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Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies

Programs of Study

Comprehensive Exams

Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies Programs

Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology

Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies

• Biblical Exegesis
  
  

• Biblical Studies
  
  

• History of Christianity
  
  

• Theology
  

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies

Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology

Associate Dean, Jeffrey P. Greenman

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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Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies

The Wheaton Biblical and Theological Studies graduate program provides both a theological base and methodological skills for doctoral work and for use in a variety of ministries. Among these are teaching, campus ministries, missions, evangelism, writing and research, administration, church and parachurch groups, lay persons in various fields, and personal enrichment. The concentrations in the Biblical and Theological Studies graduate program stress the concepts, principles, history, and methods of the theological disciplines.

The program provides a scholarly, helpful, and understanding atmosphere in which students confront both traditional and contemporary interpretations and issues. It is committed to helping students formulate and articulate a biblical and global understanding of life and ministry in a setting committed to traditional biblical Christianity.

Admission to the program does not require a specific undergraduate major or prescribed set of courses. However, students are required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in several areas. If such knowledge and proficiency cannot be demonstrated, additional undergraduate course work will be required. The areas of proficiency include:

• A basic knowledge of the Bible and theology.
  

• understanding of the major events, developments, and intellectual features of western civilization.
  

• Good skills in written and spoken English.

Other areas of proficiency will be required depending on which concentration is selected within Biblical and Theological Studies.

Degree Requirements

Students must select one of four concentrations available:

• Biblical Exegesis
  

• Biblical Studies
  

• History of Christianity
  

• Theology
  
  

Students are required to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. Students should register for BITH 692 Graduate Comprehensive Exam in the semester in which they intend to take the exam. Comprehensive exams can be failed only once. A student failing a particular exam (in part or as a whole) may retake the exam at the announced time in the following semester. All students desiring to write a thesis must apply in writing for the privilege. Students planning to complete a thesis during the summer must be sure their supervisor will be available. All students writing a thesis must register for BITH 698 and BITH 699 in all subsequent semesters.

The requirements for the program leading to a Master of Arts degree in the Biblical Exegesis and Biblical Studies concentrations are 40 semester hours. Students in Biblical Studies concentration may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). The requirements to complete the degree in the History of Christianity or Theology concentrations are 36 semester hours. Those enrolled in these concentrations may apply to write a thesis (4 hours) to complete the 36 hours. Students in these concentrations may either write a thesis or take four additional hours of course work and a comprehensive examination. The requirements to complete a second Master of Arts degree in Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies for students who have already completed one of the M.A. programs offered in the department will be reduced by up to 12 hours from the number of hours required for the second M.A. Students would be allowed to use up to 12 hours of common core courses toward the second M.A. degree from the same department. Most courses will be taken on the 500- and 600-level in the Biblical and Theological Studies area. Four hours of elective courses may be taken in other graduate departments, except in the Biblical Exegesis concentration. Unless otherwise noted, a maximum of eight hours (only four hours in the Biblical Exegesis and Biblical Studies concentrations) from 300- and 400-level courses suitably enriched to carry graduate credit may be taken with approval of the student's advisor and the instructor. Each student works with an advisor to determine the appropriate concentration and to individualize the degree program based on the student's previous studies, interests, and goals.

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Biblical Exegesis
Coordinator, Gregory Beale

The Biblical Exegesis concentration is a biblical language-based program which emphasizes study in both the Old and New Testaments. The program is designed to explore the biblical text within both its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts. The program requires 26 hours in core courses, ten hours of language-based exegetical studies, and a four-hour capstone course, combining OT Hebrew and NT Greek exegesis. Students are required to pass a written comprehensive exam. A prerequisite competency in Hebrew and Greek is required of all students. Hebrew competency is defined as taking HEBR 301, 302, and 401x (12 hours total) or their equivalent, or passing the Hebrew competency exam. Greek competency is defined as taking GREK 101, 102, and 201 (12 hours total) or their equivalent, or passing the Greek competency exam. Students may take language prerequisites concurrently with the program. These language prerequisites do not count toward the completion of the degree requirements of 40 hours, and must be passed before taking the language-based exegetical courses (the Greek prerequisites must be passed before taking BITH 564, though GREK 201 may be waived in some cases).

The core requirements for this concentration include courses on the interpretive process (BITH 564 and 625), biblical criticism (BITH 541 and 543), background studies (BITH 539 and either 551 or 552), and theology (BITH 565, 638, and 648). In addition, students must complete ten hours of course work in ancient-language-based exegetical studies, including a four-hour Hebrew Exegesis course (BITH 635) and a four-hour Greek Exegesis course. The last four hours of credit will be a capstone course (BITH 645 Canonical Biblical Interpretation).

