Program Description

With world class faculty and a rigorous commitment to learning, the School of Biblical Interpretation offers courses through the departments of Old Testament, New Testament, and Inductive Bible Studies.

• The Department of Old Testament prepares students for responsible interpretation by emphasizing direct study of Hebrew text, an in-depth exploration of the historical contexts in which these texts emerged, a critical engagement with the history of interpretation, and theological reflection on the Old Testament as Christian Scripture.
• The Department of New Testament cultivates students’ capacity for critical biblical analysis by focusing on understanding the New Testament within its socio-historical framework, analyzing carefully the Greek of the New Testament, and fostering an approach to interpretation that promotes both personal and communal transformation.
• The Department of Inductive Biblical Studies (IBS) introduces a systematic, comprehensive methodology for Bible study. IBS teaches a hermeneutic that progresses from the initial observation and interpretation of a text in its literary, historical, and canonical contexts to applying its meaning in contemporary faith and life. The emphasis is on cultivating an inductive approach—drawing conclusions from a careful examination of evidence—rather than imposing preconceived interpretations on the text.

Additionally, courses in Biblical Theology engage the Bible specifically as Christian Scripture, underscoring its integral theological character and its relevance for informed Christian scholarship.

Master of Arts [Biblical Studies]

Asbury Seminary’s 60-hour Master of Arts [Biblical Studies] prepares you to pursue knowledge in the practical Christian disciplines needed for teaching in congregations, para-church organizations, Christian institutions or for pursuing a postgraduate degree. Upon completing your degree, you’ll have a fresh understanding of biblical studies, coupled with a renewed love for God and neighbor developed through knowledge, practice and service.

Master of Theology [Biblical Studies]

Asbury Theological Seminary’s 30-hour Master of Theology in Biblical Studies forms Christian scholars, teachers and servant-leaders for the church. Candidates for the Master of Theology [Biblical Studies] can focus either in Old Testament or New Testament. The degree is designed to achieve substantive understanding of the field of biblical studies appropriate for advanced academic study of Scripture in the service of the church.

Doctor of Philosophy [Biblical Studies]

Asbury Theological Seminary’s 48-hour (plus dissertation work) Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies focuses on either the Old Testament or New Testament in the context of the entire biblical scholarship.

Up to $40,000 plus tuition per year will be awarded to as many as eight qualifying PhD applicants in Biblical Studies (Old Testament and New Testament Interpretation) in the year 2025-2026.