PROGRAM UNDER REVISION - PLEASE CHECK BACK IN 5 MONTHS
This degree program is currently under revision and will not be accepting applications until the Fall 2011 semester. The new program will be a part-time cohort based model that will meet once a week in the evening through two academic calendar years. Additional courses will be offered during the winter break and summer term. The degree will aim for balance with courses both in Biblical Studies and in Christian Theology.
Information about the previous MA in Biblical Studies
The Biblical Studies concentration offers a general program in biblical studies based on the English text with special emphasis upon the literature, interpretation, and themes of the whole Bible. As with the Biblical Exegesis concentration, the program helps the student to explore the biblical text within both its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts. It is designed primarily as a terminal degree for students who do not expect to continue formal academic studies on the doctoral level. Knowledge of the biblical languages is not required. Students may, however, take Hebrew or Greek exegetical studies if they demonstrate competency in the respective language (see the definition of competency above).
The Biblical Studies concentration requires the completion of 40 hours, including 26 hours of core course work and 14 hours of electives. The core requirements for this concentration include courses on the interpretive process (BITH 566 and 625), biblical criticism (BITH 541 and 543), background studies (BITH 539 and either 551 or 552), and theology (BITH 565, 638, and 648). The 14 hours of electives must include four hours of Old Testament studies (from BITH 534-538; 634, or with Hebrew competency achieved, BITH 635) and four hours of New Testament studies (from BITH 546-548, or with Greek competency achieved, BITH 646). With the remaining six hours of electives, a student may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). A student may also enroll in up to four hours outside the department or take up to four hours of suitably enriched 300- and 400-level courses in the department, with the approval of the student's advisor and the instructor of the course.