The Master of Arts in Biblical Interpretation is a postgraduate degree devoted entirely to the interpretation of Scripture, with an integrated upgrade pathway to the Master of Divinity. It is delivered fully online through the GIOTS Learning Management System, in English.
Our vision is to see a generation who will take the Word of God seriously and interpret it well.
Overview
The degree is a single laddered curriculum with two recognised exit points. Sixty credits earn the M.A. in Biblical Interpretation, a focused academic degree in the study and interpretation of the Bible. Ninety credits earn the Master of Divinity, a professional ministry degree that adds theological, historical, and pastoral formation to the biblical core. The same subjects and the same learning community serve both awards.
Every reader comes to Scripture from a particular place, language, and history. This programme treats the Indian context not as an afterthought but as a lens that runs through the whole curriculum, giving attention to reading from the margins, orality, media, and the care of creation.
The M.A. to M.Div Pathway
Biblical Interpretation
- 60 credits
- 20 subjects
- 2 to 3 years
Full Ministry Degree
- 90 credits
- 30 subjects
- 3 to 4 years
A graduate of the M.A. upgrades to the M.Div by completing the ten formation subjects. No part of the M.A. is repeated and no credit is lost. Holders of a recognised B.Th. with a grade of B+ may receive up to 30 credits of advanced standing.
M.A. in Biblical Interpretation — Subjects (60 Credits)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| New Testament Survey | 3 |
| Torah and the Prophets | 3 |
| Wisdom and the Writings | 3 |
| Gospels and Acts | 3 |
| Pauline Epistles | 3 |
| Biblical Hebrew I | 3 |
| Biblical Hebrew II | 3 |
| Biblical Greek I | 3 |
| Biblical Greek II | 3 |
| Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| History of Interpretation | 3 |
| Biblical Theology | 3 |
| World of the Bible | 3 |
| Research Methods | 3 |
| The Bible in India | 3 |
| Reading from the Margins | 3 |
| Orality and Scripture | 3 |
| Bible, Media, and AI | 3 |
| Creation, Justice, and the Bible | 3 |
| Total | 60 |
Master of Divinity — Additional Subjects (90 Credits)
The Master of Divinity comprises all twenty M.A. subjects above, plus the following ten formation subjects.
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Triune God: Christian Doctrine for Ministry | 3 |
| Salvation, Church, and Hope | 3 |
| Ethics in a Plural India: Caste, Communalism, and Justice | 3 |
| Christianity in India: Movements, Margins, and Mission | 3 |
| Witness among Neighbours: Mission and the Faiths of India | 3 |
| Preaching that Connects: Communication for a Digital Age | 3 |
| Pastoral Care, Trauma, and Mental Health | 3 |
| Leading Communities: Church, Organisation, and the Online Congregation | 3 |
| Formation, Rule of Life, and Discipleship | 3 |
| Supervised Ministry and Field Education | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
Admission and Advanced Standing
Applicants hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. A holder of a recognised Bachelor of Theology with a grade of B+ or above may receive up to 30 credits of advanced standing.
Ministerial Requirements
| For all students | For the M.Div, additionally |
|---|---|
| Active membership in a local church | A supervised ministry practicum under a qualified supervisor |
| A ministerial endorsement from pastor or church | Documented ministry involvement during formation |
| Assent to the GIOTS statement of faith | A reflective ministry report |
| A personal testimony and sense of calling | A final readiness affirmation from the supervisor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the M.A. in Biblical Interpretation?
Those with a B.Th or an equivalent bachelor degree. Candidates with a strong B.Th may enter directly into the second year.
How is the M.Div different from the M.A.?
The M.Div is an upgrade of the M.A. It keeps the biblical core and adds theology, ministry formation and supervised field education, for a total of 90 credits.
How long do these programs take?
The M.A. takes two to three years and the M.Div three to four years, both studied online.
Is the program suited to the Indian context?
Yes. It focuses on serious, faithful interpretation of the Bible for ministry in India, with subjects such as the Bible in India and reading from the margins.