Biblical Studies Major, Bachelor of Arts
The major in Biblical Studies will provide the student with a deeper understanding of the Old and New Testaments. Students will also have the option to pursue advanced language study in Hebrew and Greek and the cultural contexts in which they were shaped.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
- Basic skills in biblical interpretation and exegesis;
- Skills in critical thinking, and written and oral communication;
- Basic knowledge in at least three of four core areas in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy: Philosophy, Theology, Christian History, and Spiritual Formation;
- Either a) Advanced Language option - an advanced competency in both Koine Greek and biblical Hebrew; or b) Basic Language option - a General Education-level competency in either Koine Greek or biblical Hebrew;
- Evidence of a deeper understanding of the broad range of literature from the Old and New Testaments;
- An understanding of the cultural context from which the languages and literature come; and
- The ability to do critical research in biblical languages and literature and to give clear, substantive oral and written reports of such research.
Program Requirements
Biblical Studies majors must choose either the Advanced Language option or the Basic Language option. Each option is described in its own separate section below.
Advanced Language Option
Required Major Hours
| RELI 201 | Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | 2 |
Departmental Core Requirements (Choose three)
Biblical Languages (Choose either option)
Hebrew emphasis
In this case, GREK 101 Elementary Greek I, GREK 102 Elementary Greek II, and GREK 201 Intermediate Greek I would fulfill the General Education language requirement.
OR
Greek emphasis
| GREK 101 | Elementary New Testament Greek I | 3 |
| GREK 102 | Elementary New Testament Greek II | 3 |
| GREK 201 | Intermediate New Testament Greek I | 3 |
| GREK 202 | Intermediate New Testament Greek II | 3 |
| HEBR 202 | Intermediate Hebrew II | 3 |
In this case, HEBR 101 Elementary Hebrew I, HEBR 102 Elementary Hebrew II, and HEBR 201 Intermediate Hebrew I would fulfill the General Education language requirement.
Biblical Studies / Old Testament (Choose one)
Biblical Studies / New Testament (Choose one)
Biblical Studies (Choose one)
Any course listed above under Biblical Studies/Old Testament or Biblical Studies/New Testament
Senior Seminar
Departmental Elective
| Choose one course from the upper-level departmental options | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 41 |
Basic Language Option
Required Major Hours
| RELI 201 | Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | 2 |
Departmental Core Requirements (Choose three)
Biblical Studies / Old Testament (Choose two)
Biblical Studies / New Testament (Choose two)
Biblical Studies / Judaism (Choose two)
Any course(s) listed above under Biblical Studies/Old Testament or Biblical Studies/New Testament
Practicum / Internship (Choose one)
Senior Seminar
Departmental Electives
| Choose two courses from the upper-level departmental options | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 41
NOTE: Senior Seminar should be taken in one of the student’s final two semesters.
Additional Requirements for Transfer Majors
All students transferring under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement must complete a world language through the Intermediate I level (201), as well as RELI 245 if the major prescribes it to be taken as part of the General Education curriculum. This requirement will be waived for students who transfer in credit for RELI 346.