The Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry by research is earned on the basis of a successful research dissertation.

The prerequisite for admission is a suitable Bachelor degree demonstrating readiness to begin original research:

• Coursework Master of Arts or of Ministry with Grade Point Average of at least 3.0
• Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Ministry with Grade Point Average of at least 3.0
• A Bachelor of Arts, Ministry or Theology earned with Honor.
• A British-style Bachelor with Honours (first class or upper second class division) degree.
• Applicants who do not already have a full introduction to biblical studies shall be required to either:
  • complete 30 semester hours of biblical studies in addition to the above units, or
  • complete the Comprehensive Assessment in Biblical Studies for Admission in addition to the above units.
    Comprehensive Assessment in Biblical Studies for Admission

Requirements for Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry by research

Specialized research seminar 1 (RES901) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• preparatory to the student's project proposal for their thesis.
• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Specialized research seminar 2 (RES902) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• preparatory to the student's project proposal for their thesis.
• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• separate from that of specialized research seminar 1, and
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Research Methods (RES903) Three semester hours

This unit explores the logic, epistemology, design, ethics, and execution of ministry research methods. Methodologies must be preparatory to the student's project proposal for their thesis.

Dissertation writing (RES904) Three semester hours

This unit explores the process of writing a major thesis. This includes choosing a topic, assessing feasibility and significance, allocating time, anticipating problems, and developing a major research proposal.

Dissertation

Students are required to submit a full thesis proposal.

• It must demonstrate that the student has sufficiently broad understanding of his/her specialist area.
• It must demonstrate that the student has done sufficient preparation and planning to begin a thesis.
• It may incorporate documents or content from course work units.

Specialized research seminar 1 (RES901) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Specialized research seminar 2 (RES902) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• unrelated to that of specialized research seminar 1, and
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Research Methods (RES903) Three semester hours

This unit explores the logic, epistemology, design, ethics, and execution of ministry research methods.

Dissertation writing (RES904)Three semester hours

This unit explores the process of writing a major dissertation. This includes choosing a topic, assessing feasibility and significance, allocating time, anticipating problems, and developing a major research proposal.

Major thesis. A thesis for the Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry by research must:

• evidence a critical appreciation of a topic in a research context that make a significant contribution to the scholarly discussion in its field of knowledge
• demonstrate initiative and independent thought.
• use scholarly style and presentation appropriate to a publishable manuscript
• show proficiency in research methods and techniques
• not exceed 60,000 words, including all footnotes and appendices