MASTER DEGREE COURSE DISCPRIPTIONS
At MOBILE BIBLE SCHOOL (MBS), we provide specialized training for those called to serve in ministry, Christian education, and theology. Our graduate programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for effective leadership and service. Whether you’re pursuing pastoral ministry, Christian education, or theological research, our programs help deepen your understanding. They sharpen your leadership abilities. Our programs prepare you for your calling.
Below is a detailed overview of the Master’s programs we offer. Each program is designed to meet the specific needs and goals of future church leaders, educators, and scholars.
Here are the key differences among the Master’s Degree
1. Master of Theology (Th.M.):
– Field Focus: Advanced theological study and research, often following a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or an equivalent degree.
– Purpose: To provide in-depth knowledge in a specialized area of theology or biblical studies, often preparing for academic or scholarly work.
– Curriculum: Typically includes advanced courses in theology, biblical studies, and research methods. It often requires a thesis or significant research project.
– Career Path: Ideal for those pursuing doctoral studies, teaching positions, or advanced research roles.
2. Master of Ministry (M.Min.):
– Field Focus: Practical ministry skills and leadership in various church and community settings.
– Purpose: To equip individuals for effective pastoral or ministry leadership with a focus on practical application rather than academic research.
– Curriculum: Includes courses on pastoral care, leadership, preaching, counseling, and church administration. It may involve a practicum or fieldwork.
– Career Path: Suited for those seeking to serve as pastors, ministry leaders, or church administrators.
3. Master of Divinity (M.Div.):
– Field Focus: Comprehensive theological education, integrating biblical studies, theology, ministry practice, and pastoral skills.
– Purpose: To prepare individuals for ordained ministry, pastoral care, and various roles within religious and faith communities.
– Curriculum: Covers a broad range of subjects including Old and New Testament studies, church history, systematic theology, pastoral care, and preaching. It often includes practical ministry experiences and a final project or thesis.
– Career Path: Commonly required for ordination and positions such as pastors, chaplains, and other ministry roles.
4. Master of Christian Education (M.C.E.):
– Focus: Education and teaching within a Christian context, including curriculum development and instructional methods.
– Purpose: To prepare individuals to effectively teach and lead educational programs within churches or Christian organizations.
– Curriculum: Includes courses on educational theory, curriculum design, instructional methods, and Christian education principles. It may also involve practical teaching experiences.
– Career Path: Suitable for roles such as Christian educators, youth ministers, and education directors in churches or Christian institutions.
Each of these degrees serves different purposes and prepares individuals for specific roles within ministry and Christian education.
In most colleges or universities, the typical sequence for these degrees is as follows:
1. Master of Divinity (M.Div.): Often considered the foundational degree for those pursuing ordination or general ministry roles. It provides a broad theological and practical education necessary for various pastoral and ministerial positions.
2. Master of Christian Education (M.C.E.): Sometimes pursued after an M.Div. or concurrently, especially if the individual is focusing on educational roles within the church or Christian organizations. It emphasizes the educational and instructional aspects of ministry.
3. Master of Ministry (M.Min.): This degree is typically pursued after an M.Div. or after gaining some practical ministry experience. It focuses on advanced practical skills for ministry and leadership, often aimed at those already serving in or preparing for ministry roles.
4. Master of Theology (Th.M.): Generally pursued after completing an M.Div. or equivalent degree. It is an advanced, specialized degree focusing on in-depth theological study and research, often as a precursor to doctoral studies.
The M.Div. is usually the starting point for theological education, followed by specialized degrees like the M.C.E. or M.Min., with the Th.M. being pursued later for advanced academic or research-focused careers.
MASTER AND DOCTORATE SUBJECTS TO OFFER AND THEIR DESCRIPTIONS
BS 4013 Dispensation and Covenant
This course explores two foundational systems in conservative Protestant theology: covenantalism and dispensationalism. Students will investigate various perspectives within these theological frameworks, delving into how covenants and dispensations are used throughout Scripture. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the biblical basis for each system and their implications for theology and Christian life.
