Our Program
Scholarship-Based Education
Undergraduate courses are available to any interested member of the churches of Christ. Students invited to enroll in MCOB graduate programs will be selected by the administration and faculty based on their proven capability in a school of preaching or a Christian university equivalent from schools associated with the churches of Christ. Exceptions may be made for ministers with years of experience. Ministerial experience may be considered equivalent to undergraduate scholastic achievement in such cases.
Online Classes
MCOB offers a completely online learning experience.
The institution has a special interest in helping bi-vocational preachers continue their ministerial education. We recognize the need and desire of those who are limited by time restraints and location to learn in a college-level setting. Our schedule and online program are crafted to cater to these needs by offering a flexible method of study.
Non-Discrimination Policy
McGarvey College of the Bible admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
Programs of Study
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is designed to equip members of the Lord’s church with greater knowledge of the word of God. Classes are open to men and women who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Preachers, or men aspiring to preach, are encouraged to begin in this program if they have not completed an undergraduate program elsewhere. Transfer of credits from two-year preaching school programs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by MCOB.
To graduate from this program, the student must complete 30 Classes and 1 Comprehensive Exam, for a total of 124 semester hours. Students can move at their own pace. However, for those who are serious about advancing expeditiously to future programs at MCOB, a course load of 3 to 4 classes (12 to 16 hours) per semester is encouraged. Members of the churches of Christ can also audit any course being offered at any time, free of charge.
The curriculum for the BA in Biblical Studies consists of 15 Old Testament courses, 15 New Testament courses, and 1 comprehensive exam.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Preaching students who have completed MCOB’s BA in Biblical Studies or a four-year program in Biblical Studies elsewhere are encouraged to enter the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program. In this program, the preaching student will find classes relevant to ministry. The MA program consists of 14 Classes and 1 Comprehensive Exam, totaling 45 semester hours. Students can continue to move at their own pace. However, for those who are serious about advancing expeditiously to future programs at MCOB, a course load of 2 to 3 classes (6 to 9 hours) per semester is encouraged.
Master of Arts in Christian Doctrine
Graduates of MCOB’s BA in Biblical Studies or a four-year program in Biblical Studies elsewhere may choose to enter the Master of Arts in Christian Doctrine program. In this program, the student will find classes covering the major doctrines of the Bible. The MA in Christian Doctrine consists of 14 Classes and 1 Comprehensive Exam, totaling 45 semester hours. Students can continue to move at their own pace. However, for those who are serious about advancing expeditiously to future programs at MCOB, a course load of 2 to 3 classes (6 to 9 hours) per semester is encouraged.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is an advanced degree offered to those who have completed the MA in Christian Ministry or an equivalent master’s degree elsewhere. In this program, the preaching student will be challenged as he studies biblical doctrine, languages, theology, and writes a thesis. The M.Div. program consists of 16 Classes, 1 Comprehensive Exam, and 1 Thesis (3 semesters), totaling 60 semester hours. The comprehensive exam must be completed before the thesis can begin. Students are encouraged to move at their own pace. However, it is recommended that no more than two courses be taken per semester.
Doctor of Theology
The Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) is the final degree offered at MCOB. The degree program is offered to graduates of the Master of Divinity from MCOB or an equivalent degree from an accepted institution. A detailed research proposal outlining the proposed study is required before admission into the program. The student must secure a willing supervisor from the MCOB faculty before formal admission. Application documents include transcripts from previous institutions, a motivation letter, and two letters of recommendation from leaders in the Lord’s church or previous institutions of higher learning. A high level of English proficiency is necessary, especially for international students. The applicant must be proficient in the biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew) relevant to his research proposal.
Candidacy for the Th.D. will be evaluated from a written dissertation consisting of at least 30,000 words. An oral defense of the dissertation will be made to a committee selected by the college upon completion of the dissertation. Students should strive to complete the dissertation within 4 years of entering the program.
Course Schedule
B.A., M.A., and M.Div. classes meet once a week for thirteen weeks each semester. Instructors may choose to teach each class live or follow a hybrid format of recorded and live sessions. Each class consists of two hours of instruction and one hour for student assignments.