Kearley Graduate School of Theology

Bible Open In Front Of Laptop

GRADUATE BIBLICAL EDUCATION IN A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR MINISTRY

Faulkner University’s Kearley Graduate School of Theology provides students the opportunity to engage in theological education in a family environment through online learning.  Students are able to earn a fully online degree from an accredited institution to better prepare them to serve God, the church, and their communities. 

The faculty and staff of the Kearley Graduate School of Theology seek to emulate Christ in attitude and behavior, thereby equipping their students to become effective Christian communicators and servants in both the church and the world.  Students who choose to enter the Kearley Graduate School of Theology will find a spiritually oriented faculty who seek excellence in both scholarship and Christian service


The Kearley Graduate School of Theology is committed to upholding doctrines and practices common to a cappella Churches of Christ. Representative values are articulated in “Here We Stand,” written by Cecil May, Jr., who is Dean Emeritus of Faulkner University’s V. P. Black College of Biblical Studies.  While the college is committed to these values, students from other traditions will find a welcome academic home at the Kearley Graduate School of Theology

KGST Degree Plans

The Kearley Graduate School of Theology offers four degrees to help students increase their knowledge and prepare them for greater service in God’s kingdom.

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program is a 38 hour degree focusing on the text of the Bible. The program prepares graduates for church ministry or for further academic studies, particularly for a PhD in Biblical Studies.  Students who have an undergraduate degree in biblical studies can have two credits of the degree waived for completion.

The Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry at Faulkner University is a 37 hour degree and can be completed entirely online and effectively prepares you to promote healthy interpersonal relationships, foster effective parenting and spiritual formation, and to strengthen marriage and family life.

The Master of Theology degree is a 31-34 hour degree intended to help students with a first master’s in religious or ministerial studies (or a similar field) prepare for further work in academic biblical studies.  The degree can also be taken by students simply desiring further theological study.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies program prepares graduates for advanced opportunities in teaching, publication, and ministry.

ACCREDITATION

Theological Accreditation

The Kearley Graduate School of Theology is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools Commission on Accrediting on 17–20 February 2025. The purpose of this visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation. Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit. Comments may also or instead be submitted in writing to the school by the same time. All comments will be shared with the onsite evaluation committee.

The Kearley Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools (www.ats.edu) and is approved to offer the following degrees: Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry, and Master of Theology.

University Accreditation

Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the following levels: associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Faulkner University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

See our Statement of Educational Effectiveness

More information

Contact the KGST Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Randall C. Bailey, at rbailey@faulkner.edu or 334-386-7663 or Graduate Enrollment at graduateenrollment@faulkner.edu

Helpful Links

Biblical Studies Faculty

Graduate Catalog 

Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid Forms and Policies

Faulkner University Student Handbook

Online Student Handbook Supplement