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Biblical Studies
Coordinator, Nicholas Perrin

The Biblical Studies concentration offers a general program in biblical studies based on the English text with special emphasis upon the literature, interpretation, and themes of the whole Bible. As with the Biblical Exegesis concentration, the program helps the student to explore the biblical text within both its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts. It is designed primarily as a terminal degree for students who do not expect to continue formal academic studies on the doctoral level. Knowledge of the biblical languages is not required. Students may, however, take Hebrew or Greek exegetical studies if they demonstrate competency in the respective language (see the definition of competency above).

The Biblical Studies concentration requires the completion of 40 hours, including 26 hours of core course work and 14 hours of electives. The core requirements for this concentration include courses on the interpretive process (BITH 566 and 625), biblical criticism (BITH 541 and 543), background studies (BITH 539 and either 551 or 552), and theology (BITH 565, 638, and 648). The 14 hours of electives must include four hours of Old Testament studies (from BITH 534-538; 634, or with Hebrew competency achieved, BITH 635) and four hours of New Testament studies (from BITH 546-548, or with Greek competency achieved, BITH 646). With the remaining six hours of electives, a student may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). A student may also enroll in up to four hours outside the department or take up to four hours of suitably enriched 300- and 400-level courses in the department, with the approval of the student's advisor and the instructor of the course.

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History of Christianity
Coordinator, Timothy Larsen

The study of the History of Christianity integrates the history of Christian life and thought with the various disciplines in the field of theological studies on the one hand, and intellectual, social, cultural, gender, and political history on the other. Students must select one of two available emphases:

• General History of Christianity
  

• Religion in American Life

• Both studies require students to complete 36 semester hours in order to obtain their degree. Up to eight hours of graduate credit may be taken in another department. Students who do not write a thesis must also pass a comprehensive examination in addition to the course requirements for their emphasis.
  

General History of Christianity

The study of the General History of Christianity provides an opportunity for students to gain a sound grasp of the crucial contours of the history of Christianity across two millennia. It provides a vital foundation for those who wish to teach church history or who wish to go on to further study in historical theology or church history, and it is the natural choice for those who wish to do so outside of the field of American religious history. The requirements for this emphasis are:

• Four hours of Historical Theology from BITH 653, 654, 655, or 656
  

• Either BITH 565 (Christian Theology) or BITH 525 (Biblical Theology) (4)
  

• BITH 576 – History of Christianity to 1900 (4)
  

• BITH 577 – World Christianity Since the Nineteenth Century (4)
  

• BITH 683 – Historiography of the History of Christianity (2)
  

• BITH 581 – The Reformation (4)
  

• BITH 585x – History of Christianity in North America (4)
  

• BITH 677 – Topics in the History of Christianity (4)
  

• Six hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of
  these hours.

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Religion in American Life

This emphasis, Religion in American Life, is designed for students who desire an in-depth study of Christianity in America, especially the place and importance of evangelicalism. A distinctive of this study is that it employs the liberal arts disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences, for understanding and evaluating the complex relationship between Christianity and American culture. As a result, this study provides preparation for further graduate work in the humanities and the social sciences. It is supported by Wheaton's distinguished Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals, which brings major scholars in American religion to campus every year.        

The requirements for this emphasis are:

• Four hours of Historical Theology from BITH 653, 654, 655, or 656
  

• Either BITH 565 (Christian Theology) or BITH 525 (Biblical Theology) (4)
  

• BITH 576 – History of Christianity to 1900 (4)
  

• BITH 577 – World Christianity Since the Nineteenth Century (4)
  

• BITH 683 – Historiography of the History of Christianity (2)
  

• BITH 585x – History of Christianity in North America (4)
  

• BITH 687 – Seminar in American Christianity and Historical Theology (4)
  

• Four hours of graduate work in liberal arts or social sciences related to religion in American life may be required or strongly encouraged by the student’s advisor. Students should consult with their advisors about enrolling in specific liberal arts or social sciences classes.
  

• Ten hours of electives (including any approved liberal arts or social sciences courses). Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours.

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Theology
Coordinator, Jeffrey W. Barbeau

The Theology concentration provides a program of study in Christian theology, both in its richly diverse heritage and in its contemporary developments. This concentration seeks to equip students to become faithful stewards of Christian thought and Scripture and thus to become more effective agents of Christ’s redemptive work within this fallen world. Students choosing this concentration must select one of two available emphases:

• General Theological Studies
  

• Historical and Systematic Theology

Both require students to complete 36 semester hours in order to obtain their degrees.

