MA in Bible and Theology Degree
Enhance Your Understanding of Scripture and the Core Tenets of Christianity with Liberty’s MA in Bible and Theology Degree Program
Liberty University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Bible and Theology is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture and explore key theological concepts within a rigorous academic framework. Whether you are pursuing a career in ministry, preparing for doctoral studies, or seeking to enrich your spiritual life, this program offers a focused exploration of biblical interpretation, Christian doctrine, and theological concepts grounded in a Christian academic tradition.
In this program, you can develop foundational skills needed for understanding the overarching theological narrative of Scripture. You’ll take courses covering the Old and New Testaments, hermeneutics, and systematic theology as well as prepare to navigate pressing theological issues facing the church today. Our goal is to help you grow not only in knowledge but also in your ability to communicate biblical truth with clarity and conviction. To this end, our courses are taught from a values-driven perspective that encourages ethical reflection and theological depth.
Whether you’re a current or aspiring pastor, ministry leader, missionary, or church leader, this master’s degree in Bible and theology can help strengthen your biblical literacy and insight into the foundational tenets of Christianity. The program can also help provide a solid base for further doctoral studies in divinity or theology. Partner with us and become equipped to apply biblical and theological truth in local church and parachurch settings.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
ATS Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our Master’s Degree in Bible and Theology
Earn Your Degree from a Fully Accredited Institution
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which ensures that your master’s degree is both recognized and respected in academic and ministry circles. You’ll be learning within a trusted institution committed to academic integrity and spiritual formation.
Study Under Experienced and Faithful Faculty
Your professors at Liberty aren’t just academics, they’re also theologians, speakers, authors, and researchers dedicated to conservative evangelical theology. Each faculty member is committed to the authority of Scripture and passionate about equipping you to rightly divide the Word of truth and defend the faith with clarity and conviction.
Explore Rare Historical Resources in the Scriptorium
You’ll have access to Liberty’s Scriptorium, which houses a world-class collection of rare biblical texts and artifacts. This includes a 111-foot-long Torah scroll from the 16th century, a functioning Gutenberg Printing Press replica, and the Rawlings Foundation’s rare books collection valued at over $1 million, all of which connect you to the deep history of the Christian faith.
Tailor Your Degree to Match Your Ministry Calling
With flexible elective options, you can shape your MA in Bible and Theology to align with your personal interests and career goals. Whether you’re preparing for pastoral ministry, teaching, or further graduate study, this degree offers the customization you need to focus your theological education where it matters most.
Pursue Research with an Optional Thesis Track
If you’re looking to engage deeply with theological scholarship, Liberty offers an optional thesis track. This gives you the opportunity to conduct original research and contribute to ongoing conversations in biblical studies and theology, an excellent path for those considering doctoral work or academic ministry.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with This MA in Bible and Theology?
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Bible and Theology can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Bible study author
- Missionary
- Professor
- Teaching pastor
- Theologian
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in This Bible and Theology Master’s Degree?
In this program, you’ll dive into a wide range of scriptural and theological concepts. You’ll complete a study of apologetics so you can become better equipped to defend the Christian faith in the face of skepticism and doubt. Additionally, you can learn about hermeneutics and biblical interpretation, exploring various interpretative approaches that allow you to more deeply fathom the richness and complexity of biblical texts.
To help you grasp God’s Word in its original languages, you’ll receive an introduction to Hebrew and Greek alphabets, pronunciation, word formation, grammar, and syntax. You’ll also examine essential doctrines related to God, Christ, the Spirit, humanity, salvation, and Scripture. By taking an in-depth look at both Old and New Testament texts, you can grow in your knowledge of Christ and prepare to share biblical truth with others.
Furthermore, you’ll delve into contemporary issues and debates in systematic theology, especially in relation to local church ministry. As you study the theoretical underpinnings, moral questions, and practical implications of theological ethics, you can prepare to apply your knowledge in various ministry settings – turning your knowledge into hands-on solutions to modern ministry challenges.
To round out the program, you’ll have the opportunity to take elective courses, which can help you customize your studies to fit your unique goals. The optional thesis track gives you a chance to conduct research in your field and further prepare for potential future doctoral studies.
Featured Bible and Theology Courses
APOL 505 – Contextualized Apologetics in the Late Modern Age
BIBL 505 – Language Tools
THEO 505 – Theological Foundations
THEO 600 – Critical Contextual Issues Facing the Church
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Liberty Theological Seminary
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s MA in Bible and Theology Degree Program?
Join a Christ-Centered Academic Community
By choosing Liberty University, you become part of a vibrant academic and spiritual community rooted in a commitment to the authority of Scripture and the formation of servant leaders. Our Master of Arts in Bible and Theology invites you to engage deeply with God’s Word alongside faculty who are both scholars and faithful practitioners of the Christian faith.
Experience a Curriculum that Balances Rigor and Application
Liberty’s MA in Bible and Theology is built on a strong foundation of academic excellence and spiritual purpose. You’ll study biblical languages, hermeneutics, and systematic theology, all while being challenged to apply your knowledge in real-world ministry contexts. Our faculty bring years of academic and pastoral experience to the classroom, helping you connect deep theological understanding with practical ministry impact.
Thrive in a Rich Residential Learning Environment
As a residential student, you’ll benefit from face-to-face interaction with professors, robust classroom discussion, and the support of a community that shares your passion for ministry and theological growth. The in-person setting allows for personalized mentorship, collaborative learning, and lasting friendships that can encourage you throughout your calling.
Grow Spiritually Through Campus Resources and Community Life
Your education at Liberty extends beyond the classroom. With access to our state-of-the-art School of Divinity building, a comprehensive library system, and regular worship gatherings, you’ll experience a learning environment that nurtures both the heart and mind. Daily opportunities for prayer, discipleship, and campus engagement help you pursue a holistic approach to theological education and spiritual formation.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Master’s Degree in Bible and Theology Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Questionnaire
- Pastoral recommender contact information
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.