RS 500 | Research and Writing | 3 Hours

This course is an introduction to master’s level research methods and writing standards. Course material will cover the topics of information literacy, research strategies, types of theological resources, navigating online journals, developing a good thesis statement, proper argument and organizations, and tips for improving writing skills. Attention is also given to understanding the STS Writing Guidelines, with an emphasis on proper formatting and documentation of an academic theological research projects.

BC 500 | Foundations of Biblical Counseling | 3 Hours

Introductory course that addresses the definition and theological foundations of biblical counseling. Primary focus is on understanding the dynamics of biblical change and progressive sanctification. Students will be challenged to apply these principles to their own lives as they consider how to effectively assist others in bringing about change.

BE 501 | Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch & Former Prophets | 3 Hours

The first half of a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament. Combines the two disciplines of OT introduction and OT theology. Introduces the importance of and problems involved with studying the OT in traditional and contemporary scholarship. Explores issues relevant to authorship, literary structure, purpose, and content of each book covered.

BE 502 | Old Testament Studies II: Latter Prophets & Writings | 3 Hours

The second half of a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament. Combines the two disciplines of OT introduction and OT theology. Introduces the importance of and problems involved with studying the OT in traditional and contemporary scholarship. Explores issues relevant to authorship, literary structure, purpose, and content of each book covered.

BE 504 | Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 Hours

An introduction to the science and art of biblical interpretation. Surveys the major approaches of interpreting the Bible. Develops general and specific principles of interpretation for reading the various types of literature in the Bible. Equips the student to read and interpret the Bible competently while developing a greater love for God and His Word.

BE 511 | New Testament Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 Hours

The first half of a comprehensive introduction to the New Testament. It combines the three disciplines of NT introduction, NT theology, and NT survey. This course will expose students to the importance of, and problems involved with, studying the NT in relation to both traditional and contemporary scholarship. The course will explore issues such as authorship, literary structure, occasion/purpose, and the theological content of each NT book covered. The course will also introduce students to key NT issues such as translation theory, 1st century backgrounds, the synoptic problem, and canonicity.

BE 512 | New Testament Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 Hours

The second half of a comprehensive introduction to the New Testament. It combines the three disciplines of NT introduction, NT theology, and NT survey. This course will expose students to the importance of, and problems involved with, studying the NT in relation to both traditional and contemporary scholarship. The course will explore issues such as authorship, literary structure, occasion/purpose, and the theological content of each NT book covered. The course will also introduce students to key NT issues such as translations and Pauline theology.

HT 500 | Historical Theology | 3 Hours

A survey of the history of theological thought within the Christian church from the apostolic age through the modern church. The course will focus on major developments, movements, and persons.

ME 515 | Apologetics, Evangelism, and Missions | 3 Hours

A study of the methods and schools of thought used for defending the Christian faith and for promoting a biblical worldview, including the practical application of such methods in local and global evangelism. Discusses strategies for implementing this biblical methodology.

NT 550 | Elementary Greek Grammar I | 3 Hours

An introduction to the Greek language of the NT. Provides an overview of grammar and vocabulary, enabling the student to read the NT in its original language.

NT 551 | Elementary Greek Grammar II | 3 Hours

The completion of NT 550. Expands an understanding of vocabulary and grammar, specifically with respect to the verb system. Prerequisite: NT 550.

NT 640 | Biblical Greek for Exposition | 3 Hours

A review of Greek that reinforces the fundamentals, including vocabulary, morphological principles, and key grammatical/syntactical structures for engaging with commentaries and preparing for exposition. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for the use of various linguistic helps in using Greek for Bible exposition. Prerequisite: NT 551 or equivalent.

NT 650 | Biblical Greek Exegesis I | 3 Hours

An extension of basic Greek grammar designed to increase vocabulary, to sharpen translation skills and to develop a better understanding of Greek syntax. Prerequisite: NT 551 or equivalent.

OT 550 | Biblical Hebrew I | 3 Hours

An introduction to the basic vocabulary and grammar of biblical Hebrew.

