Master of Arts in

Applied Bible and Theology

Ground Yourself In Scripture

Have you ever had questions about God or the Bible you couldn’t find the answers to? Are you looking to grow in faith and knowledge through a program created specifically for those who want to fulfill their calling to make disciples? If so, our MA in Applied Bible & Theology degree program was designed just for you.

What to Expect

Designed for ministry leaders from all backgrounds, the MA in Applied Bible & Theology combines practical biblical and theological instruction from world-class faculty with the convenience of learning at your own pace and from anywhere. This degree program can be completed in just 37 credit hours, which frees you up to learn how to apply God’s Word directly to your unique leadership context while honoring your other responsibilities.

Applied Bible and Theology Courses

The 37-hour Master of Applied Bible and Theology provides a core competency in theology and biblical knowledge while preparing for practical application in a variety of unique personal, work, and ministry contexts. Three open electives (9 hours) allow for a more individual focus on Bible, theology and/or practical ministry appropriate to their calling. Students will have regular interaction with a scholarly faculty, who also have significant pastoral or ministry experience. 

1. Demonstrate critical and faithful interpretation and responsible use of Scripture in appropriate ministry and professional settings.

2. Demonstrate theological reflection that is biblically faithful, historically grounded, contextually relevant, and integrated with life and ministry.

3. Establish communal and personal disciplines that nourish Christian spiritual and moral formation.

Spiritual Formation Courses

SPF 5540 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 4 hours

Core Courses 

BSG 5501 Engaging Texts and Contexts 3 hours

CHS 5500 Story of the Christian Faith 3 hours

CTH 5520 Christian Theology for the Kingdom of God 3 hours

ETH 5530 Christian Ethics 3 hours

MSS 5501 Kingdom Mission in a Global Community 3 hours

NTS 5511 Introduction to the New Testament 3 hours

OTS 5511 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 1) 3 hours

OTS 5512 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 2) 3 hours

Elective Courses

Open Electives 9 hours

Total Hours

37 hours

Click here to download a PDF of required courses.

You can complete your Applied Bible and Theology coursework online or in-person using any combination of the following modalities:

Attend class live from your location when you connect virtually through a Traditional Access class.

Complete weekly coursework independently online and engage with your professor and peers regularly.

Complete weekly coursework on-demand and join scheduled meetings online with your professor and peers.

Attend class in person less than 50% of the time. Complete the rest of your coursework independently online.

Attend class live and in-person with your professor and peers at our historic campus in Ashland, Oh.

Study with scholars who have decades of real-world ministry experience. Our faculty are called to train faithful followers for effective ministry and are personally invested in you.

Step Into Your Calling

Learn the fundamentals of Scripture interpretation to sustain your teaching and devotion in an ever-changing world.

Hear from Applied Bible and Theology Professors

Dan Hawk

Professor the Old Testament and Hebrew

The challenges the Church faces in this rapidly changing world call for Christian leaders who can interpret Scripture deeply and faithfully and who can teach others to do so. Ashland’s MA in Applied Bible and Theology gives you the opportunity to acquire new and vital tools for thinking biblically and theologically, in the context of a diverse and lively Christian community.

David Baker

Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages

This degree provides an excellent entryway into theological education  for those who might still be seeking their calling and want to increase their knowledge and skills, or those who do not want to pursue ordination but desire to serve the Kingdom in other ways. It is a valuable degree in its own right, but can also provide an on-ramp to other degrees that the Seminary offers for those led to dive even deeper into the areas to which you are introduced.

John Byron

Seminary Dean; Professor of New Testament

Just as there are a variety of gifts for ministry, so too there are a variety of callings. The Master of Arts in Applied Bible and Theology is designed to help you discover and refine your calling while gaining the necessary knowledge and skills.

Theological Education You Can Afford

One of your main concerns with theological training may be the costs involved. We offer financial aid and scholarships to ensure you have access to an excellent and affordable theological education.

Request More Information

We’re here to support you as you follow God’s call on your life. When you complete this form, we will personally reach out to you to talk through your selected degree program. We’re here to support you as you discern which path of ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary is right for you.

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