M.A. in New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology

Graduate
Hybrid
36 hours
2 years

Master of Arts at Harding

This degree program prepares students for teaching and for further research in their chosen area of concentration. Emphasis in the program is on scholarly research. The Master of Arts is designed to provide a foundational understanding in one of four areas: New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology.

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Why earn your Master of Arts in New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology at Harding?

Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in their disciplines who contribute to their areas of study through research, presentations, and writings. Each received education and training from leading institutions and brings a variety and wealth of experience to the classroom. As members of local congregations, they use their talents in preaching, teaching, and writing to build up the church.

Library

Harding has one of the most extensive theological libraries affiliated with churches of Christ. Its impressive collection includes more than 150,000 books, 25,000 volume-bound periodicals, 300+ current periodicals and an ever-expanding collection of digital resources.The library provides resources and research assistance to online students as well as those on campus.

Flexibility and Affordability

Our synchronous online courses and one-week on-campus intensive classes allow full-time ministers and missionaries to pursue advanced education from anywhere.  Through generous funding provided by donors committed to Christian education, scholarships are available to all HST students to help reduce the cost of tuition.

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Chapel

Chapel is an important part of life at HST.  We meet two times a week during the semester and daily during intensive courses.  Students and professors both lead the community in worship and Bible study.  Distance students and alumni participate in chapel via Zoom.   

Center for Church and City Engagement

Opportunities for cross-cultural experiences in urban contexts are available for students through internships, apprenticeships and other ministry settings.

 

Spiritual Formation Retreat

New students participate in a spiritual formation retreat in connection with one of the first courses they take.

 

Intensives

All HST degrees have a residency requirement (a number of courses that must be taken on our Searcy campus). For the MA and MACM, the residency requirement is two courses. For the M.Div., it is three courses. Many distance students choose to attend one-week intensive courses on campus in Searcy over the course of their degree to meet their residency requirement.  The standard intensive course meets for one week, Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Intensives are usually offered for one week in the fall, one week in the spring, and two weeks in the summer. 

Need to reserve a room for intensive classes? A block of rooms are set aside for HST students at the Heritage Inn on campus in Searcy.  HST students receive a 20% discount.  For more information on room types, cost, and making reservations, please call the front desk at 501-279-4700 or visit www.harding.edu/heritage

 

Online Classes

Students who want to take HST classes but do not live in Searcy can attend weekly classes via Zoom.  You will participate in class discussions in real time along with students who are meeting in the physical classroom. You can see them, and they can see you. You and your virtual classmates are on a screen at the front of the class visible to the local students and professor in the classroom.

During class time, you will see the physical classroom and other distance students on one of your monitors, and the professor’s slides on the other monitor. When you speak in class, the camera is situated so that the local students are looking right at you, making virtual eye contact. This allows for more nuanced communication as both you and your classmates can see facial expressions and other body language. Responding to a professor’s questions and illustrations or asking your own questions about classroom material is essentially like being in the room.  You are present and engaged for the entire class period.

Typically, classes meet for a three-hour block of time one day each week on our regular HST schedule. Standard meeting times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 8 am, 1 pm, or 6 pm central time.

Students in online classes are required to have the following equipment:

  • Laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone
  • Internet access 
  • A web browser such as FireFox, Chrome, or Edge
  • A second monitor

 

What can you do with a Master of Arts in New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology?

Bible translators

The Master of Arts in New Testament or Old Testament equips Bible translators with advanced skills in biblical interpretation and cross-cultural communication, essential for accurately translating scriptures into diverse languages. This program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and linguistic proficiency, enabling translators to bridge linguistic gaps effectively and ensure faithful transmission of biblical truths across various contexts.

Preachers

For preachers, the Master of Arts in New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology enhances preaching effectiveness by refining theological insights and sermon preparation techniques. This program focuses on deepening biblical knowledge, honing communication skills and addressing contemporary challenges in ministry. By engaging in rigorous study and practical application, graduates are equipped to deliver compelling sermons that resonate with congregations and effectively communicate the transformative power of the gospel. 

Higher Education

The Master of Arts in New Testament, Old Testament, historical theology or systematic theology is helpful for those students who wish to eventually teach in higher education.  Most who teach in higher education need a terminal degree, like a PhD.  The Master of Divinity program helps lay the groundwork for a terminal degree by focusing on courses in Biblical languages, theology, ministry, and research.

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Contact Information



Mailing address:
Harding University
Harding School of Theology
HU 12280
Searcy, AR 72149-5615