Institute of Biblical Translation
MA Biblical Translation
Learn how to translate Bible with the Master of Arts in Biblical Translation (MABT), created in partnership with Wycliffe Associates. You’ll be prepared to translate Scripture with the most cutting edge methodology.
You could be that next individual making a difference for eternity by initiating the start of translated scripture in a community that needs it.
What will I learn with a Biblical Translation degree?
The Master of Arts in Biblical Translation (MABT) seeks individuals who are immediately missional minded within their academic endeavors. Those who understand the need for this degree best are those who are closest to the communities that do not have scripture in the spoken languages of their people. It is these individuals that are most in need to make an impact on the thousands of languages still in need of translation to complete full scripture for all.
The MABT, created in partnership with Wycliffe Associates (www.WycliffeAssociates.org), is designed to train people in the MAST methodology of biblical translation. MAST (Mobile Assistance Supporting Translation) is a methodology enabling the church to quickly learn, implement, and own translation process. The method allows native language speakers to participate in both written and oral translations, bringing together churches and communities to quickly have access to God’s word in their heart language.
Through the academic endeavors of this program, the student will have the opportunity to comprehend the history of Biblical translation, past methodologies and current new trends that equip the student to become a leader in the field of Bible translation. Students will have the opportunity to conduct real field research of real issues that are in need of impacting the field of translation as well as the opportunity to initiate translation projects and/or supportive projects related to translation (literacy, scripture engagement, discipleship, etc.). This dynamic degree offers opportunities for cross cultural collaboration within the classroom and beyond.
The MABT concentration will enable students to not only utilize the MAST method in practical applications, but also teach and train the methodology to others. One goal of the strategic partnership between Wycliffe Associates and the School of Graduate Studies is to utilize some graduates of the MABT to teach biblical translation at international seminaries and schools worldwide.
In addition to the concentration courses, the MABT also includes a practicum that involves the practical application and experience of biblical translation by the student.
Additional Benefits of the MA in Biblical Translation:
- Complete program in only 2 years (4 semesters), a total of 36 credit hours!
- 100% online – so students can further their education wherever they go!
- Affordably priced – with Graduate Leadership Scholarships available!
- Accredited – by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Beyond the Classroom
Our students have been involved in these projects:
- Nigeria has three Bible translations in progress.
- Nigeria has a literacy program initiated in prisons (from our content)
- Nigeria has an evangelistic outreach and church training program in progress.
- Nigeria has four seminaries teaching our content now within their system.
- We have contact from students in Nigeria reaching out to Ivory Coast to initiate translation.
- Uganda has completed a New Testament Project
- Nigeria has completed a New Testament Project
- One of our USA students’ graduate research is being used for grant funding for literacy.
- All of our research graduates are holding a global webinar sharing research between Nigeria, Uganda, Brazil and the USA
- The Nigeria Baptist Convention is potentially adopting the literacy model taught at Barclay (with Our Daily Bread) as a church-wide program.
- The Christian Social Services Commission of Tanzania has adopted our model of literacy for 1220 schools.
- The Africa Inland Church of Tanzania has adopted our literacy program into 120 churches.
- The Uganda Ministry of Education invited us to speak on behalf of literacy (4 Barclay students were present)
Biblical Translation Course Requirements (12 hours)
MABT512: Oral, Sign Language and Special Needs Translation (3) – An exploration of translation efforts and methods the areas of oral language, sign language and special needs translation.
MABT522: The History of Biblical Translation and the Reformation (3) – An overview of the history of Bible translation as demonstrated within scripture, the canonization of different approaches, philosophies of translation and ownership with the church, as well as the modern translation methodologies movement.
MABT532: MAST Methodology (3) – An overview of MAST methodology, the global impact of it, the theory behind it and the variations of approach within it that promote Church ownership in biblical translation.
MABT542: Translation Tools and Technology (3) – This course will provide in-depth training and education over contemporary translation tools and technology. An exploration of historical tools will also occur.
