graduate study in seminary, business, law, medicine, counseling, higher education and other fields. Be sure to check for prerequisite classes needed to enter various graduate programs.
Professional associations:
- Evangelical Theological Society
- Society of Biblical Literature
- American Protestant Correctional Chaplains Association (APCCA)
- Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
- Association of Professional Chaplains
- International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC)
- National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplaincy (NIBIC)
- Christian Camp and Conference Association
- American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
- National Association of Evangelicals
95%
of seniors received relevant and appropriate preparation for their field
$8,000
saved in approximate graduate tuition
Travel
and study abroad in Israel at Jerusalem University College
What will I learn?
You will learn to perform advanced biblical interpretation, evaluate current issues using theological methods, and explain Christian theology.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
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