OT 551 | Biblical Hebrew II | 3 Hours

A continuation of OT 550. Expands an understanding of the verb system. Develops skills necessary to read the Hebrew text and to use it efficiently in Bible study and sermon preparation. Prerequisite: OT 550.

OT 640 | Biblical Hebrew for Exposition | 3 Hours

A review of Hebrew that reinforces the fundamentals, including vocabulary, morphological principles, and key grammatical/syntactical structures for engaging with commentaries and preparing for exposition. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for the use of various linguistic helps in using Hebrew for Bible exposition. Prerequisite: OT 551.

OT 650 | Biblical Hebrew Exegesis | 3 Hours

An introduction to intermediate Hebrew grammar, the syntax of Hebrew texts, and the exegetical method used in reading the Old Testament text. Prerequisite: OT 551.

PT 511 | Spiritual Formation and Discipleship | 3 Hours

A biblical approach to pursuing spiritual growth and conformity to Christ through spiritual disciplines. This course also introduces the principles of disciple making by analyzing key texts regarding the disciple-making model of Jesus and discussing the implementation of Jesus’ model by the early church.

PT 512 | Foundations of Biblical Teaching | 3 Hours

An introduction to basic theory and skill related to communicating biblical truth accurately and effectively. Enables the student to discover the main idea of a text, develop an outline, and effectively teach the lesson. Includes opportunities for the student to speak and receive feedback.

PT 711 | Mentored Apprenticeship | 1 Hour

The MDiv student develops a learning contract with his mentor and the Director of Mentoring in an approved area of ministry which relates to the student’s future ministry. In addition, the student spends significant time each week in reflective conversation with his mentor. Mentored Apprenticeship is usually most appropriate in the final year of the Master of Divinity program. Prerequisite: PT 511.

TH 501 | Systematic Theology I | 3 Hours

A survey of a prolegomena to systematic theology as well as the doctrines of revelation (bibliology) and God (theology proper). Introduces, defines, and supports each doctrine using pertinent passages of Scripture. Prerequisite: BE 504.

TH 502 | Systematic Theology II | 3 Hours

A survey of the doctrines of Christ (Christology), the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), and angels (angelology). Introduces, defines, and supports each doctrine using pertinent passages of Scripture. Prerequisite: BE 504.

TH 503 | Systematic Theology III | 3 Hours

A survey of the doctrines of man (anthropology), sin (hamartiology), and salvation (soteriology). Introduces, defines, and supports each doctrine using pertinent passages of Scripture. Prerequisite: TH 501.

TH 601 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 Hours

A survey of the doctrines of the church (ecclesiology) and last things (eschatology). Introduces, defines, and supports each doctrine using pertinent passages of Scripture. Prerequisites: TH 501, TH 502.

TH 630 | Christian Ethics | 3 Hours

An introduction to Christian ethics. This course will evaluate various philosophical systems of ethics viewed in light of the moral teaching of Scripture. Major consideration is given to developing a systematic ethical code from the Bible and its application to selected ethical issues and choices of moral conduct in the twenty-first century.

Biblical Counseling Concentration

This concentration prepares students for pastoral work by focusing on the governance of
the church and the public exposition of the Word. It includes the following courses in
addition to the 81 core credit hours:

Biblical Counseling Concentration Course Descriptions

BC 507 | Foundations of Biblical Marriage | 3 hours

Designed to equip students with a biblical understanding of how God designed marriage to work. The issues of gender roles, communication, conflict resolution, physical intimacy, parenting, and finances are discussed. Premarital counseling best practices are explored, and role-play is used to give the students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a simulated counseling environment.

BC 508 | Biblical Soul Care | 3 hours

This course explores the biblical understanding of personhood: its origin in the imago Dei; the physical, emotional, and noetic effects of the fall; and the biblical approach to the treatment of the whole person, including the methods demonstrated by Christ in caring for others.

BC 514 | Counseling Skills and Methodologies | 3 hours

Students will become acquainted with the tools and methods of the effective biblical counselor such as empathy, active listening, discernment, the role of prayer and the Holy Spirit, speaking the truth in love, note-taking, the use of homework, etc. Ample opportunity will be given to develop and test these skills through the use of simulated counseling situations.