Master's Programs

Master of Biblical and Theological Studies

The Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (M.B.T.S.) is a one-year, 36 credit hour program designed to build on a foundation of Christian education established through bachelor's programs at partner institutions.

Master's Programs

Master of Biblical and Theological Studies

The Master of Biblical and Theological Studies is a 36-hour master’s degree for students who are graduates from accredited programs in Applied Theology, Christian Ministries, Christian Studies, and Intercultural Studies. As part of the 4+1 Program, students can apply nine credit hours from their approved bachelor’s degree as transfer credits and then earn 27 additional credit hours in biblical studies, church history and theology in one year at Gateway. Students also spend a year in a guided practicum focused on theological reflection in a ministry context. During the summer, students participate in a fully-funded Beyond Trip, an international missions experience.

36 Credit-hours

The MBTS is a 36 credit-hour degree focused on applying core theological concepts to contextualized ministry contexts.

  • 9 hours waived in from an approved bachelor’s program
  • 27 hours earned at Gateway Seminary’s Ontario campus

This program can be completed in one year through two 12 credit-hour semesters and a 3 credit-hour Beyond Trip in the summer.

Beyond Trip

Students may complete their MBTS degree with a fully-funded, international mission trip, traveling as a cohort with a Gateway Seminary professor. 

Past destinations include Panama, Africa, Southeast Asia, Honduras, Germany, the Philippines, and Egypt. Trips are usually 8-10 days in length and require coursework outside of the actual trip, such as reading and a final paper to count for class credit.

Locations

The MBTS is available at the Ontario Campus.

Course Requirements

These courses make up the MBTS; some may be fulfilled through advance standing credits for students who qualify for Advance Track programs. Beyond Trips are fully-funded mission trips supported by the Go Grant.

Old Testament Introduction I
Special Studies in the Old Testament
New Testament Introduction I
Special Studies in the New Testament
Christian Theology I
Special Studies in Christian Theology
Special Studies in Church History
Ministry Leader Formation
Principles and Approaches to Bible Teaching
Beyond Trip Practicum
Request Info

Fill out this short form to receive information about the Master of Missiological Essentials.

4+1 Program

The 4+1 Program allows qualified students to earn a master’s degree at Gateway Seminary in just one year of full-time study

Scholarships

Scholarships at Gateway Seminary begin with a commitment of the Southern Baptist Convention to quality theological education.

Why a Master of Biblical and Theological Studies

The MBTS will equip you to synthesize your biblical and theological studies with real-world application in local churches and ministry contexts.

The MBTS will enable students to:

  • Exhibit an introductory graduate-level understanding of the Bible’s content, contexts, structure, and messages and the ability to conduct solid research with a goal of properly interpreting and applying the Bible to modern life.
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian historical and theological doctrines to sustain ministerial leadership to God’s glory.
  • Affirm God’s calling and explore areas of spiritual formation and ministerial practice appropriate for ministry leadership.
  • Synthesize biblical teaching, educational excellence, and contextual understanding to effectively teach the Bible in the local church