The first MBS graduates completed their degrees in 2011, and the May 2012 graduation saw one receive his MBS. We congratulate these men and look forward to celebrating with many others currently enrolled and working on their MBS Degree. About two dozen others are at various stages in their coursework or in their final thesis writing and ministry projects. We would love to add your name to this group!
Please read the information concerning the MBS degree carefully and commit your decision to prayer. If you have already qualified for your BBS or have begun your leveling course work, you may be a candidate. If you believe that you qualify to enter the program, you are encouraged to complete the application online. Check the Graduate Program schedule for deadlines for enrollment.
Sunset International Bible Institute
Master of Biblical Studies Degree
The Master of Biblical Studies degree from Sunset is a religious degree focused on a Biblically balanced study of God’s word and its application in Christian ministry. The classes, studies, reading and research required to earn the MBS degree are designed to prepare students for enhanced ministry in local churches, Christian organizations or missions applications. The degree is intended to serve as evidence of an advanced level of knowledge, training and other qualifications required for those ministry applications.
Since Sunset is a single purpose professional institute of ministry, our degrees reflect our uniqueness. Ministry in the Lord’s church is the primary focus, the consuming passion and the “one thing” to which we are committed. Sunset International Bible Institute has been widely recognized among Churches of Christ as a quality Bible and ministry training school since its beginning in 1962. The fruit of almost five decades of training preachers, teachers and missionaries for effective Christian ministry speaks well of the quality of a Biblical degree from Sunset.
The faculty and administration of the graduate program at Sunset are composed of men who have decades of experience in ministry and ministry training. In most cases they hold terminal degrees and are widely recognized as scholars in their disciplines. More importantly, they possess the spiritual qualities that we seek to model in our lives and develop in the lives and ministries of our students. They are men of Christian character and Biblical soundness. They do not just teach ministry, they are involved in it; they do not simply talk about the Bible, they live its precepts. This depth of both knowledge and experience provides our graduate school with a unique blend of scholarship and practical application. Because our faculty members are Christian leaders, they can help to prepare others to become better leaders.
Sunset International Bible Institute is a recognized degree granting school. We have been issued a letter of authorization to confer degrees by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, according to the provisions of the Texas Education Code, sub-chapter G, chapter 61, title 3, section 7.5 (g). This authorizes us to legally grant religious degrees under the laws of the State of Texas.
Prospective students who have earned an acceptable bachelor’s degree in Bible and ministry and are committed to involvement in ministry are encouraged to apply for acceptance into the Master of Biblical Studies degree program.
Reasons for Earning Your Master's Degree
Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Why should I get my master’s degree?” This is a valid question. Earning your master’s degree at Sunset can be a plus in the areas of:
Professional Development. Coursework leading to a master's degree will expose you to thoughts and trends which will keep you on the cutting edge of current thinking and effective ministry. With more than 50 percent of ministers within the Churches of Christ holding a master's degree or higher, earning a graduate degree from SIBI will move you up to the educational level enjoyed by many of your colleagues and friends.
Personal Growth. As a student of God's Word, you also probably find yourself drawn to what the great minds and scholars have written on various important Biblical subjects. Studying the graduate courses offered at SIBI will expand you into those areas.
Personal Fulfillment. The sense of personal fulfillment and accomplishment which comes from completing a graduate degree is significant. Many pursue a higher degree, not necessarily in order to impress anyone or to gain better employment opportunities, but simply because they dream about the fulfillment which comes from knowing that they have undertaken and completed a challenging project.
Master of Biblical Studies
36 hour degree program
Prerequisites
501 – Introduction to Graduate Studies – Brad Pruitt, M.Div
Intensive Week Courses
502 – Preaching in the 21st Century - Jim Harris, D. Div
503 – Theology of Christian Counseling – Gary Walker, Ph.D.
505 – Advanced Apologetics – Kirt Martin, Ph.D.
517 - Advanced Hermeneutics - Jim Harris, D. Div
In –Ministry Courses 506 – Theology of Wholeness – Truman Scott, D.Christian Counseling
509 – Christ and His Church in Ephesians – Rudy Wray, D. Div.
510 – Missional Message of Acts - Rudy Wray, D. Div.
511 – Theology of Ministry - Jim Harris, D. Div.
512 – Theology of Biblical Leadership – Truman Scott, D.Christian Counseling
513/514 - Family Ministry Concepts/Project - Foree Grove, D. Min.
515 - Advanced Homiletics - Jim Harris, D. Div.
504 - Contemporary Issues in Theology - Edward Myers, Ph. D.