BS 4023 Biblical Geography and Archeology
This course examines the intersection of archaeology, ancient texts, and the Bible, emphasizing how historical discoveries affirm the accuracy of Scripture. Students will study the cultures, customs, languages, and rituals of the biblical world, enhancing their understanding of the historical context of God’s Word. By interpreting archaeological findings through a biblical lens, students will see how these discoveries illuminate the Bible’s narratives.
MUA 4013 Theology of Music and Worship
This course offers a deep exploration of the biblical foundations of music and its role in worship across both the Old and New Testaments. Contemporary church music will be analyzed, considering how modern culture and technology shape the worship experience. Students will also critically assess the work of contemporary Christian composers to determine whether their compositions prioritize performance over theological soundness and biblical engagement.
BI 4013 Pauline Epistle
This course provides an exposition of twelve Pauline epistles (excluding Romans) in their historical order, focusing on Paul’s theology and its relevance to the pastoral needs of his time and today. Students will explore the content and structure of Pauline theology, learning to interpret these letters responsibly and within their original contexts, while also drawing out their theological and practical implications for modern ministry.
BI 4023 Daniel and Revelation
This course focuses on the apocalyptic books of Daniel and Revelation, emphasizing the interpretation of symbolic imagery and prophecy. Students will compare the two texts and examine various apocalyptic viewpoints, learning how to apply different analytical techniques to better understand these complex and prophetic portions of Scripture.
BI 4033 John-in-Depth
In this detailed study of the Gospel of John, students will engage in a verse-by-verse exploration of this profound biblical text, focusing on its spiritual revelations of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Special attention will be given to John’s unique themes, language, and the relationships between his Gospel, his letters, and other New Testament writings. The course will also address the socio-religious context of John’s time, enhancing students’ understanding of its deep theological truths and equipping them for ministry.
BI 5013 Study of Genesis 1-11 (Biblical Creationism)
This course delves into the foundational chapters of Genesis, focusing on the two major creationist perspectives: Young Earth and Old Earth Creationism. Students will explore various interpretations of creation, the fall, the flood, and the origin of nations, with a particular emphasis on the theological and historical implications of these events as described in Scripture. The course aims to provide a balanced analysis of the theological debates surrounding biblical creationism.
BI 5033 Gnostic Gospel (Study of Non-Canonical Gospels)
In this course, students will explore the Gnostic Gospels, including texts like the Book of Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Book of Jasher. The course will guide students in examining these non-canonical works, analyzing their content in comparison to canonical Scripture, and understanding why they are not considered inspired. Students will receive free access to these ancient texts and engage in research projects to critique their theological inconsistencies.
BS 5013 Seminar on Methodologies in Biblical Interpretation
This course provides an overview of the various approaches to biblical interpretation, both ancient and modern. Students will gain a foundational understanding of interpretive methodologies and will be equipped to develop their own method that is suited to their specific context. The goal is to prepare students to engage with Scripture in a way that is both scholarly and personally relevant.
BS 5023 Methodology and Parallel Study of Religion
This course introduces students to key methodologies in religious studies, focusing on how to interpret religious phenomena through lenses like phenomenology, functionalism, and lived religion. By studying these methodologies, students will analyze religious parallels to messianic prophecy and ultimately conclude that the Bible is the authoritative source for understanding all religions.
LCS 4013 Greek 1
In this introductory course, students will learn the fundamentals of biblical Greek, focusing on basic grammar and vocabulary. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to translate and interpret New Testament passages, enabling them to use Greek effectively in their theological studies and ministry.
LCS 4023 Greek 2
Building on Greek 1, this course advances students’ understanding of biblical Greek, emphasizing translation skills and the accurate parsing of Greek nouns and verbs. Students will engage with New Testament texts to deepen their comprehension of the original language and enhance their biblical interpretation abilities.
LCS 3013 Hebrew 1
This introductory course to biblical Hebrew emphasizes the basic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of the language. Students will begin reading Hebrew texts and gain an understanding of how the language shapes the meaning of the Old Testament.
LCS 4013 Hebrew 2
Continuing from Hebrew 1, this course focuses on advancing students’ reading and comprehension of Hebrew texts. It will include a deeper exploration of Hebrew vocabulary and sentence structure, preparing students for more nuanced interpretation and teaching of the Old Testament.
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