Accelerated Master’s Programs
B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry
You can earn a master’s degree with just one additional year of study after you complete your B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Talbot School of Theology's unique accelerated master’s programs will give you the opportunity to expand upon your ministry training, preaching skills, theological knowledge and more — all in five years or less.
Here's how it works:
1. Choose from several master’s degree pathways
As a student in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, you’ll choose a concentration at the beginning of your program. You can finish your bachelor’s degree with any of our three concentrations, but there are also accelerated master’s degree opportunities with each concentration:
Bachelor’s Degree Concentrations:
Bible and Theology
Accelerated Master’s Degree Pathway:
- M.A. (Bible Exposition)
- M.A. (Theology) – Non-Greek Track
- M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Pastoral Care and Counseling)
Bible, Theology and Biblical Languages
Accelerated Master’s Degree Pathways:
- M.A. (New Testament)
- M.A. (Old Testament)
- M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Biblical and Pastoral Ministry)
- M.A. (Theology) – Greek Track
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Christian Ministries
Accelerated Master’s Degree Pathway:
2. Prepare for your specific calling
Each of our accelerated master’s degree pathways are designed to supplement your undergraduate education with training at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology. In place of electives in the bachelor’s program, you’ll take a year’s worth of master-level courses while earning your bachelor’s degree (leaving only one year left to complete in a 2-year master’s degree).
You’ll grow personally as you interact with experienced pastors and professors, and will also deepen your understanding of God’s calling on your life. Each concentration and accelerated master’s degree pathway aims to train you in the following ways:
Bible and Theology Pathway
This master’s degree track does not require Hebrew or Greek, and can be completed with one extra year of study at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
Accelerated Master's Degree Pathway:
Bible, Theology and Biblical Languages Pathways
This master’s degree track requires either Hebrew or Greek (with the exception of the M.Div. track, which requires both), and can be completed with one extra year of study at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
Accelerated Master's Degree Pathways:
- M.A. (New Testament)
- M.A. (Old Testament)
- M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Biblical and Pastoral Ministry)
- M.A. (Theology) – Greek Track
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The M.Div. master’s degree track requires both Hebrew and Greek, and can be completed with one extra year of study at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
Christian Ministries Pathway
This master’s degree track does not require Hebrew or Greek, and can be completed with one extra year of study (or less) at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
Accelerated Master's Degree Pathway:
3. Finish in five years — or less
Our accelerated master’s degrees are structured to help you successfully earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years or less. See our process below to see how the program progresses each year:
Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Years
You will take the standard courses in the B.A. in Bible, Theology and Ministry program. At the end of your junior year, you will apply and be admitted to the appropriate Talbot master’s program.
Senior Year
You will take both undergraduate classes along with graduate classes in your selected concentration. If you successfully complete the requirements of the concentration for the first three years, you begin taking seminary classes in your senior year. At the end of your senior year, you can earn your B.A., and you will be well on the way toward your M.A. degree. Students who decide not to continue on to graduate studies will graduate with a B.A. in Bible, Theology and Ministry, and no credits will be lost or wasted.
For the M.Div. program, you will complete your bachelor's degree in your junior year and complete your master's degree in your final two years.
Fifth Year
You will complete your master’s degree at Talbot School of Theology.
Program Requirements
In order to continue in the accelerated master’s degree program, students must:
- Be involved in some form of Christian service and have a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Apply and be admitted to the appropriate Talbot master’s program at the end of junior year.
- Earn grades of B or higher in all classes that will be used as advanced standing for the M.A. Failure to get a B or higher in one of these classes will result in the student not receiving advanced standing for that class upon entry into the M.A.
How to Finish in Less than Five Years
Our accelerated master’s programs are structured so you’ll be able to finish both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. However, you can reduce the length of the program by taking courses during the summer or applying other course credits.
Taking courses over just two summers can help you finish your accelerated master’s degree in a total of four years (3 years for your bachelor’s degree, 1 year for your master’s degree).
If you have additional questions about the structure and timeline of your program, or want to learn more about how summer courses can help you complete your accelerated master’s degree in as little as four years, contact btm@biola.edu.