Master of Arts (Biblical Archaeology)
Degree Overview
Vocational Calling
To prepare students for research in the fields of biblical studies and archaeology, and the combined field of Biblical Archaeology. This degree also would provide the necessary foundations to enable the student to pursue the advanced PhD degree in the field.
For further information, please contact:
· Dr. Charlie Ray III (Program Supervisor)
· Dr. James O. Parker (Program Coordinator/Advisor)
Program Requirements
Master of Arts Core (18 hours)
Biblical Studies (6 hours)*
COURSE | HOURS | |
Greek 2 Hebrew 2 | 3 | |
Advanced Greek for exegesis Advanced Hebrew for exegesis | 3 |
Theological and Historical Studies (6 hours)
COURSE | HOURS |
Baptist Heritage | 3 |
Systematic Theology 2 | 3 |
Applied Ministry Studies (6 hours)*
COURSE | HOURS | |
Evangelism (M) Christian Missions (M) | 3 | |
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (M)
(M) Indicates course is also available in a mentoring format. | 3 |
Biblical Archaeology Core (24 hours)
Geographical and Cultural Studies (9 hours)
COURSE | HOURS | |
Social Settings of the New Testament | 3 | |
Encountering the Biblical World | 3 | |
History and Geography of Ancient Israel | 3 |
Archaeology Courses (15 hours)
COURSE | HOURS |
Choose five courses from the following: | |
Syro-Palestinian Archaeology and the Old Testament | 3 |
Archaeology of the New Testament World | 3 |
Archaeology and the Early Church | 3 |
Archaeology of the Ancient Near East | 3 |
Dead Sea Scrolls | 3 |
Archeological Field Work | 3 |
Ceramic Analysis in Field Archaeology | 3 |
Summative Evaluation (3 hours)
COURSE | HOURS |
Biblical Studies Research and Writing | 3 |
Total Required: 45 hours
*One course from the Applied Ministry Studies section must be taken in a mentoring format.
Students have the opportunity to further their studies in the area of biblical studies by taking either a PhD seminar or writing a thesis. Entrance in the PhD seminar is contingent upon approval from the professor teaching the seminar and availability of space. Completion of a thesis is dependent on securing an advisor. These courses can be counted as free elective hours or as relevant 6300 Biblical Studies courses.
Admissions Requirements
This degree presupposes undergraduate preparation in the area of biblical studies. Before being admitted into the program, students are expected to have completed the following undergraduate hours:
6 Hours of Greek OR Hebrew |
6 Hours of Theology |
6 Hours of Old Testament (Including Survey) |
6 Hours of New Testament (Including Survey) |
3 Hours of Biblical Interpretation |
Students are expected to have completed these classes with a "B" or better in each class. Students with the required undergraduate credit hours in Hebrew and Greek may be eligible to receive transcripted credit for Greek 1 and Hebrew 1 through the seminary's Accelerated Programs.
Students lacking the required undergraduate coursework may be required to take any or all of the following Master's level classes before being admitted to the program: Interpreting the Old Testament 1, Interpreting the Old Testament 2, Interpreting the New Testament 1, Interpreting the New Testament 2, Greek 1, Hebrew 1.
Admission Process
Admission to the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) requires the following:
1. Applicants must fulfill all the normal admission requirements for NOBTS, including the admission form, transcript, church endorsement, statement of call, medical clearance, TOEFL for international students, etc.
2. Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree, normally with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, from an institution accredited by a regional accreditation agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada, or the educational equivalent.
3. Applicants must be within 6 hours of meeting the admissions requirements listed above before applying to the program.
4. The Division of Biblical Archeology, in consultation with the Registrar, will evaluate the transcript of the applicant. Students should evidence the interests, aptitudes, and personal qualities necessary for the particular application of this degree.
Thesis Guidelines
For more information about the MA Thesis, see the Master of Arts Thesis Guide.
Academic Requirements
The Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology degree (as delineated above) is intended to introduce students to a broad range of theological disciplines necessary for further studies in biblical studies. Those who do not maintain a 3.0 GPA will go on probation status after the first semester and will be dismissed after the second consecutive semester below a 3.0 average.
PhD Eligibility
Students who complete all the degree requirements of the MA (Biblical Studies) are eligible to apply to the PhD at NOBTS for their corresponding concentration in the majors of Biblical Theology, Old Testament, or New Testament. Students who choose to major in other disciplines may be required to take other prerequisite courses as required in those majors.