Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology

The discipline of Biblical Archaeology seeks to integrate both ancient material culture and epigraphic finds with study of the Bible in order to assist the student to better understand the Scriptures. It has long been recognized that archaeology is an indispensable tool for interpreting the Bible because it provides cultural, historical, social, religious, and linguistic information that sheds light on the context of biblical passages. The program emphasizes four areas: Archaeology, Biblical Geography, Biblical Languages, and Biblical Studies. Two concentrations are offered: Old Testament and Near Eastern Studies and New Testament and Classical World. There is a required semester of study in Israel at Jerusalem University College (JUC) and six weeks of summer excavation for credit.This program provides students with a solid basis for doctoral studies in Archaeology, Ancient History, Biblical Studies, and Church History. Students are not required to write a thesis but may do so if granted permission by an advisor and the department. All students are required to pass a comprehensive exam unless the thesis option has been granted. Those who consider this program as a terminal degree will be well trained for teaching courses in Old and New Testament, Bible backgrounds, ancient history, and archaeology in church and school settings.

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

Admission to the program does not require a specific undergraduate major. Students must, however, demonstrate:

• a basic knowledge of Bible content and historical periods of the Old or New Testament; and
• prerequisite competency in Hebrew or Greek, according to chosen concentration.

Competency is defined as passing a competency exam or taking HEBR 301,(or BL 610 at JUC), 302, and 401 or GREK 101, (or BL 555 at JUC), 102, and 201. These language prerequisites do not count toward the completion of degree requirements of 42-44 hours, but students may take the languages concurrently with the program.

Departmental Requirements:

The program begins with participation in a six-week excavation in Israel during the summer prior to the first semester. The first fall semester is taken in Israel at Jerusalem University College. Remaining work is completed at Wheaton.

The required 44-46 hours include: a) 10-14 hours at Jerusalem University College, including Physical Settings (GEO 511) and Historical Geography (GEO 513) for all students, as well as HIST 535 (Old Testament track) or HIST 558 (New Testament track); b) 12 hours of core courses including BITH 565, BITH 554, and ARCH 526, Archaeological Field Work (ARCH 525); c) 12-16 hours in either the Old Testament or New Testament tracks. The Old Testament track includes ARCH 521, BITH 541, BITH 566, four hours of Old Testament exegesis, and two to four hours of electives in Ancient Near Eastern language or graduate archaeology courses. The New Testament track includes ARCH 522, BITH 543, BITH 564, four hours of New Testament exegesis, and BITH 551 or an approved elective.

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