Best PhD in Biblical Studies Degrees

The process for gaining admission to a PhD in Biblical Studies program varies by institution. Typically, students will need to fill out an application, include any required fee, and submit all the required documents. Some biblical studies programs do require students to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, although programs do not usually require students to meet a specific score. Other common application materials for these programs include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, a goal statement or personal history essay, and/or a writing sample. The writing sample usually needs to be a scholarly paper to demonstrate students' writing ability. Depending on the program, applicants may be required to complete an interview process with the graduate committee and/or others in the department, such as the director and dean.

To meet the qualifications for applying to biblical studies doctoral programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Some programs may prefer or require that the master's degree be a Master of Divinity or a similar kind of program in the field of biblical studies. Students may need to have a specific GPA from their prior coursework, such as a 3.0 or higher. Since most PhD programs in biblical studies have a language requirement, many require students to already have some language experience prior to entry. For instance, one program requires students to demonstrate reading knowledge in German prior to taking a full course load. Other programs may expect applicants to have intermediate-level competency in languages such as Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, German, and/or French.

PhD programs in biblical studies do not typically carry program-level accreditation. However, most of the institutions that offer these programs are regionally accredited and may even have seminary-related accreditation. For instance, many schools that offer PhD in Biblical Studies are regionally accredited by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that sets general academic standards for quality.

Many schools that offer these PhD programs are also seminaries and may hold seminary-related accreditation from groups such as the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. These groups may approve theology-related programs, such as a PhD in Biblical Studies, for meeting theology-related academic standards.

Most PhD programs in biblical studies are designed to be completed in 4 to 5 years. This includes about 3 years of coursework and 1 to 2 years of dissertation work. However, there are some programs that may allow students to finish as quickly as 3 years, depending on their educational background, course load, and other factors. Some programs may require or expect students to finish their program within 6 to 8 years. The time that it takes students to write and defend their dissertation is one of the biggest factors in time to degree completion.

PhD programs in biblical studies may require around 48 credits of coursework, in addition to dissertation credits. Coursework for these programs is designed to equip students with the current methods of research and analysis of the Bible. Throughout the course of study, students should develop skills and knowledge in biblical languages, history, and interpretation. While some of the core coursework for the programs may include theology courses, students also take courses in history, language, and biblical exegesis. Core courses may include topics in research, biblical studies, applied theological studies, Christian ministry, biblical hermeneutics, and instructional theory and development.

Most of these programs also require students to develop sufficient knowledge in at least 2 languages. Students can often choose from languages such as German, French, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Depending on the setup of the program, students may need to meet specific language benchmarks at different points throughout the program, such as competency after year one. Some programs may conclude the program with concentration courses in the Old or New Testaments, while others may offer a range of elective courses to give students a chance to customize their degree and explore areas of interest.

Preparing Your Biblical Studies Dissertation

PhD in Biblical Studies students are also required to complete a dissertation. Typically, students must complete all coursework and language requirements before taking the comprehensive exams that qualify them to begin taking dissertation courses or modules. Some programs require students to pass language proficiency exams before taking the comprehensive exam. Programs that offer different concentrations will likely have different comprehensive exams for each concentration, as these exams test students' knowledge of the curriculum.

Once students have passed their exams, they begin to form a dissertation committee and work on their dissertation proposal. The proposal has to be approved by the committee to ensure that students are on the right track with their research ideas and methods for their dissertation. Students typically take close to a year or more to collect research for their dissertation, analyze data, and write the dissertation. Finished dissertations must be defended in front of a student's dissertation committee and once approved, students must make the appropriate changes and corrections before submitting finalized materials to the graduate school.

Traditionally, PhD programs in biblical studies do not offer a range of unique concentrations. However, several programs allow students to focus their studies in either the Old Testament or the New Testament. Students who decide to focus on the Old Testament usually take courses and seminars that explore the history and archaeology of the Old Testament. They also take courses that discuss the literary approaches and interpretation of the Old Testament. Students who focus on the New Testament also take seminars and courses in the New Testament, but may also take courses that examine the Greco-Roman culture and second temple Jewish lifestyle. There are some PhD in Biblical Studies programs that may offer additional concentrations, such as a concentration in biblical theology.

Biblical studies degree programs are widely available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs aim to help students become more familiar with key concepts, themes, languages, and other characteristics of the Bible. Many programs are available in online formats and help prepare students for careers at varying levels, as well as prepare them for the next level of education if students choose to pursue it. Here, students can explore some of the degree levels available for biblical studies.

Biblical Studies Associate Degrees

Associate degree programs in biblical studies are often offered as Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Biblical Studies (ABS) degrees. These programs give students an overview of the Old and New Testaments and help prepare them for further study at the bachelor's level. Many of these programs are designed to transfer easily for those wishing to earn their bachelor's degree. These programs may require around 60 credits of coursework and take about two years to finish; most also include a range of general education courses.

