Degree Programs
The Bible Seminary offers a range of degree programs. Programs include the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), several Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in areas such as Biblical Studies, Leadership, and Church History & Theology, and a Dual Degree Completion (DDC) program that allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated format.
The Dual Degree Completion (DDC) program allows students with an Associate’s degree (or equivalent), coursework toward an unfinished undergraduate degree, and life experiences that may count toward college credit to enroll in The Bible Seminary on a degree track culminating in both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students who successfully complete this program earn a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS), and either a companion Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree as described elsewhere in this catalog. The BACS incorporates previous college coursework (such as a 60-credit hour Associate’s degree), prior learning assessments, additional college studies, and TBS core graduate courses that can serve as dual bachelor/master credits.
TBS only offers a combined BA/MA or BA/MDiv – or a separate MA or MDiv – but not a stand-alone BA.
The combined degree can be completed in as few as two (2) or three (3) years for some full-time students. Additional time may be required for students who have not satisfied all of the non-TBS degree requirements.
Accepted students may enroll in a TBS graduate program without any modifications and transfer in or work concurrently to complete any non-TBS undergraduate requirements.
Dual-degree graduates complete a combined total of between 138 and 150-credit hours for a BA/MA degree, or 174-credit hours for the BA/MDiv degree.
Students are eligible to receive both degrees together after all requirements are completed for BOTH the undergraduate and graduate degrees and after all other conditions are met as detailed in the Graduation Policy in the TBS Student Handbook and TBS Policy Manual.
The customized degree may require students to take courses from other colleges or universities. Tuition for any additional college courses and prior learning assessments outside of TBS and required to complete the bachelor’s degree are the responsibility of the student.
Students enrolling in the program are responsible for applying, registering, enrolling, and transferring in credits from other schools and LearningCounts.org with respect to non-TBS undergraduate degree requirements. TBS tuition and fees for dual-credits and graduate credits are the same.
This type of combined degree structure conforms to the guidelines found in various accrediting agencies, including ABHE (Association for Biblical Higher Education), ATS (Association of Theological Schools), SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), and TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Schools).
Financial aid through the TBS Student Scholarship Fund may be available to help fund dual-credit and graduate-level courses offered by TBS. See “Financial Aid” resources for more information.
All Master of Arts programs include a sequence of CORE and ELECTIVE 3-credit hour graduate courses designed to cover all 66 books of the Bible over a 2-year course of study offered during two standard semesters per year, with additional in-depth studies of numerous biblical books. The MA programs are available for both FULL-TIME students (registered for 9 or more credit hours per semester), PART-TIME students, and auditors.
The purpose of the MDiv program is to integrate an in-depth study of the Bible with the standard historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for ministry in the 21st century. The program includes 28 graduate courses (84-credit hours) designed to teach all 66 books of the Bible over a three-year course of study. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Master of Divinity degree. The program is available for FULL-TIME students (registered for 9 or more credit hours per semester), PART-TIME students, and auditors.
Graduate Courses
All courses listed below may be taken at the Graduate (3-credit hours), Certificate (1-credit hour), or Audit-level. Audit students have the option of completing assignments for grades in case they eventually decide to pursue a degree. In such cases, students may petition the Provost to convert audit course work for graduate credit. See program, plan, or schedule for the CORE and ELECTIVE courses that correspond to specific programs.
* If you have other degree requirements such as Doctrine, History, and Polity courses associated with your church, denomination, or other organization, TBS can work with you to help make sure your educational journey includes the appropriate course(s).
ARC 501: Archaeology Theory and Methodology
The primary objective of this course is to train students in basic archaeological theories and methodologies.
ARC 510: Ceramic Analysis
The primary objective of this course is to train students in a basic understanding of and recognition of ceramic artifacts.
ARC 520: Excavation Practicum and Field School I
The primary objective of this course is to provide on-site opportunities for basic field training in archaeology.
ARC 521: Excavation Practicum and Field School II
The primary objective of this course is to provide on-site opportunities for advanced field training in archaeology.