Masters of Arts in Biblical Theology
Deepen your interpretation of the Bible with our Christian theology online program.
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Interpret and Apply Scripture in Your Life and Ministry
The Master of Arts in Biblical Theology program at North Central University will equip you with a deep Scriptural understanding necessary for your success in churches, academics, or further graduate studies. Designed to develop your theological interpretation of God’s Word, this online biblical theology degree is fundamental for Christian theologians and provides furthering education for people working in ministry today.
Online programs at NCU reflect our commitment to a multicultural and caring Christ-centered community even away from campus. Online students can expect meaningful communications with faculty, collaborative classes, and rigorous coursework, as well as online tutoring and academic success coaching. Connect with peers and participate in virtual live chapel.
- Online: Complete this 36-credit graduate program online as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore discounts available specifically for graduate students employed in Assemblies of God ministry.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
Why Study Biblical Theology at NCU?
At NCU, we offer a unique program that goes beyond preparing students for ministry and instead deepens your theological practice rooted in Christian scripture. You’ll explore the history of theological thought, study biblical languages and translation, read the Bible as literature, and sharpen your exegetical practice. Focus your scholarship by choosing from six specialization tracks – all led by experienced faculty who mentor you through the rigorous graduate program.
The Biblical Theology Degree is 36 credits and is designed to be finished in 12 courses, allowing you to start and finish quickly and efficiently. All required courses are offered every academic year and fully online so you can move through the program on a schedule that works for you. Through online discussion forums, collaborative projects, and networking events, you’ll develop lasting relationships that enrich your educational experience and expand your professional network.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Learn From Practicing Church Leaders
Connect With a Likeminded Community
Learn With Flexibility in Accelerated Courses
Learn From Practicing Church Leaders
Program faculty understand the real-life applications and implications of rigorous biblical and theological scholarship and mentor students through applying your studies to your calling.
Connect With a Likeminded Community
NCU graduate students are pursuing degrees as part of their professional and personal development and spiritual formation. Build your network across the country.
Learn With Flexibility in Accelerated Courses
Each online course takes 8 weeks to complete, and you can take multiple courses at once to accelerate your pace and graduate on your timeline.
Concentration Tracks
Traditional/General Theology Track
The traditional track focuses on understanding major issues relevant to the critical study of the Bible, while developing advanced biblical interpretation practices necessary for understanding and applying biblical learnings in theological contexts.
Biblical Languages Track
This track focuses on basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Greek and Hebrew, two of the central languages in which the Bible was originally written. Delve into advanced topics such as textual criticism, hermeneutics, and the historical context of biblical texts. You will begin reading biblical texts in these languages over the course of the program.
Old Testament Track
The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible track is designed to provide an immersive educational experience that covers a wide range of topics and perspectives. This ensures that you graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the Old Testament, Jewish Scriptures, and related theological concepts. Engage in critical study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the major issues surrounding its translation, interpretation, and application.
New Testament Track
The New Testament track is designed to foster spiritual growth. You will be encouraged to engage in prayer, worship, and reflection as part of your studies, deepening your relationship with God and enriching your understanding of the gospel. This track focuses on critical study of the New Testament and the major issues surrounding its translation, interpretation, and application. Through this track, you will gain advanced skills in New Testament scholarship for theological contexts.
Historical/Systemic Theology Track
The historical/systemic theology track focuses on the ways Christian theology has been shaped throughout history by exploring key influences, including people, thought patterns, disputes, and the formation of doctrine in the patristic, middle ages, reformation and counter-reformation, and modern eras.
Worship Studies Track
The worship studies track explores a variety of ways worship, sacred time, and sacred actions were understood in Old and New Testament contexts – across various Christian sects, and other faiths of biblical regions. This track is not a professional development program for worship leaders, but the knowledge you will gain will enrich your understanding and practice if worship leadership is also part of your calling.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive social work experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling in social services and related fields.
Explore Related Programs
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Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
FAQs
Can I enroll in the Master of Arts in Biblical Theology if I’m not a member of Assemblies of God?
Yes! We welcome students of any denomination (and nondenominational students) to apply for the master’s in biblical theology. NCU is affiliated with Assemblies of God and teaches from that perspective. Engaging in dialogue across denominations and faith backgrounds can help us grow in our understanding and deepen our scholarship.
Can I participate in campus life during the Christian theology online program?
We welcome all NCU students and alumni to visit campus, join us for chapel, attend graduate student events, and meet with faculty and staff in person. Prior to your visit, please call the Security office at 612-343-4445 to confirm parking availability and location.
Are there any financial aid options for NCU grad students?
Yes, NCU offers two discounts for eligible students to reduce tuition costs by 25%. As you prepare for your graduate education, be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for 2026-2027 tuition discounts to help manage your costs.
NCU Graduate Discounts:
Assemblies of God and Pentecostal Family of Churches Discount
Credentialed ministers of the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal family of churches can receive a 25% tuition discount on graduate programs.
Full-Time Employees of Assemblies of God Churches Discount
Full-time employees of Assemblies of God churches and Pentecostal family of churches are eligible for a 25% tuition discount on all graduate courses.
Do I have to attend regular class periods?
No, the graduate programs at NCU are all online and asynchronous. You can work toward course deadlines at your own pace, wherever you live.
Can I apply for FAFSA to help me pay for graduate school?
Yes, you can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access funding to pay for any NCU graduate program.
Learn more about financial aid at NCU.
Do I have to order textbooks through NCU, or can I purchase them from outside the university?
You may purchase textbooks from a different seller. But if you purchase through an outside source, please double and triple check the editions of each publication. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date information and you are on the same page (literally) as your instructor and classmates.
What happens if I need to take a break?
Life happens, and we understand! You can take a hiatus for a semester or two if needed.
If you need to pause your education, please contact Meg Breithaupt, Program Manager / Academic Coach, College of Graduate and Professional Education, at mlbreith@northcentral.edu.
I’m an NCU Alum and an Assemblies of God credentialed pastor. Can I stack the two 25% discounts for a total of 50% off?
We understand the desire, but no. You are not able to stack those two graduate tuition discounts.
Do you sponsor visas for international grad students to live on campus?
No, we do not sponsor visas for international graduate students. Our graduate programs are online, and you can complete this program from anywhere in the world.
Does NCU offer any scholarships to graduate students?
NCU does not award any graduate student scholarships, but we do offer tuition discounts for eligible applicants. However, please reach out to your church, employer, or local business. Some NCU students have received external scholarships, and you never know who may offer funding until you ask.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Field of degree: Theology, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/theology/theology-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2025).