Biblical Studies Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs in biblical studies are available. Some of these programs offer dual degree options where students can earn their bachelor's and master's degrees in biblical studies in less time than taking the programs separately. These programs typically require around 120 credits of coursework and about four years to complete; many require a culminating project of some sort, such as a comprehensive portfolio of work completed throughout coursework for the program.

Biblical Studies Master's Degrees

Master's degree programs are most commonly offered as Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies and several of these programs may combine subjects in biblical and theological studies. These programs may require around 36 credits of coursework and often include advanced study in both the Old and New Testaments. Most of these programs are designed to help students wishing to begin a career in ministry or religious education. Students can often choose from online, hybrid, or in-person formats.

Biblical Studies Graduate Certificates

Students who graduated from a secular college or university who want additional preparation for ministry or other careers may consider various graduate certificate programs, such as graduate certificate programs in public administration or biblical studies. These short certificate programs in biblical studies can usually be completed in 1 year or less, with some programs requiring as few as 12 credits of coursework that can be completed in 6 months. Others may require as many as 21 credits of coursework. They are designed to provide students with an advanced overview of the field to equip them with the foundational knowledge needed for ministry.

Career information for a degree in theology, Christian studies, or biblical studies are similar. There are many theology professions available. Students may pursue a wide range of career options in the field of ministry with a particular denomination. Other students may want to apply their knowledge to non-profit organizations that incorporate faith and other services for communities. Still others may decide that they prefer to share their knowledge of the Bible through education. Below, we discuss just a few of the many career options for graduates of biblical studies programs.

Become a Clergy Member

Although clergy members typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree in the field, advanced degrees are common. Clergy members typically need to undergo some on-the-job training to learn about their specific denomination's traditions and the job duties that fall under their position. Many denominations have their own methods for ordination and may require that clergy members become ordained after a particular range of time.

Clergy members include job titles such as priests, pastors, ministers, rabbis, and more. While job duties vary based on position, in general, these professionals are responsible for reading and teaching sacred texts and overseeing the spiritual health of their congregation. They may meet with members of their church or group to discuss and teach on spiritual topics. They also lead spiritual events of various kinds.

Become a Director of Religious Activities and Education

Directors of religious activities and education usually need to hold at least a bachelor's degree. It is also important for these directors to have some prior work experience, usually in a related field. However, this experience can usually be less than 5 years worth. On-the-job training is not typically required for these directors.

Directors of religious activities and education may include job titles such as children's ministry director, youth ministry director, religious education director, adult ministries director, and more. While the specific population that these directors work with often vary, in general, religious directors help create religious and educational activities and events for their organization. This requires them to train staff, create or secure materials, and advertise their events. They often need some computer skills and typically oversee events as they occur.

Become a Postsecondary Teacher

Some graduates may want to teach their knowledge of the Bible to college students as a postsecondary teacher. These educators usually need a doctoral degree in their field, but some smaller institutions may require only a master's degree. These teachers may stand out amongst the competition if they have some prior work experience in their field. Some positions may also need industry-related licensure, but there is not usually a common certification needed for those in biblical studies.

Biblical studies graduates may be qualified to teach a range of Bible- and theology-related courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students. This requires them to create materials for their classes, such as assessments and lesson plans. They may also participate in research for their field and perform other administrative duties for their institution.

Due to the broad applications of biblical studies, graduates of the field can choose from a wide range of professional organizations to join. It is important for professionals to join an organization that works to promote and further develop professionals in their given field. These organizations help provide professionals with professional development opportunities, career information, and more. Those with a biblical studies background may decide to join different religious organizations focused on ministry, research, and more. A couple of options include:

• Society of Biblical Literature- The SBL is one of the oldest and largest groups dedicated to examining the Bible. The group offers membership and provides a range of webinars, meetings, and symposiums for professionals. The organization also provides resources for teaching the Bible, as well as access to various journals and books.
• American Academy of Religion- The AAR also offers membership and aims to promote the academic study of religion across the world. Members can participate in the group's annual meetings and networking events. The group also provides news and publications in the field.

The cost of a PhD in Biblical Studies varies by school. Students need to consider the cost of their living expenses, as well as the cost of tuition, fees, and books and materials for their courses. Tuition rates vary by school but are usually set per credit hour. Some programs charge between $500 and $900 per credit hour. Most schools also charge a range of fees in addition to tuition. These fees may include technology, student services, and graduation fees.

Doctoral students are still eligible to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and pursue other forms of financial aid to help cover these various costs associated with earning their PhD.

While assistantships are not as common for doctoral programs in biblical studies, schools may still offer various scholarships that students can apply for. For instance, one seminary provides over 400 scholarships that students can apply for through a financial aid application. Students may need to meet additional requirements for scholarships, such as submitting an essay or demonstrating academic success.

Other schools may provide subsidized scholarships that provide students with up to 80% of their tuition paid for. Students can also look for scholarships and other funding opportunities from outside organizations, such as groups involved in technology, religion, and biblical studies. The SBL, for example, offers several different $1,000 scholarships for winning papers in the field of biblical studies.