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Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies Purpose The objective of this degree is to provide the student a graduate-level mastery of the field of biblical studies and research, i.e., sufficient familiarity with the area of biblical studies to serve as a competent teacher and scholar. It also prepares the student for the pursuit of doctoral studies. 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. It is also expected that the student will already have earned at least 18 quarter credits in theology. Admission A student must apply to the Dean of the Athenaeum either by May 1 for autumn quarter admission or by October 15 for winter quarter admission. The Admissions and Degrees Committee of the Athenaeum will decide on the application. After reviewing the transcripts and other pertinent material, the committee will determine whether or not the applicant has fulfilled the prerequisites for the program. The committee may make specific recommendations about what will satisfy the prerequisites or about particular courses which ought to be taken by a given applicant in light of the academic background. The student who is matriculated in the Master of Divinity program can apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program at the completion of his second year of seminary-based study. Language Requirement The student must achieve a working knowledge of Biblical Greek or Biblical Hebrew. Ordinarily this requirement is satisfied by completing L 200 and L 201 or L 251 and L 252. The student will also be expected to demonstrate a current reading knowledge in one of the following: French, German, Italian, Spanish or Modern Hebrew. This knowledge will be tested as follows: the student will have two hours in which to read and translate approximately two pages of secondary literature in Biblical Studies, written in the language, with the help of a dictionary. Having completed 12 semester hours of study of a language (ancient or modern), with a B average, within the last 10 years, also satisfies either language requirement. It is expected that some use of both the biblical and the modern foreign language be demonstrated in one’s major research paper or thesis. In the case of the modern foreign language, it is expected that at least one source in the language be consulted and cited. Candidacy Before a student is admitted as a candidate for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree 1) the student must have participated in the orientation to research in biblical studies, which is an introduction to biblical research methodology, reference sources and use of the library, 2) at least 15 quarter credit hours of work must be completed and reviewed by the Dean of the Athenaeum as satisfactory (a 3.0 average); and 3) the student must have fulfilled the language requirement. Academic Requirements A student must obtain a minimum of 57 hours of course work to earn the degree and must have a 2.5 grade point average at the end of the first year of study for the degree, or the first 18 credits, whichever comes last, and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of each quarter thereafter. Students falling below the required average are on probation with regard to this program. More than two successive quarters on probation will require faculty action for the student to continue in the program. Each student will be assigned an academic advisor who must approve all course registrations. Course Requirements In addition to L 200 and L 201 or L 250 and L 251, the student must take the following 15 hours of required courses: B 230, B 231, B 232, B 233 and B 234. The student must also take 30 hours of elective courses in biblical studies, distributed as follows: a) Old Testament: one course in Pentateuch, one in Prophets, one in Writings, and two other electives b) New Testament: one course in Synoptics, one in John, one in Paul, and two other electives In addition, six hours of elective courses are required in theology. The student must do major research in biblical studies either by taking three of the 30 hours of electives at the 500 level or by writing a thesis in lieu of six of these elective credits. If one chooses to do a thesis (at least 50-60 pages), one must first find a member of the biblical studies faculty who agrees to direct it. It is the director’s responsibility to approve the topic and outline, to supervise the research, to recommend revisions in the draft and to accept and grade the final text. If one chooses to take a 500-level elective, a guided research paper (of 25-30 pages) is required for the course. The professor of the course acts as director. In either of these options the student must follow K. Turabian, Manual for Writers. Comprehensive Examination One must be admitted as a candidate for the degree and complete all course requirements before one can apply for the 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. |
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