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Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies |
Sacred Scripture is the word of God as it is put down in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Dei verbum 9).
But, this word of God is expressed in human words that are in every way like other human words, just as Jesus, the Word made flesh, is like other men (Dei verbum 13). This means that interpretation of scripture requires two things: a) knowledge of the condition of the sacred authors' times and cultures, the literary genres in use at those times, and the modes of feeling, speaking and thinking then current; and b) reading and interpreting scripture in light of the same Spirit by whom it was written (Dei verbum 12).
The Athenaeum's Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree equips students with the knowledge of the scriptural authors and their cultural context necessary to understand the Bible, along with skill in interpreting the Bible in light of the Holy Spirit. Graduates of the program will have master's-level ability to study and teach Biblical Studies and will be prepared to pursue doctoral studies if they wish.
Course and research requirements
- Students in the program will attain a working knowledge of either Biblical Greek or Biblical Hebrew, usually by taking two courses (= 6 credits) in one or the other (L 200 and L 201 or L 251 and L 252).
- Students will also take 15 credits of introductory courses - an introduction to Biblical Studies (B 230) and introductions to Old Testament (B 231 and B 232) and New Testament (B 233 and B 234).
- Students will take 30 credits of elective courses in biblical studies, distributed as follows:
- Old Testament: one course in Pentateuch, one in Prophets, one in Writings, and two other electives;
- New Testament: one course in Synoptics, one in John, one in Paul, and two other electives
- Students will do major research in biblical studies either by taking three of the 30 credits of electives at the 500 level or by writing a thesis in place of six of these elective credits.
- In addition, six credits of elective courses are required in theology. One of these courses must be S 230, S 233, S 241, LPS 302 or LPS 303.
In order to complete these course requirements, students must be able to take courses during the day.
Comprehensive Examination
After completing all course requirements, students take a comprehensive examination. The exam is divided into two parts. The first part is a three-hour written examination on biblical studies, consisting of objective and essay questions. The second part is a 30-minute oral defense of one's major research before a board of three faculty members, including the director of the research. The student must pass both parts of the examination.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Program
In order to apply, a candidate must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a 3.0 average. The candidate also must have already earned 18 quarter credits (= 12 semester credits) in theology.
Admission
A student must apply to the dean of Special Studies either by May 1 for autumn quarter admission or by October 1 for winter quarter admission. Application and letter of recommendation forms are available below for download or from the registrar's office.
Master Of Arts Application Form
Master Of Arts Letter Of Recommendation Form
Someone interested in Biblical Studies, but not in a full master's degree, may take many of the Athenaeum's biblical studies courses individually.