Master's Course Requirements
MAO501: Orientation (0) – This is a one-week course designed to introduce students to the graduate program at Barclay College, including: classmates, course instructors, the mechanics of the online portal and discussion forum, and the academic rigors of graduate studies.
Theology Core (15 credit hours)
MABI511: Old Testament Hermeneutics (3) – God’s revelation through the Old Testament illuminates His timely message and timeless story for His people, while also providing the context and foundation for the New Testament. In this class, students will investigate the richness of the Old Testament and its relevance for today, including the principles and procedures for its interpretation, application, and exposition.
MABI521: New Testament Hermeneutics (3) – The narrative of Christ and His Church, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, provides the framework for Christian faith and practice. This class in biblical interpretation and exegesis focuses on the life and teachings of Christ, the experience of believers, and the eternal hope of the Church as recorded in the gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature.
MATH531: Christian Theology (3) – This class investigates the essential teachings of the evangelical Christian faith, with special attention given to the person and work of Christ, sin and salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Church, and contemporary theological issues. Students will become better equipped to apply and articulate theological convictions in ministry settings.
MATH541: The History of Christianity (3) – This course addresses the major events, issues, personalities, and movements that shape and define the story of the Christian Church. Topics such as the birth and growth of the Early Church, the threat of persecution, the rise of monasticism, the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon, the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, ecumenical efforts, and the globalization of the gospel provide a deeper understanding of the Church and a relevant perspective for ministry today.
MAMM513: The Missional Church (3) – We may not all be called to serve Christ as missionaries in a foreign land, but we are all called to be “on mission with God” wherever He may lead us. In this course, students are challenged to examine their purpose and calling in life, maximize their capacity to build bridges, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at home and around the world.
Research and Application (9 credit hours)
MARA523: Research Methods (3) – This course is an introduction to the research methods that are applicable in a variety of academic and organizational settings, including both quantitative and qualitative strategies that are commonly used in a graduate Capstone project.
MARA533: Applied Research I (3) – In this research and application course, students will identify and begin to investigate a potential Capstone project that relates to their chosen concentration of graduate studies. Through practical examination, each student will focus on their field of study using a variety of potential methods, some of which may include: field experience, literature review, and other forms of data collection.
MARA543: Applied Research II – Capstone Project (3) – This course involves the completion of a written Capstone project that serves as the culmination of a student’s research and their graduate school experience. Students will integrate their research findings with their chosen area of concentration, making application to life, service, and leadership today. In addition, each student will demonstrate their acquisition of scholarship, critical thinking, creativity, and written communication skills.
Dan Kramer, MEd
Associate Vice President for Global Programs and Partnerships
- BS Education, Central Michigan University
- BAA Journalism, Central Michigan University
- MEd, Wayne State University, Detroit MI
- PhD Candidate, Curriculum and Instruction, Wayne State University, Detroit MI
Dan Kramer worked for 13 years in the field of education as faculty at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, as well as in a public education job implementing a program for teaching English to newly immigrated refugee students from war-torn nations. In the fall of 2009, he accepted a call to serve in Wycliffe Associates to create an English program to serve the needs of Bible translation. Within three years, this program spanned across 25 countries with a developed staff of over 30 people. In 2014, the creation of MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) was piloted in Nepal changing the landscape of the mission of Bible translation.
Dan spent 11 years at Wycliffe Associates as the Director of Education Services and then Executive Director of Strategic Programs where he has managed hundreds of teams and partnerships engaging in Bible translation.
Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Our Daily Bread. As a father of six children, he manages a balance of global travel and a love to be home, realizing the important balance of a strong family foundation to ministry. It is Dan’s desire to see the end of Bible poverty, but ultimately to follow God in his path for His desire on impacting people through relevant programs.
Have questions about Biblical Translation?
Recent Blog Posts
Profiles of our First Cohort of Graduates for the Master’s Degree in Biblical Translation
(Pictured above: First Nigerian Cohort for M.A. in Biblical Translation with Daniel Kramer, Chair, and Stacy Shawiak, who graduated December 2021) Congratulations to our first class of graduates for the M.A. in Biblical Translation. The following students graduated...