Biblical Archaeology brings modern day students closer to the places, events, and people of the Bible. Beginning with a summer archaeological dig and a full semester studying at Jerusalem University College, you'll dig through layers of dead civilizations, uncovering fresh truths and data that shed new light on the Bible. The study and discipline of Biblical Archaeology at Wheaton College integrates both epigraphic and anepigraphic archaeological materials with study of the Bible in order to give students a better understanding of the scriptures. It has long been recognized that archaeology is an indispensable tool for interpreting the Bible, providing cultural, historical, social, religious, and linguistic information that brings context to biblical passages.

Two tracks are offered:

1) Old Testament Emphasis: Ancient Near East (44-46 hours)

Summer Excavation (6 hours)

ARCH 525 Archaeological Field Work

Jerusalem University College (10-14 hours)

GEO 511 Physical Settings

GEO 513 Historical Geography for all students

HIST 535 Old Testament track

Core Requirements (12 hours)

BITH 565 Christian Theology (4)

BITH/ARCH 554 Topics in Archaeology (4)

ARCH 525 Archaeological Field Work (2)

ARCH 526 Method and Theory (2)

Old Testament Emphasis (12-16 hours)

ARCH 521 Advanced Archaeology and the Old Testament (2)

BITH 541 OT Criticism (2)

BITH 566 Foundations of Biblical Interpretation (4)

BITH 635 Hebrew Exegesis (4)

BITH/ARCH Approved Elective (2) or (4)

2) New Testament Emphasis: Classical World (44-46 hours)

Summer Excavation (6 hours)

ARCH 525 Archaeological Field Work

Jerusalem University College (10-14 hours)

GEO 511 Physical Settings

GEO 513 Historical Geography for all students

HIST 658 New Testament track

Core Requirements (12 hours)

BITH 565 Christian Theology (4)

BITH/ARCH 554 Topics in Archaeology (4)

ARCH 525 Archaeological Field Work (2)

ARCH 526 Method and Theory (2)

New Testament Emphasis (12-16 hours)

ARCH 522 Advanced Archaeology and the New Testament (2)

BITH 543 NT Criticism (2)

BITH 564 Principles of Interpretation (Greek based) (4)

BITH 646 NT Greek Exegesis (4)

BITH 551 Greco Roman Backgrounds of the New Testament (2)

BITH/ARCH Approved Elective (2) or (4)

Degree Sequence

Summer 2010	Leave for dig and field experience (June & July). Jerusalem University College is closed during the month of August so you have the option to find a place to stay in Jerusalem for a month, or return to the states.
Fall 2010	Take 10-14 hours at JUC. Take intro to Greek or Hebrew if necessary
Spring 2011	Start at Wheaton in January. Take second level of language if necessary (Greek or Hebrew)
Summer 2011	Take third level of language in May, if necessary
Fall 2011	Take Exegesis course
Spring 2012	May graduation

Summer Dig Information

Wheaton In Ashkelon: Archaeological dig with Harvard University

The approximate cost for the six week dig/survey is $2,400. This includes all accommodation. Add $200 for miscellaneous travel and weekend expenses.

Travel Notice

Each student is responsible for arranging and financing their travel plans to and from Jerusalem. Average airfare rate is around $1,000.

Jerusalem University College

Information about JUC can be found at the following website: Jerusalem University College.

The approximate cost for one semester is $10,300. Please verify at the following link: JUC Tuition and Fees

Spouse or Family Information

Married students can have their own room on campus with the benefits of community, shared meals (but also shared bathrooms usually). Another option is to rent an apartment in Jerusalem. Spouses pay only the lodging and entrance fees and are able to go on all the field trips, typically, including Egypt and Jordan. It is a most exciting and fun environment and non-student spouses usually have as good a time or better than the spouse that is studying. Beyond the Bible things, Israel is a most beautiful and wonderful country with many recreational outlets.

* Admission is contingent upon current U.S. State Department travel advisories for the Middle East.