Master of Arts in Bible Translation

Students in the MABT program will:

• Evidence a general knowledge of Christian theology, including an ability to support their theological views
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including an understanding of the message and arguments of specific books of the Bible
• Display Christlikeness in their pursuit of knowledge and relationships within the seminary community
• Demonstrate the ability to exegete the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible
• Evidence a commitment to multiplying disciples of all nations
• Apply their understanding of the Bible’s social and cultural milieu to the task of Bible translation
• Do competent biblical exegesis and accurate translation, using sound exegetical and translation principles. [Both Concentrations]
• Recommend solutions to translation problems consistent with translation theory and praxis [Translation Advising Concentration]
• Collect language data, organize it, carry out initial linguistic analysis, and present their findings [Applied Linguistics Concentration]

The application process for the MABT is a dual process. Applicants for the program must apply to both DTS and DIU, and the admission requirements of both institutions must be met. In most cases, students admitted to DTS will meet the admission requirements at DIU. However, prospective MABT students should be aware that the Applied Linguistics concentration courses at DIU require a minimum of 13 prerequisite credit hours, and Translation Advising concentration courses require 6 prerequisite hours.

Until they apply to DTS for admission to the program, students will not be officially enrolled in the MABT program. Students are advised to contact both institutions as soon as possible regarding their intentions to enroll in the MABT program so that adequate advice and direction can be provided.

In addition to the normal transfer-credit policies of the seminary for general master’s degrees (please refer to the Transfer of Credit section in this catalog), no more than 30 hours of coursework from institutions outside of DTS and DIU will be transferred toward the MABT degree. Some provision will be made for students to transfer work from Jerusalem University College to the MABT program. Entering students with missions experience in Bible translation may be eligible for advanced standing.

In addition to the normal transfer credit policies of the seminary for general master’s degrees (see Transfer of Credit in the General Master’s Degrees section of this catalog), no more than 30 hours of coursework from institutions outside of DTS and the DIU will be transferred toward the MA in Bible Translation degree. Some provision will be made for students to transfer work from Jerusalem University College to the MABT program. Entering students with missions experience in Bible translation may be eligible for advanced standing.

A dual registration process is followed for all DIU courses taken for the degree. Students must register through DIU before taking linguistics courses at that campus. DTS is then notified by DIU and enters the courses in the DTS registration system. This allows the tracking of student status for such purposes as loan deferments, international visa requirements, etc. There is no charge for the DTS portion of the registration process for DIU courses.

At the end of each term, DIU sends official grade sheets to the Registrar’s office at Dallas Theological Seminary for transcripting of their courses. Grades earned for DIU courses are factored into the cumulative grade point average at DTS.

Students who complete the 66 hours required for the MABT degree with the Applied Linguistics concentration may complete an additional 4 hours from DIU and take the comprehensive exams to earn DIU’s 37-hour MA in Applied Linguistics. Students with the Translation Advising concentration may complete an additional 12 hours from DIU and complete a Capstone Project to earn DIU’s 36hour MA in Translation Advising. This would require transferring 15 hours from the MABT program to DIU in addition to the 18 hours taken at DIU as part of the MABT program. This essentially allows students to earn both degrees for a minimum of 66 hours plus comprehensive exams. Students should consult their DIU advisor for more details about this option.