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Biblical Studies Program

The program is an integrated Th.M. and Ph.D. designed to help students in Asia understand the Word of God in the original languages (Hebrew and Greek) and apply the lessons learned in the Asian context. Participants are encouraged to actively participate in the local church while pursuing theological education.

PROGRAM EMPHASIS

  • Biblical Studies is an advanced program. Thus, students are expected to show maturity in scholarship and research skills.
  • Biblical Studies is a research program in the Biblical languages. Thus, students are expected to show competence in Hebrew and Greek exegesis.
  • Biblical Studies is a ministry program. Thus, students are expected to apply principles learned in the program while doing course work and research.

PROGRAM DESIGN

  • The Th.M. track is a 36 credit hour program, with a required thesis. After the initial required courses, the student may choose either Old or New Testament major.
  • The Ph.D. track is a 60 credit hour program, with a required dissertation that builds on a previous Th.M. degree or course work. Before candidacy, the student is required to take comprehensive exams in Biblical studies and languages. Before doing dissertation research, the student must demonstrate proficiency in one relevant modern foreign language.
  • The Ph.D. program is primarily designed for those with a Th.M. degree from AGST. A student who excels in the AGST Th.M. may proceed to Ph.D. after completing all course work and fulfilling all admission requirements to the Ph.D. program. In this case, the Th.M. degree is waived. Applicants with an M.A. or M.Div. are accepted on the basis of academic merit and standard AGST requirements. Participants pursuing a Ph.D. from an M.A. or M.Div. are expected to complete all Th.M. course work in the integrated program.

CURRICULUM

Master of Theology, 36 units (30 hours course work + *non-credit requirements + 6 hours thesis)

  • Advanced Hermeneutics & Theological Research (3 credit hours)
  • Education: Principles and Methods (3 credit hours)
  • Concentration Courses – 8 OT and/ or NT (24 credit hours)
  • Teaching Practicum*
  • Comprehensive Examinations*
  • Proposal*
  • Thesis (6 credit hours)

Doctor of Philosophy, 60 units (51 hours course work + *non-credit requirements + 9 hours dissertation)

  • Concentration Courses – 17 OT and/ or NT (51 credit hours)
  • Research Language*
  • Teaching Practicum*
  • Comprehensive Examinations*
  • Proposal*
  • Dissertation (9 credit hours)

INTEGRATED PROGRAM OPTIONS

  • Th.M. – 36 credit hours [30 units course work + 6 units thesis or 10 courses + thesis]
  • Ph.D. – 60 credit hours [Th.M. 36 units degree + Ph.D. 15 units course work + 9 units dissertation or Th.M. degree + 5 courses + dissertation]
  • Ph.D. – 60 credit hours [Th.M. 30 units course work + Ph.D. 21 units course work + 9 units dissertation or Th.M. course work + 7 courses + dissertation]
  • Ph.D. – 60 credit hours [M.A. or M.Div. + Ph.D. 51 units course work + 9 units dissertation or 17 courses + dissertation]

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • M.Div. or M.A. in Biblical or Theological Studies
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in vocational Christian ministry
  • At least 12 credit hours in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies
  • Greek and Hebrew proficiency
  • English proficiency
  • A TOEFL score of at least 550 for all applicants whose first language is not English
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from an administrator or supervisor, former professor/s from a school recently attended and current Pastor.
  • Official transcripts of your academic record
  • A statement describing your vocational objectives and explaining how a Th.M. and/or Ph.D. degree is related to these
  • A statement indicating how your studies will be financed, including specific commitments from any institutions or individuals that may be sponsoring you
  • A health certificate indicating your physical fitness to pursue graduate studies; and
  • A copy of your original research paper in English
  • A non-refundable fee of US$50.00 or peso equivalent.

 

Hosted by:

Biblical Seminary of the Philippines (BSOP)
POBOx 11 ,1469 Valenzuela , Philippines
(632) 292-6795

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Prior to being considered for admission, the applicant is required to submit the following documents :

  • AGST application form. (Download here)
  • Official transcript of credits covering all college/university and graduate work.
  • A health certificate indicating physical fitness to pursue seminary studies.
  • Financial statement indicating how studies and personal/living expenses will be financed, including commitments from supporting institutions.
  • Five (5) letters of recommendation from an administrator or supervisor, former professor/s from a school recently attended and current Pastor.
  • A statement describing vocational objectives and how the Th.M. and/or Ph.D. Degree relate to these.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  • Application fee – $50.00
  • Tuition Fee (per unit) – $75.00
  • Residency fee – $50.00 per semester
  • Graduation fee – $35.00

The entire program costs approximately US $3000 (tuition only). Fees may be paid in US dollars or in equivalent pesos. Tuition scholarship is granted based on need, previous academic and ministry record, and future potential. Living and other related expenses are the responsibility of students.

Download:

Application Packet (download here)

Program Handbook (download here)

 

Send your inquiries or application to:
Dr. Michael Malessa, Associate Program Director
Email: bs.agstphil@gmail.com

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