Thinking about a Bible degree and trying to decide which option is right for you? Students exploring an undergraduate Bible degree, a Bible minor, or graduate theological degree programs often discover there are multiple pathways depending on their calling and career goals.
Some programs focus exclusively on deep theological research. Others prepare students for pastoral ministry, missions, counseling, or church leadership. Some are undergraduate foundations, while others are advanced graduate degrees designed for lifelong ministry preparation.
Understanding the differences between an undergraduate Bible degree, a Bible minor, and graduate theological degrees like a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Theological Studies (MTS) can help you confidently choose the path that aligns with your calling, gifts, and long-term goals.
The Different Types of Bible Degrees
A Bible degree is a college or graduate program focused on the study of Scripture, theology, or ministry preparation. Before choosing a Christian college or university, it’s helpful to understand the landscape of Bible degree programs available and how each one prepares you for ministry, leadership, or further study.
Undergraduate Bible Degrees
An undergraduate Bible degree is built on a core of Bible and theology. Students complete substantial coursework in Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, and historical theology, forming a strong foundation for ministry of the Word. Many programs also include biblical interpretation and, in some cases, study in the original languages of Scripture.
This Bible and theology core is designed to provide the foundation for applied ministry training. As students progress, they often choose a concentration or emphasis area aligned with their intended ministry calling — such as pastoral ministry, counseling, missions, youth ministry, or leadership.
These four-year degrees are especially well suited for students who are preparing for vocational ministry, considering seminary, or looking for rigorous biblical training before entering another profession.
Bible Minor
In addition to a full undergraduate Bible degree, a few Christian universities include a Bible minor within their general education curriculum or offer it as an option for students in other majors.
A Bible minor allows students to complete structured coursework in Scripture and theology while pursuing another primary field of study, strengthening their biblical foundation while preparing for a vocation in another field.
Graduate Theological Degrees
Graduate programs provide advanced theological training for pastoral, academic, and leadership roles. Among the most common graduate Bible degrees are the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and the Master of Theological Studies (MTS).
MDiv
The MDiv is focused on preparing students for vocational ministry and is designed to teach them to handle the Word of God faithfully. The curriculum typically includes a robust core of Old Testament, New Testament, biblical languages, and theology, along with substantial coursework in ministry studies and field experience.
Most MDiv programs allow students to choose a track or concentration that focuses some of their coursework on a particular area of ministry preparation.
MTS
The MTS includes a focused Bible and theology core and allows students to pursue specialized study in a particular ministry area. Graduate theological education like the MTS is often pursued by those in various forms of ministry who need a shorter, more flexible degree option.
How Long Do Bible Degrees Take?
If you’re comparing Bible degree programs, understanding the time commitment for each option can help you plan wisely.
In general:
- An undergraduate Bible degree takes four years of full-time study at a Christian university.
- A Bible minor is completed as part of the general education requirements alongside another major.
- The MDiv in an accelerated BA+MDiv program might take two years.
- A standard MDiv typically requires three to four years.
- An MTS often takes one to two years.
Note: Many MDiv programs also include required field experience or internship components to provide real-world ministry training.
Which Bible Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing the right Bible degree depends on your calling, ministry interests, and long-term goals.
An undergraduate Bible degree may be right for you if you want a strong theological foundation, are considering further study in seminary, enjoy studying Scripture in depth, or are exploring ministry while maintaining flexibility.
A Bible minor may be right for you if you want structured biblical training without changing your primary career path, are majoring in another professional field, or hope to be equipped for lay ministry in your church.
An MDiv might be right for you if you are preparing for a lifelong ministry, want comprehensive preparation for ministry, or desire advanced study of the Bible and theology.
An MTS may be right for you if you love theological study, want to deepen your knowledge for ministry, and require a more flexible program and delivery.
Bible Degrees at Cedarville University
At Cedarville University, students can pursue each of these Bible degree pathways through a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare them for faithful ministry and leadership. All undergraduate students complete a Bible minor as part of their required coursework.
Residential Undergraduate Bible Degrees
The BA in biblical studies includes a strong general education core (which includes the Bible minor) along with extensive coursework in Scripture and theology.
Students complete a minimum of five Old Testament courses, five New Testament courses, systematic and historical theology, applied ministry coursework, and an 18-hour concentration in their intended ministry area.
The BA in biblical studies accelerated (BBSTA) degree parallels the BA in biblical studies for the first two years but leads directly into the Master of Divinity program. Students complete three years at the undergraduate level and two at the graduate level, earning both their BA and MDiv.
A distinct feature of the BBSTA pathway is required study in biblical languages, equipping students to read Scripture in the original Greek and Hebrew.
Residential Graduate Degree: Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Cedarville’s MDiv is designed to prepare students for vocational ministry and faithful handling of God’s Word.
There are three pathways: the accelerated MDiv (from BBSTA), the standard MDiv (a three-year program), and the advanced MDiv (a two-year option for students with select prior Bible coursework).
The curriculum includes extensive Old and New Testament study, biblical languages, theology, ministry studies, required field experience, and a 15-hour ministry track. For students preparing for a lifetime of pastoral ministry, the MDiv provides comprehensive training.
Online Undergraduate Bible Degree
Cedarville’s BA in biblical and theological studies (BABTS) was designed specifically for online learners. The eight-week course format builds progressively from foundational interpretation and Old Testament studies to New Testament and teaching courses, preparing students to communicate biblical truth effectively.
Online Graduate Degree: Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The MTS is delivered entirely online and includes a 15-hour Bible and theology core along with specialized tracks in biblical counseling, biblical leadership, ministry, worship, and theology. This degree is ideal for students seeking graduate-level theological education in a flexible format.
Accelerated Bible Degree Pathways
Cedarville provides several efficient pathways between degrees to remove overlap and allow students to meet their goals more quickly. The programs also allow select graduate courses to count toward undergraduate degrees.
The most popular residential pathway is the BBSTA to the MDiv program. One of the MDiv tracks (ministry leadership) allows students to add an MBA to their program. For online learners, the BABTS to the MTS is a great option, as it allows nine hours of the MTS to count toward undergraduate degree fulfillment.
These pathways help students steward both time and resources while receiving exceptional biblical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an MDiv and an MTS?
An MDiv provides comprehensive ministry training and often includes biblical languages and field experience. An MTS is typically shorter in length than an MDiv and more focused on concentrated theological study.
Do I need biblical languages to go into ministry?
While not all ministry degrees require them, biblical languages are very helpful for reading and interpreting the Bible clearly. They are a valuable tool that can provide a solid foundation for the ministry of the Word.
Can I go to seminary with a four-year undergraduate Bible degree?
Yes. A four-year undergraduate Bible degree is excellent preparation for seminary and graduate theological study. Cedarville also offers a 3 + 2 pathway in which a student studies for three years as an undergraduate and two years as a graduate student: the BA + MDiv pathway.
Is a Bible minor valuable?
Absolutely. The Bible minor at Cedarville University is a unique and formative experience shared by all Cedarville students. It is one of the defining aspects of Cedarville's commitment to campuswide discipleship.
There’s More Than One Path to a Bible Degree
There isn’t just one path to studying Scripture at the college or graduate level. Whether you’re exploring an undergraduate Bible degree, considering a Bible minor, or preparing for advanced theological training through an MDiv or MTS, each option serves a unique purpose.
If you’re discerning your next step, explore Cedarville University’s School of Bible and Theological Studies programs or speak with an admissions counselor to discover which degree best aligns with your calling.
Posted in Bible and Theology
