Afya Milele Seniors
The MA in Biblical and Theological Studies (MABTS) has been designed to assist theologians, pastors and other ministry workers in developing expertise in the area of Scripture, theology, and church history. With the challenges brought about by local and global changes and transformations on the continent of Africa, ministry in all its areas now requires specialized training. The program offers five major fields of study which reflect areas of significant importance in the ministry to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Each area represents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Why Join the Program?
This academic program has many benefits. Some of them are:- Students study at a Chartered University
- Courses are taught by highly-qualified international faculty who are experts in their field of biblical and theological studies
- Students benefit from a variety of the on-campus and e-library resources
- This program helps to identify outstanding students who could be encouraged to pursue a postgraduate academic degree to benefit the Adventist scholarship in Africa
- Students, faculty and staff embrace multicultural community in the context of learning, worship, and service
- The program is designed to provide needed preparation for a more effective ministry, especially in the area of teaching religion in schools and colleges.
Admission Requirements
The MABTS is an academic program designed to meet the needs of pastors, theologians, and religion teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge of Scripture, theology and history. In addition to the general requirements of the University for admission in a Master’s program, MABTS applicants must do the following:- Have a first degree in Theology, with at least 72 credit hours of theology course
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale)
- Demonstrate their proficiency in biblical Hebrew and Greek Grammar by means of presenting a recent transcript (not older than 3 years) or by challenging exams. If an applicant does not fulfill this requirement, he or she will take Hebrew and Greek Grammars as bridging courses.
- Direct entry applicants are expected to submit recommendation letter from the faculty of their previous university. Employed applicants shall provide a recommendation letter from the employing organization.
Application form can be filled out on our website (aua.ac.ke).
Curriculum
At the beginning of the student’s course work, the program director together with the student will outline a curriculum reflecting a broad coverage to be followed by the student. Biblical Studies majors should take courses both from the Old and New Testaments as well as biblical languages and exegetical courses. Theological-Historical Studies majors are to take courses in the history of the church and Christian philosophy and theology, including Adventist history and theology. Biblical Languages majors should take the language courses as well as some electives from exegesis courses.The total of 48 credits of the program are divided in the following way:
- Five core religion courses (15 credits)
- Seven core specialization courses (21 credits)
- Two elective courses (6 credits)
- Thesis (6 credits)
Major Fields of Study
Biblical Studies (Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies)By the end of the program, the biblical studies students (both majors) will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate important sources, contributions of key scholars, major schools of thought and emerging trends in biblical studies
- Apply adequate tools for biblical exegesis
- Analyze and synthesize various theological themes of the Bible
- Prepare and teach courses in biblical languages at college level.
Biblical Languages
By the end of the program, the biblical languages students will be able to:
- Read, write, translate, and interpret such biblical languages as biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
- Demonstrate abilities to apply biblical languages to the field of biblical exegesis
- Prepare and teach courses in biblical languages at a college level.
Theological Studies and Church History Studies
By the end of the program, the theological-historical studies students will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate important theological sources, major schools of thought and emerging trends in theological and church history studies
- Analyze and synthesize complex theological and historical systems
- Articulate and express coherently theological concepts and doctrines
- Prepare and teach theological and church history courses at secondary school and college levels.
Graduation Requirement
In order to graduate, a student is required to:- Successfully complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of course work according to the prescribed curriculum;
- Write a 100-150 page thesis equivalent to 6 credit hours and successfully defend, correct and edit it following the AUA Standards for Written Work.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on the 4.0 scale).