Rise Above in Your Calling to Teach, Preach, and Lead
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies | 100% Online | KCU Ascend
Deepen your understanding of Scripture and strengthen your calling with Kentucky Christian University’s Christ-centered M.A. in Biblical Studies. Designed for ministry leaders, teachers, and lifelong students of the Word, this program equips you to serve with clarity, conviction, and confidence.
Built for Those Called to More
Whether you’re preaching, teaching, or preparing for future academic work, this program helps you grow in both knowledge and impact. Engage deeply with Scripture, explore original languages and cultural context, and develop the tools to faithfully interpret and communicate God’s Word.
Why KCU Ascend?
- Christ-Centered Formation – Grow in both knowledge of Scripture and spiritual depth
- 100% Online Flexibility – Pursue your degree while serving in your current ministry
- Mentorship That Matters – Faculty who walk with you as scholars, guides, and fellow believers
- Focused Study Paths – Dive deeper into Old Testament, New Testament, or Theology
- Preparation for What’s Next – Whether doctoral study or expanded ministry leadership
What You’ll Gain
- Strengthen your ability to interpret and communicate Scripture with clarity
- Integrate biblical truth into real-world ministry and diverse cultural contexts
- Complete an advanced research project that connects scholarship with practice
- Build a strong foundation for doctoral study or expanded ministry opportunities
A Community That Walks With You
At KCU Ascend, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re joining a community. Our faculty mentor and support you as you grow academically and spiritually, helping you take the next faithful step in your journey.
A Smarter Path Forward
We’ve designed your experience to help you stay focused and keep moving forward.
One Class at a Time. One Step Forward in Your Calling.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to go deeper in God’s Word and expand your impact in ministry, your next step starts here.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Graduate Bible program in Biblical Studies (MABS) is to prepare students to effectively provide Christian leadership and service in the church, the academy and the world through understanding and teaching the Bible, giving attention to its original linguistic, grammatical and historical contexts, and integrating biblical teaching with contemporary practice of the Christian faith.
Delivery Model:
Online
Final Project:
Thesis
Program Options:
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Theological Studies
Required Course Listing
Total Program Hours: 36
*Choose one concentration.
Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership
A detailed study of ethical issues encountered by ministers in providing leadership to their congregations. Questions related to human experiences with area such as medical science, human sexuality, dual relationships, conflict resolution, peace, relation to the government, segregation/prejudice, poverty and ethnic, cultural, and racial differences are addressed in the context of the Christian leader’s teaching, guidance of congregational decision making, and spiritual life of the congregation.
History of Christian Thought
An exploration of the major thinkers and controversies in the history of the church.
Introduction to Online Research
Practice accessing materials using EBSCO, ATLAS, JSTOR, and N.T. Abstracts; in collecting information; in organizing information; in formulating a thesis; and in writing a paper.
New Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in understanding the New Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the New Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the New Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the meaning of the different passages in their original settings and potential applications for contemporary society.
Old Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in studying the Old Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the Old Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the Old Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the application of their message for their day and today.
World Christianity
A critical examination of the status of Christianity in the world and its implications for American Christians and congregations. The modern reality of Christianity as a predominately non-Western religion will be reviews within its Biblical and historical contexts. Accompanying theological developments and appropriate responses will also be explored.
Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership
A detailed study of ethical issues encountered by ministers in providing leadership to their congregations. Questions related to human experiences with area such as medical science, human sexuality, dual relationships, conflict resolution, peace, relation to the government, segregation/prejudice, poverty and ethnic, cultural, and racial differences are addressed in the context of the Christian leader’s teaching, guidance of congregational decision making, and spiritual life of the congregation.
History of Christian Thought
An exploration of the major thinkers and controversies in the history of the church.
Introduction to Online Research
Practice accessing materials using EBSCO, ATLAS, JSTOR, and N.T. Abstracts; in collecting information; in organizing information; in formulating a thesis; and in writing a paper.
New Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in understanding the New Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the New Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the New Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the meaning of the different passages in their original settings and potential applications for contemporary society.
Old Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in studying the Old Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the Old Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the Old Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the application of their message for their day and today.
World Christianity
A critical examination of the status of Christianity in the world and its implications for American Christians and congregations. The modern reality of Christianity as a predominately non-Western religion will be reviews within its Biblical and historical contexts. Accompanying theological developments and appropriate responses will also be explored.
