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M
A S T E R O F
A
R T S I N
B
I B L E
T
E A C H I N G
Overview
The Master of Arts in Bible Teaching (M.A. in Bible Teaching) program is designed to prepare students to teach the
Bible in a school setting. In three semesters of study (Fall, Spring, and Summer), students build a knowledge of best
educational practices on previous Bible background as they explore every aspect of Bible curriculum – from the
“big-picture” of K-12
th
grade curriculum to daily lesson plans.
Purpose
The purpose of the Bible Teaching program is to develop the ministry skill of teaching Bible in Christian and public
schools in North America, international schools, international government and missionary children’s schools, and
other areas of Christian work where a Bible teaching ministry is exercised.
Objectives
The objectives of the Bible Teaching program are to develop the competencies to become:
•
Teachers who understand the purpose of the Bible and how to prepare lessons and curriculum from the
Bible that reflect that purpose, using sound principles of biblical interpretation.
•
Teachers who formulate lesson and curricular objectives in line with the pattern of biblical revelation.
•
Teachers who can design and teach curricula that integrates biblical truth into major disciplines such as
philosophy, family life, and church history on a secondary level.
•
Teachers who have the ability to relate the principles of the Scripture to the needs of individuals and
groups.
•
Teachers who have the ability to apply the principles of the teaching-learning process to the teaching of the
Bible.
•
Teachers who have the ability to establish positive, professional relationships with supervisors, co-
workers, and students.
Admission Requirements
In addition to satisfying the general admissions requirements of the university, students applying to the M.A. in
Bible Teaching program must satisfy the following:
1.
Evidence of the ability to successfully pursue an academic program. Students must have a minimum 2.7
GPA for the most recent degree obtained or scores above the 50th percentile (verbal and quantitative) on
the GRE and a 3.5 on the analytical writing section. The exam must have been taken within the last five
years. Information on test sites and registration is available directly from ETS at
www.ets.org
.(CIU code is
5116.)
2.
Disposition, potential competence, and motivation toward Bible teaching. Complete a successful interview
with the program director and/or education faculty in person or by phone.
(An additional reference may be
required from someone who has supervised or observed the candidate's skills in teaching or work with
children.)
3.
Appropriate undergraduate background. While expertise in all disciplines is not expected, a student must
demonstrate reasonable competency in content areas by completing at least 36 semester hours in
undergraduate liberal arts, distributed in at least four of the following core areas: language arts, social
science, natural science, mathematics, technology, and humanities/fine arts.
4.
Foundational knowledge in Bible and theology. This requirement is satisfied by one of the following:*
a.
An undergraduate degree of at least 30 hours in Bible and theology (must include a course on
hermeneutics) from a Bible college or Christian liberal arts college or university
b.
A Bible certificate of at least 30 hours in Bible and theology (must include a course in hermeneutics)
c.
A total of 30 hours of coursework in Bible and theology (must include a course in hermeneutics)
*Students not meeting this requirement should apply to the Biblical and Theology Certificate program at Columbia International
University’s Seminary & School of Ministry. After completing the Biblical and Theology Certificate, students would qualify to apply
to the M.A. in Bible Teaching program.
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