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MA in Biblical Languages (MABL)

Pursue a vocation in church ministry or academics with an ecclesiastically engaged faculty.

As a student in the Master of Arts (MA) in the Biblical Languages degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU), explore the complexities of biblical Greek and Hebrew writings and cultures and hone the tools necessary for advanced research, writing, and interpretation in ministry or academic careers.

With the flexible hybrid MA in Biblical Languages program at HCU, take on an intellectually rigorous and spiritually enriching biblical Hebrew and Greek education closely guided by faculty who are truly exemplary in their field.

Whether your interest lies in deciphering ancient manuscripts, understanding the historical contexts of biblical narratives, or mastering the subtleties of ancient languages, our faculty leads you through a transformative academic journey.

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Program Highlights

Housed in the Houston Theological Seminary, the MA in Biblical Languages degree program is one of a kind in the Houston area and nationally recognized for the quality of our graduates.

  • 30-42 Credit Hours
  • Two-Three Years
  • Part-Time Study Available
  • Remote Synchronous Hybrid Format
  • Small, Seminar-Style Classes
  • Dedicated Scholarships

Master’s in Biblical Languages Degree Requirements

The 30-credit Master of Arts in Biblical Languages program consists of core advanced ancient Greek and Hebrew language courses, two language electives, including optional Aramaic, Linguistics, or Latin, and two specialized courses in your specialization. For any of these requirements, a 3- or 6-hour Thesis research course can satisfy area studies.

This program is meticulously designed to equip you with an advanced understanding of ancient biblical texts, offering unparalleled insights into the original languages of Scripture. Engage in rigorous study and analysis and enhance your abilities in translation, textual criticism, and exegesis, all within a vibrant Christian scholarly community.

Review the Master of Arts in Biblical Languages degree plan and requirements.

Biblical Hebrew, Greek, and Linguistics Courses

Required courses in the master’s in Biblical Languages program focus on the theory and practice of reading the Bible and related literature in their original languages, underpinned with an understanding of grammatical, syntactical, semantic, discursive, rhetorical, and exegetical issues.

Some courses you may take in the MABL include:

  • CHRI 5311: Hermeneutics
  • GREK: Greek I and II
  • HEBR: Hebrew I and II
  • LING 5310: Linguistics

Program Benefits and Opportunities

By embarking on the master’s in Biblical Languages program at HCU, you are assured of a rich academic journey that marries deep scriptural scholarship with a fervent commitment to faith-based exploration. This unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual depth prepares you not only for scholarly and professional excellence but also for a life of service, embodying the transformative power of God’s Word.

Faculty of Excellence

Our award-winning Biblical Languages professors regularly author books and articles in publications such as the Journal for the Study of the New Testament, the Journal of Biblical Literature, and many more. Their expertise spans specialty areas, including Early Christianity, Greco-Roman philosophy and rhetoric, biblical Hebrew, Hellenistic Greek, grammar, translation, textual criticism, and biblical exegesis.

Committed to nurturing your scholarly development and spiritual growth, our faculty provides personalized mentorship that respects the intellectual and faith dimensions of theological studies.

Meet faculty in Classics and Biblical Languages at HCU.

Career and Salary Outcomes

Backed by immersive training in Greek and Hebrew and an optional graduate thesis, when you finish the MA in Biblical Languages program, you are prepared to significantly contribute to pastoral ministry, academic research, teaching, and beyond.

The majority of our graduates pursue a vocation of church-related ministry, but an MABL degree is also a stepping stone to a PhD program in fields related to theology and linguistics. Or, forge and follow your own path with further study in any field where historical language and context can contribute.

Students in the master of Biblical Languages program:

  • Serve as pastors or ministers who teach from the Bible’s historical background
  • Become Bible translators for purposes of Christian missions
  • Teach in theology, classics, and history areas in K-12 schools
  • Engage in research and publishing
  • Become scholars of biblical studies or linguistics, or branch out into other fields, such as philosophy or journalism
  • Pursue further study at highly respected programs, including Cambridge and Yale

Graduates with a master’s degree in Biblical Languages are equipped for a career in private church settings, education, or self-employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy members earn an average of $60,180 annually, and writers and authors can earn $73,150 annually on average. If you’re interested in research and scholarship, postsecondary education can lead to average salaries of $80,840; these salary levels can increase over time and experience and vary based on institution and location.

Whether your next step is seminary, doctoral work, or vocations in teaching, preaching, translating, and pastoral ministry, the MABL instills the tools that enrich your Christian service in all areas of life.

Biblical Foundation, Spiritual Formation

Our students and faculty members foster a learning environment emphasizing critical thinking, scholarly engagement, and the integration of faith and learning. From the A.O. Collins Lecture Series to the biblical languages blog to networking leading to work opportunities in local ministries, with the master’s in Biblical Languages degree program, there is no shortage of opportunities to develop your personal faith practice and further your reach in pastoral ministry.

Related Houston Theological Seminary Degrees

Houston Christian University and the Houston Theological Seminary house various programs that align with callings within God’s world and further original scholarship in theological studies and ancient civilizations.

Admissions and Aid

Whether you’re returning to school or taking on graduate education after completing your bachelor’s degree, join us in the Master of Arts in Biblical Languages program.

Find deadlines and graduate admissions requirements.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Biblical Languages master’s program must have undergraduate coursework in the field. However, those without this undergraduate coursework can take leveling courses before starting the program.

After completing the online application, further materials should be submitted to verification@HC.edu, including:

Personal statement between 300-500 words
Current résumé or CV

Explore Graduate School admissions and email graduate admissions with any questions.

Master’s in Biblical Languages Scholarships and Aid

About one-fourth of incoming MABL students receive a dedicated scholarship of up to 50% of tuition. We offer several additional scholarship opportunities for students entering the MA in Biblical Languages degree program, such as the Guild Graduate Scholarship.

Note: To be considered for MABL scholarships when starting the program and in future semesters, your application for the program and scholarships must be submitted by these dates: Summer: April 1, Fall: July 1, Spring: November 1.

To be eligible for additional federal loans, students must take at least 5 hours for a Fall or Spring semester or 4 hours in the Summer.

Review graduate tuition and fees, calculate the cost of the MABL program, and explore financial aid.

Earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages at Houston Christian University

As a student in the master’s in Biblical Languages program at HCU, grow intellectually and spiritually with unparalleled scholar-practitioner faculty in small settings that promote seminar-style learning.

Ready to deepen your engagement with texts and language as building blocks of the Christian faith? Take a step by signing up for an info session or starting your application.