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Enhance Your Ministry and Biblical Understanding with a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies
Learn the Essential Skills for Engaging with the Original Texts of the Bible
Addressing vital questions in both personal and professional ministry is paramount. Whether you’re at an early stage in your academic journey, nearing retirement, or anywhere in between, the 84-credit hour accredited Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies degree at Southern Evangelical Seminary is crafted to strengthen you for diverse ministries to which God may call you. This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with three essential components of training: apologetics, Biblical language training, and classical theism. Explore the transformative potential of our Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies, preparing you for impactful service in a variety of ministry contexts.
Apologetics
Apologetics is one of the cornerstones of each degree program at SES. Through the M.Div. in Biblical Studies program, you will understand the needs and issues at stake in our cultural debates and be ready to engage.
Biblical Languages
Biblical language training in the M.Div. in Biblical Studies gets far beyond the basics. You will explore Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin grammar, syntax, and the skills for interpreting the text.
Classical Theism
We begin with the bedrock tenets of God’s simplicity, impassibility, and more. With the proper foundation for demonstrating the nature of the existence of God, we may confidently build new skills and understanding for cultural engagement and upholding the hope of the Gospel.
This seminary-level M.Div. in Biblical Studies can lead to future doctoral study and is ideal for those preparing for:
If you’ve delved into insightful works by Frank Turek, Alisa Childers, Greg Koukl, and other notable authors, you’ve laid a solid foundation. Yet, you may be at a juncture in your self-guided study where you recognize the need to elevate your preparation for defending the faith. To effectively engage the culture with the Gospel, you will need a deeply integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This integrated approach is the core of every SES program and what makes SES one of the premier apologetics-focused seminaries in the country. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certificate in apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, or something else, the foundation is the same. Good philosophy provides a solid foundation from which to do theology, and both provide necessary tools for sound apologetics. Together, all three disciplines aid in removing obstacles to the Gospel (evangelism) and in building mature disciples who live the Gospel (discipleship) and are steadfast in the truth. Choose a degree or certificate from SES to benefit from our unique integration, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with today’s issues and defend your faith effectively.
If you’ve delved into insightful works by Frank Turek, Alisa Childers, Greg Koukl, and other notable authors, you’ve laid a solid foundation. Yet, you may be at a juncture in your self-guided study where you recognize the need to elevate your preparation for defending the faith. To effectively engage the culture with the Gospel, you will need a deeply integrated understanding of philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This integrated approach is the core of every SES program and what makes SES one of the premier apologetics-focused seminaries in the country. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certificate in apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, or something else, the foundation is the same. Good philosophy provides a solid foundation from which to do theology, and both provide necessary tools for sound apologetics. Together, all three disciplines aid in removing obstacles to the Gospel (evangelism) and in building mature disciples who live the Gospel (discipleship) and are steadfast in the truth. Choose a degree or certificate from SES to benefit from our unique integration, ensuring you’re well-prepared to engage with today’s issues and defend your faith effectively.
In the M.Div. in Biblical Studies Program, You Will:
Gain an extensive working knowledge of Biblical Greek and Hebrew grammar and syntax
Apply your language skills in a hands-on exegesis of Biblical books in their original language
Cultivate advanced hermeneutics and research skills for Biblical interpretation
Explore methods of communicating the Gospel across many socioeconomic divides
Grow in your own likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and evidence of the fruit of the Spirit
Be equipped for ongoing apologetics engagement and missional work
Demonstrate a foundational general knowledge of Historical Theology; the Old and New Testaments with a synthetic development of the entire Bible; and Systematic Theology
A Digital Campus Built for You
We aren’t catching up with the online education trend — SES has been breaking ground and pioneering an immersive digital campus experience for years. As a student, you'll enjoy a flexible, compelling, and connected environment for your studies. All of the easy-to-use technology you’ll need to thrive in seminary is housed in one place and accessed through a single, secure log-in. We truly take you beyond mere online education.
Collaborate with your peers through our integrated approach
Interact with world-class professors during many live-streamed classes
Conduct research in one of the most expansive theological libraries ever created
(With our membership as a supporting sponsor of the Digital Theological Library)
At SES, you will have the opportunity to study under some of the best Christian thinkers in the world. Many of our professors studied under SES co-founder Dr. Norman Geisler, while others have their own distinguished educational linage. Each of them bring their unique areas of expertise to the classroom as well as a genuine desire to see their students grow, not only intellectually, but in spiritual maturity as well. Here are just some of the professors from whom you’ll be learning:
"In our day and age, the watershed issue is believing the message of the Bible. There are many movements and ideologies fighting to eclipse the biblical message and the foundations of true truth that undergird the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. Southern Evangelical Seminary has uniquely fought this battle by standing for the total truthfulness of Scripture in an age compromised by skepticism, agnosticism, postmodernism, social justice, critical race theory, and any other ‘ism’ that raises itself up against the knowledge of God."
Bill Roach
SES ALUM
Courses of Interest in the M.Div. in Biblical Studies
Advanced Greek Exegesis
Delve into the original Greek of select New Testament texts equipped to apply your knowledge of syntax and grammar and produce your own translation.
Hermeneutics
Explore the core skills for research and nuance of translation work in this course that will equip you for advanced teaching and writing in ministry.
Additional Language Electives
M.Div. in Biblical Studies students also have access to additional language elective classes, including Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin that will help round out the extensive language focus of this degree.
ME505 Practical Evangelism & Apologetics (3) ME507, 508, or 510 History of Missions & World Christianity, Biblical Theology & Principles of Missions, or Culture & Worldview (3)
Have earned a bachelors degree from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, the United States Department of Education, or the equivalent (as assessed by SES)
GPA of 2.5 or above for their undergraduate program
If one does not meet the undergraduate GPA requirement, he may be granted a Provisional Admission. This requires that the student maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA on the first semester of work at SES in order to be granted full admission.
Contact the Admissions Department with any specific questions you may have or visit our FAQ page.
A Valuable Degree with Exceptionally Affordable Tuition
Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary.
You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well.
As a result, we're delighted to tell you that you'll have a very difficult time finding a better tuition rate than what we offer at SES: $475 per credit hour.
Whether you are pursuing full-time vocational leadership or personal ministry growth, this program is designed to provide a path for your success.
Full-Time Ministry
Christians are called to be salt and light in our world, and leaders should be equipped to confidently engage the ideas shaping today’s culture. Apologetics training is essential for breaking down barriers and effectively leading others. As you pursue God’s calling on your life through ministry, a seminary education will maximize your impact.
Personal Ministry
If your personal study hasn’t yielded the growth you’re looking for, formal training can equip you to answer hard questions and present the truth in love. Being grounded in apologetics prepares you to be fruitful in all aspects of your personal ministry. Our apologetics program offers structured training you need to share the faith and defend truth in everyday life.
Ready to Apply Now?
Start the admission process today. You can begin in just a few minutes by filling out our initial application and it will open the door for us to have an exploratory conversation about your educational priorities and hopes for ministry. We have an entire team at SES who is ready to help you in the process of discerning your gifts and calling to ministry so you can engage our culture in the conversations that matter the most.