Concentration in Old Testament and Semitic Languages (MA/OT)
MA/OT Concentration Purpose
The Master of Arts concentration in Old Testament and Semitic Languages (MA/OT) provides specialized study in the Old Testament and Semitic Languages. The MA/OT is academic rather than professional in focus, preparing participants in knowledge and practice for teaching or researching in Christian secondary schools, or higher education where a doctorate may not be needed; or as an intermediate step toward doctoral study in a related area.
MA/OT Concentration Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Old Testament will be able to:
- articulate an understanding of biblical and theological constructs that form the foundation of evangelical Christian faith.
- ground theological interpretations in the biblical text, historical developments, and contemporary context.
- demonstrate an ability to contribute to biblical, historical, educational, and/or theological studies in an increasingly global and culturally diverse world.
- demonstrate academic proficiency in the student’s chosen area of concentration.
- demonstrate a breadth of perspective and focused depth for further academic work in the student’s chosen area of concentration.
MA/OT Prerequisites
- 6 semester hours of Bible including Old and New Testament surveys; or TEDS NT 5001, NT 5002, OT 5001, and OT 5002.
- an undergraduate major in Bible or its equivalent that includes a minimum of 30 hours in Bible/Hebrew/theology (12 or more in Bible; beginning languages are not considered Bible courses)
- proficiency in biblical Hebrew at a level equivalent to completion of TEDS OT 5133.
MA/OT Concentration Format
The MA/OT is offered only in a residential format. Students who are admitted to the MA/OT should expect that some required courses will be offered only in person on the main campus. Students should not expect to graduate without taking these courses in a residential format. Students should plan to take the MA/OT Comprehensive Exam in person on the main campus.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bible and Theology Core | 8 | |
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 2 |
| ST 5211 | Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father | 2 |
| ST 5212 | Theology 2: The God of the Gospel: Through the Son | 2 |
| ST 5213 | Theology 3: The God of the Gospel: In the Holy Spirit | 2 |
| Concentration Core | 25 | |
| OT 5251 | Hebrew Exegesis 1 | 2 |
| OT 5252 | Hebrew Exegesis 2 | 2 |
| OT 8950 | Old Testament Research and Methods | 2 |
| Elective Studies in Old Testament 1 | 19 | |
| The following courses in other departments may be completed in the Concentration Core: | ||
| Hermeneutics | ||
| Field Education | 0 | |
| Select one option from the following: | ||
Option 1: | ||
| Field Education (2 semesters) | ||
Option 2: | ||
| Formation Group (2 semesters) | ||
| Field Education (1 semester) | ||
| MA/OT Capstone | ||
| OT 7477 | MA Major Comprehensive Exam 2 | 0 |
| OT 7485 | MA Thesis | 2 |
| Total Hours | 35 | |