General Theological Studies

The requirements for this emphasis are:

• BITH 638 – Old Testament Theology (4)
  

• BITH 648 – New Testament Theology (4)
  

• Eight hours in historical studies from BITH 576, 577, 653, 654, 655, or 656
  

• Four hours in systematic theology from BITH 565 Christian Theology (4) or BITH 675 Advanced Systematic Theology (4)
  

• Sixteen hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours.
  
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Historical and Systematic Theology

The requirements for this emphasis are:

• BITH 638 – Old Testament Theology (4)
  

• BITH 648 – New Testament Theology (4)
  

• Eight hours in historical theology from BITH 653, 654, 655, and 656
  

• Eight hours in systematic theology:  BITH 565 Christian Theology (4) and BITH 675 Advanced Systematic Theology (4)
  

• Four hours in specialized topics from BITH 558, 561, 562, 563, 567, 581, 669, 676, 677, 683, 687, or ENGL 434 (G)
  

• Eight hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours.
  

Students selecting the Historical and Systematic Theology emphasis should have under-graduate work in philosophy.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical Studies Coordinator, Daniel I. Block
Theological Studies Coordinator, Daniel J. Treier

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed to train scholars who can serve the church worldwide as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders. The program aims at fostering faithfulness to the teaching of Scripture in combination with creative and critical reflection on its significance for the church and contemporary culture. Students may focus on either Biblical Theology or Systematic/Historical Theology. The nature of Scripture and of the theological task demand that theology be rooted in Scripture and that Scripture be interpreted theologically. The Wheaton Ph.D., therefore, requires that its students take a holistic approach to biblical-theological studies. While students will write dissertations that focus on one of the traditional areas of academic competence—Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, or Historical Theology—the entire program, including the dissertation, will require integration with the other specialties. In order to facilitate this integration, students in the Wheaton Ph.D. program will write dissertations that are distinctly theological in nature. The program seeks, at the same time, to be integrative in another way, by bringing to bear on the theological task insights from people and cultures outside the North American context.

Requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program.

In addition to the admission requirements for the Graduate School in general (see page 133), students applying for the Ph.D. are required to have the following:

•  An M.A. (in an area of Biblical or Theological Studies) or M.Div. degree or the equivalent.
  

• Normally, a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their master’s-level work.
  

• An acceptable score on the GRE.
  

• For international students: scores on the TOEFL of 600, on the TWE of 5.0, and on the TSE of 50.
  

• Evidence of potential for doctoral-level research in the form of a substantial research paper.
  

• Competency in biblical Hebrew and Greek.
  

• Recommendations from three of the applicant's professors and his or her pastor.
  

• Approval from the mentor with whom the student seeks to study (normally secured through a personal interview).

  
  

 Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies.

The program incorporates the best elements from North American, British, and German doctoral models. Emphasis will be placed on guided research and independent study, though some formal courses are required. Informal learning in a community setting is integral to the program. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor, who will have primary responsibility for establishing the specific shape of the program that the student will undertake. Students are expected to engage in dissertation research and writing from the beginning of the program. The length and specific components of the program will therefore vary from student to student. All students will be required to take a minimum of 40 hours of doctoral-level courses and may be asked to take as many as 60.

The requirements are:

• Four doctoral seminars 16 hours
  One core seminar (BITH 881)
  Two major field seminars (either Biblical Theology [BITH 882] or [BITH 883])
  One minor field seminar
  

• At least one Guided Research 4 or more hours course (BITH 795)
  

• One approved course at 3-4 hours another institution
  

• At least one Directed Research course in conjunction with a liberal arts class
  (BITH 794) 4 or more hours
  

• Directed Research courses in conjunction with a master’s-level BTS class (BITH 793)
  0 or more hours
  

• Supervised Pedagogical Experience (BITH 798) 2 hours
  

• Introduction to Doctoral Research (BITH 751) 1 hour
  

• Colloquia (BITH 752, 753, 754) 3 hours
  

• Dissertation (BITH 898)

Additional information on these requirements is available in the Ph.D. Handbook.

In addition to the specific courses listed above, Ph.D. students must also demonstrate competence in biblical Greek and Hebrew and in two research languages (German and one other language appropriate to the student's field of study), demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the field, and write and successfully defend a dissertation. Students may apply for candidacy in the program after their first year of study. Candidacy will be awarded to students who have successfully completed all degree requirements, excepting the dissertation. Degree requirements must be completed within six years of the first date of enrollment

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