Beginning Hebrew I
Classical Hebrew covering vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and use of Hebrew tools for Biblical exegesis.
Beginning Hebrew II
A continuation of Hebrew I.
Expository Preaching II: OT
A continuation in developing skill in biblical exposition of the Old Testament.
Old Testament Elective
Old Testament Elective
Beginning Hebrew I
Classical Hebrew covering vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and use of Hebrew tools for Biblical exegesis.
Beginning Hebrew II
A continuation of Hebrew I.
Expository Preaching II: OT
A continuation in developing skill in biblical exposition of the Old Testament.
Old Testament Elective
Old Testament Elective
Beginning Greek I
Classical Greek covering vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and use of Greek tools for Biblical exegesis.
Beginning Greek II
A continuation of Greek I (Prerequisite: BLA 541).
Expository Preaching I: NT
Students will develop sermons from various lengthy passages of scripture, which focus on exposition, application and illustration of the New Testament.
New Testament Elective
New Testament Elective
Beginning Greek I
Classical Greek covering vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and use of Greek tools for Biblical exegesis.
Beginning Greek II
A continuation of Greek I (Prerequisite: BLA 541).
Expository Preaching I: NT
Students will develop sermons from various lengthy passages of scripture, which focus on exposition, application and illustration of the New Testament.
New Testament Elective
New Testament Elective
Apologetics
A study of the reasoned responses of Christians to objections to the Christian faith.
Bioethics
Course work includes bioethical analysis. Decision-making and moral policy analysis and formulation encountered in advanced nursing roles are approached from a Christian worldview. Ethical relationships among nursing theory, research, practice, and evaluation in health care delivery to a diverse population are examined. (3 hours didactic/week) Prerequisites: Admission to MSN program or instructor consent.
New Testament Theology
Old Testament Theology
A survey of the main theological concepts of the Old Testament including the doctrine of Yahweh, Israel’s call and election, law, anthropology, ethics, and prophecy.
Systematic Theology
An advanced study of the divine revelation arranged topically and with careful comparison of contemporary religious interpretations.
Apologetics
A study of the reasoned responses of Christians to objections to the Christian faith.
Bioethics
Course work includes bioethical analysis. Decision-making and moral policy analysis and formulation encountered in advanced nursing roles are approached from a Christian worldview. Ethical relationships among nursing theory, research, practice, and evaluation in health care delivery to a diverse population are examined. (3 hours didactic/week) Prerequisites: Admission to MSN program or instructor consent.
New Testament Theology
Old Testament Theology
A survey of the main theological concepts of the Old Testament including the doctrine of Yahweh, Israel’s call and election, law, anthropology, ethics, and prophecy.
Systematic Theology
An advanced study of the divine revelation arranged topically and with careful comparison of contemporary religious interpretations.
Thesis
Planned with the student’s advisor, the goal of this experience is to provide the student with an opportunity to present his/her research and scholarship in a well-written document to be shared with peers in his/her chosen field. The thesis is a scholarly contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s selected area of study. Thesis research is conducted by degree candidates in consultation with a thesis committee and under the direct supervision of the thesis mentor who must be approved by the program director. The written project plan, literature search, and analysis of results is the culminating task for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. The Thesis is also an optional culminating task for the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Thesis progress will be denoted on the transcript using the following course numbers: 622-623; 631-633; 641-653; 661-663.
Thesis
Planned with the student’s advisor, the goal of this experience is to provide the student with an opportunity to present his/her research and scholarship in a well-written document to be shared with peers in his/her chosen field. The thesis is a scholarly contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s selected area of study. Thesis research is conducted by degree candidates in consultation with a thesis committee and under the direct supervision of the thesis mentor who must be approved by the program director. The written project plan, literature search, and analysis of results is the culminating task for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. The Thesis is also an optional culminating task for the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Thesis progress will be denoted on the transcript using the following course numbers: 622-623; 631-633; 641-653; 661-663.
Additional Course Notes
Biology majors are required to complete an approved 6 hours of electives.
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Lasting Impact
“I don’t think I can fully put into words the impact that KCU had on my life. I received a great education and had a wonderful athletic experience, but I will always be grateful for the relationships I made. Whether it was the lifelong friendships or the mentoring as both a student and employee, the impact of the people from KCU is something I will proudly carry with me wherever I go.”
Heather Stacy, Class of 2010