Major Courses for MA in Biblical Studies

Bible Language: Greek 1 This course introduces students to the basic elements of Greek language and grammar. Students learn to use tools designed to aid in the study of New Testament Greek texts. The course will also help students to discover basic exegetical insights by studying grammatical features, including an introduction to outlining a passage in Greek. (3-lecture units-course; 3 hours per week)
Bible Language: Greek 2 Students will learn the exegetical process, developing expertise in exegeting a text with a primary focus on writing an exegetical outline and isolating exegetical ideas that enable them to address their home context. Students will also learn to use Greek to relate to theological issues and concepts. (3-lecture units-course; 3 hours per week)
Advanced Hermeneutics This course assists students in deepening their exegetical skills through a discussion of current issues in biblical interpretation. This course will cover additional issues related to genre, the relationship between the testaments, and how theology impacts exegesis. An emphasis will be placed on the "hermeneutical spiral" in biblical interpretation. (1.5-lecture units-course; 1.5 hours per week)
Choose One: Bible Backgrounds or Bible Lands
	● Bible Backgrounds This course examines the cultural and historical backgrounds of both the Old and New Testaments. Old Testament backgrounds includes a study of the religion, literature, and culture of Israel as well as the nations around it in the ancient Near East. New Testament backgrounds examines Jewish and Greco-Roman religious beliefs and customs, folk belief, ethnic issues, the political situation and other cultural phenomena that form the background to the Gospels and early church. Through increased familiarity with the historical and cultural context of the biblical writings, students will improve their ability to interpret, apply, and contextualize the Bible in their own contexts. (1.5-lecture units-course; 1.5 hours per week)
	● Bible Lands This course broadens and deepens the students’ understanding of Israel and its bordering nations, examining the land’s geography and climate and how these factors affected its history. This course enables students to step into the world of the biblical writers and understand the particular lands in which God has chosen to work out His plan for mankind. (1.5-lecture units-course; 1.5 hours per week)
Old Testament or New Testament Book (Students required to take 3 credits of a class based on a book of the Bible. This could be one 3 credit class or two 1.5 credit classes) This course takes students through a selected book in the Old or New Testament with the goal of exegeting and understanding the book in its historical, literary, and canonical context. Students will focus on an individual book with an emphasis on interpretation according to genre of the book as well as the cultural context. This course will also give attention to the application of the book to life and ministry contexts.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

We are pleased that you have made the decision to apply for admission to a master’s program at the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL). The following information will help you complete the application process correctly.

Student Classifications

Applicants are accepted to IGSL under the following categories based on their qualifications and the judgment of the Admissions department. Before you complete an application form, be sure that you are qualified for the program for which you are applying and have requested the correct set of application materials.

Audit Student:

Audit status is available to anyone who desires to take a course for personal enrichment without receiving credit for the course. Courses are open to Audit Students on a space-available basis only, and instructors are not required to grade their coursework.
Special Student:

A limited number of applicants who have not been admitted to a degree program may be allowed to take courses for credit as Special Student Special Students must hold a Bachelor’s degree; complete a Special Student application; and be accepted for Special Student status. They are allowed to take a total of 24 credit units on a space-available basis. All standard prerequisites apply when enrolling in courses. Acceptance as a Special Student does not guarantee admission to regular degree status. Class fees are the same as those for Degree Students.
Master’s Degree Student:
An individual who meets all master’s degree program requirements may be admitted into one of the degree programs. A Degree Student must hold a Bachelor’s degree, be of sound character as biblically defined, have enough ministry experience to discern God’s call to Christian ministry, and be accepted by the Admissions Committee for their desired program.
Doctoral Degree Program Participant:
An individual who meets all the doctoral degree program requirements specific to one of the programs (Transformational Leadership or Peace Studies) may be admitted into that specific doctoral degree program. A Doctoral Degree Program Participant must hold a Master’s degree and meet various requirements (including sound character as biblically defined, years of ministry experience, proven academic ability).

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Master’s program applicants – Do not send your application materials until the application is complete If at any point in the application process, you encounter a difficulty in completing the steps, request clarification on how to proceed from the Office of Admissions. The Admissions Committee will not review your application until all of the application material has been received and all of the requirements for the application have been fulfilled.

Doctoral program applicants – Send your application papers in as they are completed in the order noted in the Application Information sheet downloaded with the application forms. If at any point in the application process, you encounter a difficulty in completing the steps, request clarification on how to proceed from the Program Director for that program. International applicants must use their passport name on all forms. Filipino applicants must use their birth certificate name. The name that you have listed will be used on your transcripts and your diploma.

ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS