Christian Distance Learning

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies with degree majors in the Old Testament or the New Testament is to equip students for creative scholarship, independent research, and effective biblical teaching and ministry. The program is specifically oriented toward preparing students for teaching theological courses in universities and seminaries; for teaching in related academic fields at the college level; for specialized biblical teaching and leadership in the church; and for scholarly writing. This Biblical Studies program should equip students with the aptitude necessary to bring critical skills to the biblical text; to analyze, interpret, and explain the text; and to express insights and conclusions in scholarly writing.

There are 10 core courses of the 30 required courses in the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies which address disciplines such as theology, ancient history, literary criticism, biblical doctrine, biblical ethics, linguistics, and history of religions. These core courses will address the important cultural background of this period of study; provide students with essential research tools; and assess the methods of critical scholarship. The Old Testament and New Testament textual courses in the degree program will be taught from standard Hebrew or Greek Bibles respectively with the assistance of valuable secondary material in other languages.

Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:

1. Old Testament Concentration

A student may major in Old Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament and related subjects. The Old Testament study encompasses a study of Ancient Near Eastern History and Religion, Religion and Archaeology of Ancient Israel, Old Testament Theology, and Old Testament textual courses. A total of 33 semester hours of the 60 required semester degree hours would be in Old Testament study; with 15 semester hours in New Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.

2. New Testament Concentration

A student may major in New Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the New Testament and related studies. The New Testament study encompasses a study of History and Religion of the Hellenistic Age, New Testament Theology, Patristic Theology, and New Testament textual courses. A total of 33 semester hours of the 60 required degree hours would be in New Testament study; with 15 semester hours in Old Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.

The Ph.D. Degree Program in Biblical Studies is a 60 semester hour rigorous research-oriented program beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. The Master of Theology or the two year Master of Arts in Bible or the Doctor of Ministry will usually meet the sixty semester hours of master level required courses. Applicants aspiring to enter this degree program must satisfy the eight primary requirements of admission.