Biola University 2015–16 Catalog
All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the certificate relates to those objectives. Graduation Requirements 1. Satisfactorily complete all courses for a total of 32 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum below. 2. Obtain a 3.0 GPA with no grade below a “C-” in all courses to be credited toward graduation. 3. At least 24 credits must be taken at this seminary. 4. Complete the entire program in no more than five years. Students are placed on academic probation if their GPA for any semester falls below 3.0 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative GPA remains below 3.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (3.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. General (unspecified) electives (4 credits) must have a reasonable connection to, and relationship with, the student’s stated vocational objectives. In some cases, the student may be required to submit a written rationale to the program academic advisor, demonstrating the usefulness of the electives for church ministry, parachurch work, or further study. Curriculum Electives: 6 credits selected from TTBE, TTNT, TTOT, TTTH, TTHT, TTPH General Electives: 4 credits TTBE 517 Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods Credit(s): 3. TTBE 519 Survey of Genesis–Malachi Credit(s): 3. TTBE 520 Survey of Matthew–Revelation Credit(s): 3. TTSS 510 Theological Research Methodologies Credit(s): 1. TTTH 511 Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God Credit(s): 3. TTTH 512 Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin Credit(s): 3. TTTH 613 Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit Credit(s): 3. TTTH 614 Theology IV - The Church and Last Things Credit(s): 3.
3. (a) Explain the basic elements of Spiritual Theology, namely, the nature, process, and practices of spiritual growth (ULO 1); (b) demonstrate how knowledge of self integrates with knowledge of God in one’s own life (ULO 2); (c) demonstrate relational skills that develop community (ULO 3); (d) articulate how the biblical teaching on vocation shapes one’s own understanding of vocation and gainful employment (ULO 1, 2, 3). 4. Explain and evaluate the major trends in the history or current state of their respective emphasized disciplines (ULO 1). 5. Perform and report research in their respective disciplines at a level sufficient to begin a doctoral program (ULO 3). Admission Requirements Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives. For special admissions deadlines and requirements involved in the Spiritual Formation concentration, contact Graduate Admissions. Due to the limited enrollment in this concentration, all applicants will be personally interviewed. Academic Probation Students are placed on academic probation if their grade point average for any semester falls below 3.0 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 3.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (3.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. Graduation Requirements 1. Satisfactorily complete 64–66 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum requirements below. The rate of progress for many students is 11–12 credits per semester, allowing the program to be completed in three years. 2. Submit an acceptable capstone project, as determined by the department of concentration. Students in Spiritual Formation concentration submit an acceptable Spiritual Formation Master’s Project-Thesis, which includes 3 credits for writing and one credit for personal growth exploration. The Project- Thesis must involve both a theoretical and practical-experiential dimension in consultation with thesis advisor. Students in other MA concentrations will receive specific directions about their capstone project from their respective departments. 3. At least 24 of the total credits required for the degree program must be completed in residency at Biola. Advanced Standing, Reduction and transfer credit are not considered residency credits. 4. Obtain a 3.0 average with no grade below a “C-” in all courses to be credited toward graduation. 5. Complete the entire program in no more than five years. 6. Meet with a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Concentration Requirements Program Structure The academic programs leading to the degree Master of Arts with concentrations in Bible Exposition, Biblical and Theological Studies/ Diversified, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Spiritual Formation, and Theology are comprised of 64–66 credits structured in common to include:
Master of Arts (Talbot) Director: Alan Hultberg, Ph.D. Mission The mission of the Master of Arts is to produce biblically,
theologically, and spiritually discerning Christian thinkers who can serve the body of Christ in lay, parachurch or academic ministries. The Master of Arts program provides both a general biblical, theological, and spiritual foundation for reflection and a specialized focus on a discipline crucial to fulfilling Talbot’s mission and from which students can serve or go on for advanced study. These disciplines include Bible Exposition, Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Spiritual Formation, and Theology. Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Master of Arts, students will be able to: 1. Integrate a sound understanding of Scripture with the contents of their respective emphasized disciplines (ULO 3). 2. Explain the major doctrines of Christianity, including their biblical basis, historical development, and contemporary relevance, and assess non-evangelical doctrines from an evangelical perspective (ULO 1).
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