Which degree should I choose? Degree Tracks (See page 31 in the Graduate Catalog.) Not every degree is available completely online. The degrees that are available completely online are listed below.
Master of Divinity (Standard)
84 hours
To serve in a wide variety of ministerial callings, including pastoral ministry, youth ministry, campus ministry, chaplaincy, and missions.
Designed to teach students general theological knowledge. Available all-online or mixed with other in-person courses at extension centers or the main campus, including semester-length, hybrid, and week-long workshop classes.
50 hours
The MA (Apologetics) is an academic degree which may qualify its graduates to be eligible to be considered as candidates to enroll in a Ph.D. program. NOBTS is currently in the process of revising the MA (Apologetics), as well as developing a more ministry-focused MA in Christian Apologetics for persons practicing Apologetics in a ministry setting. Although the degree as stated in this link will likely change somewhat in its specific content, the following is the currently approved MA (Apologetics) degree.
NOBTS has been approved by our accreditation agency ATS to offer the MA (Apologetics) as an all-online degree. However, although much of the degree may be earned online, not every course in the degree is presently available online. The degree may be earned either residentially or non-residentially, or a mixture of both. The Apologetics faculty recommends strongly that Apologetics students attend the January Defend the Faith Conference, which features some of the nation's top Apologists. Students can earn up to six hours of course credit toward this degree each year through the Defend the Faith conference.
Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) - MA(BibSt)
53-56 hours Designed to prepare excellent students for doctoral work in Biblical Studies. Available all-online or mixed with other in-person courses at extension centers or the main campus, including semester-length, hybrid, and week-long workshop classes.
57 hours Designed to prepare excellent students for doctoral work in Theology. Available all-online or mixed with other in-person courses at extension centers or the main campus, including semester-length, hybrid, and week-long workshop classes.
64-65 hours
To serve in educational ministries (including ministry to children, youth, and adults; church administration; social work; ministers of discipleship, assimilation, maturity; and associate pastors) primarily in local churches, as well as missions, denominational agencies, and other related ministries.
36 hours
This 36-hour online degree is designed to prepare students to serve in educational ministries (particularly as minister of discipleship, small groups, spiritual formation, assimilation, spiritual maturity, and associate pastors) primarily in local churches, as well as missions, denominational agencies, and other related ministries. It is available all online or may be combined with other in-person courses at extension centers or the main campus, including semester-length, hybrid, and weeklong workshop classes.
49 hours
To serve in a variety of positions in missions agencies. The degree plan can be applicable to those presently engaged in mission work or to those who are preparing for mission service. The degree would benefit those who are now serving on the mission field with previous Seminary studies as well at those who are enrolled in Seminary to prepare for missionary service. Those who choose the practicum track would be engaged in mission service which would include academic requirements and reflections. Persons who have completed twenty to thirty hours of Seminary studies in preparation for service with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention should be able to use those hours in this degree plan with academic approval of this Seminary.
36-37 hours
This 36- to 37-hour online degree is designed to prepare students to serve in a full- or part-time position as pastor or ministerial staff member of a local church. It is available all online or may be combined with other in-person courses at extension centers or the main campus, including semester-length, hybrid, and weeklong workshop classes.
Wherever you live, you may complete the MDiv degree completely online or by combining online classes, weekend classes, one-week classes, and regular semester-length classes at any of our locations throughout the Southeast. Examine the various Delivery Options at the bottom of this page to plan your schedule.
