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Studies & Degrees in Biblical Theology

Biblical theology studies what the books of the Bible say about God, humanity and salvation, read in their own historical and literary setting. It sits between biblical studies, which works on the texts, their languages and their history, and systematic theology, which orders Christian doctrine by topic. A student of biblical theology learns to read the Old and New Testaments closely and to follow themes such as covenant, kingship or creation across the whole canon.

The working tools are languages and method. Most programmes teach biblical Hebrew and Greek, exegesis (the detailed interpretation of a passage), hermeneutics (how ancient texts are read today), textual criticism and the history and literature of ancient Israel and early Christianity. At the University of St Andrews, for example, biblical studies students also read other Jewish and Christian writings of the period, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Qualifications and levels

The name of the degree depends on the country and on the church tradition of the institution.

  • Bachelor's level. In the United Kingdom the subject is usually called biblical studies. The MA (Hons) in Biblical Studies at the University of St Andrews is a four-year undergraduate course in which students learn at least one biblical language, Hebrew or Greek, and write a 10,000-word dissertation in the final year. In the United States it is often part of a Bible, religion or ministry major: Anderson University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry that can be completed in three or four years and includes courses in biblical exegesis and hermeneutics.
  • Master's level. St Andrews offers a one-year MLitt in Biblical Languages and Literature. Applicants need at least two semesters of Hebrew or Greek from their first degree. In North America the usual routes are a Master of Arts or the Master of Divinity (MDiv), the professional degree for ministry; Anderson University has a five-year track from the BA to the MDiv. Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, an online multi-denominational institution, lists a Master of Arts of 36 to 48 credits that includes biblical hermeneutics.
  • Catholic ecclesiastical degrees. Faculties of theology erected by the Catholic Church follow three cycles: a first cycle ending in the Baccalaureate, a two-year specialisation ending in the Licentiate, and the Doctorate. At the Universidad de Navarra the Bachiller en Teología takes five years, and the Licenciatura en Teología Bíblica is one of three specialisations of the second cycle. It lasts two academic years (120 ECTS credits) and requires sufficient Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Its 2025 study plan includes biblical Hebrew and Greek, textual criticism of the Old and New Testaments, exegetical methods and exegesis seminars.
  • Doctorate. Research degrees (PhD) are offered by university divinity and theology schools. The St Andrews MLitt is presented as preparation for a PhD in Biblical Studies.
  • Short courses. The Universidad de Navarra runs a ten-week online course, Biblia y Tierra Santa (2 ECTS credits), in Spanish or English.

Recognition varies. According to the Universidad de Navarra, the Bachiller, Licenciado and Doctor degrees of its Faculty of Theology have civil effects in Spain at the generic levels of grado, máster and doctor, and each student has to apply for that recognition. For seminaries and Bible colleges elsewhere, ask the school which accreditation it holds and whether other universities or your church accept the degree.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 11 active schools for biblical theology: six in the United States, three in the United Kingdom, one in Spain and one in Zimbabwe. Most of them teach in English; the Faculty of Theology of the Universidad de Navarra, in Pamplona, publishes its study plans in Spanish.

The School of Divinity at St Andrews has taught divinity since 1579, and the University of Sheffield has a Centre for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies that takes master's and PhD students. The schools in the United States range from large universities to church-related colleges such as Anderson University, Hesston College and Abilene Christian University.

When comparing programmes, look at these points:

  • the confessional identity of the school (Catholic, Protestant, multi-denominational or non-confessional)
  • how much Hebrew and Greek is required, and whether beginners are accepted
  • whether the aim is ministry, teaching or academic research
  • on-campus or online study, and the accreditation of the degree

Careers

Many students take the subject as preparation for ordained ministry, chaplaincy, mission work or lay leadership in a church. Anderson University lists pastor, campus minister, missionary and non-profit leadership among the career paths of its ministry graduates. Others teach religion in schools or continue to a doctorate with a view to university or seminary teaching.

St Andrews reports that recent divinity graduates have become graduate students, religious studies teachers, school chaplains, ordained ministers and journalists, and that others have moved into banking, law, business consulting and social work.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know Hebrew or Greek before I start?

Not for a first degree: at St Andrews undergraduates start at least one biblical language during the course. Postgraduate programmes usually expect it. The St Andrews MLitt asks for two semesters of Hebrew or Greek, and the Licenciatura en Teología Bíblica at the Universidad de Navarra requires Latin, Greek and Hebrew.

What is the difference between biblical studies and biblical theology?

Biblical studies covers the texts themselves: languages, history, literature and textual criticism. Biblical theology builds on that work to describe the theological message of the books and of the Bible as a whole. Many universities teach both under one of the two names.

Can I study biblical theology online?

Yes, at some schools. Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary describes itself as an online college and seminary, and the Universidad de Navarra offers a short online course on the Bible and the Holy Land. Check the accreditation of any online degree before enrolling.