Benjamin L. Merkle
Master of Divinity with
Advanced Biblical Studies
The Advanced Biblical Studies track is a Seminary program designed to equip persons for leadership roles in Christian ministries that require special expertise in biblical studies and exegesis in the original languages. This would include those with a desire to enter advanced graduate-level biblical studies programs in preparation for teaching ministries.
In addition to the MDiv core, students specializing in advanced biblical studies must complete 9 credit hours of required classes and 6 hours of language electives. Students who do not already have background in biblical languages are encouraged to begin their biblical language studies in the summer session prior to their first fall term.
*Students who do not already have a background in biblical languages are encouraged to begin their biblical language studies in the summer session prior to their first fall term.
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On-Campus
When my students start talking about missions, I tell them that they need to checkout Southeastern because that's really the fabric of who Southeastern is with its Great Commission focus.
Ministry in Context
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS DEGREE?
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Teach biblical languages in a Christian educational setting
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Develop resources to aid and assist church leaders with biblical languages
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Write for Christian literary publications
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Pursue a Ph.D. in an effort to become a professor
What Classes Will I Take?
Master of Divinity Core
Intro to Seminary
- SEM 5000 – Introduction to Seminary Education
Biblical Studies
- NTS 5110 – New Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Jesus and the Gospels
- NTS 5120 – New Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Acts, Epistles, and Revelation
- OTS 5110 – Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets
- OTS 5120 – Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Latter Prophets and Writings
Greek
- GRK 5110 – Biblical Greek for Ministry I
- GRK 5120 – Biblical Greek for Ministry II
Hebrew
- HEB 5110 – Biblical Hebrew for Ministry I
- HEB 5120 – Biblical Hebrew for Ministry II
Theological Studies
- ETH 5100 – Introduction to Christian Ethics
- PHI 5100 – Christian Philosophy: Worldview, Western Thought, and Apologetics
- THE 6110 – Christian Theology I
- THE 6120 – Christian Theology II
Christian History
- HIS 5110 – Church History I: Patristic, Medieval, and Pre-Reformation
- HIS 5120 – Church History II: Reformation and Modern
- HIS 5130 – Baptist History: Identity, Heritage, and Polity
Bible Exposition
Select either the PRS or the CED sequence:
- PRS 6100 – Bible Exposition I: Hermeneutics and Preparation
- PRS 6500 – Bible Exposition II: Communication and Delivery
- CED 6300 – Bible Exposition for Ministry to Women I
- CED 6310 – Bible Exposition for Ministry to Women II
Hermeneutics
- BTI 5100 – Hermeneutics
Ministry Studies
- BCO 5500 – Biblical Counseling
- EVA 5150 – Disciplemaking: Personal Evangelism and Discipleship
- MIS 5100 – Christian Missions: Principles and Practice
Leadership Selective
Select one of the following courses:
- PMN 6500 – Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
- PMN 6730 – Christian Leadership
Practicum Selective
Select one of the following courses:
- MIS 6901 – Missions Practicum
- MIS 6990 – Practicum in International Missions: [Location of trip]
- MIS 6991 – Practicum in North American Missions: [Location of trip]
- PMN 7900 – Mentored Internship
Electives
Select any three hours of graduate-level credit (5000, 6000, or 7000 level courses).
Advanced Biblical Studies
Biblical Interpretation
- BTI 6500 – Methods and Issues in Biblical Interpretation
Upper Level Greek
- GRK 6500 – Biblical Greek for Ministry III
Upper Level Hebrew
- HEB 6500 – Biblical Hebrew for Ministry III
Biblical Language Selective
Select two courses with the following prefixes (6000-level or above):
- GRK****
- HEB****
