Master of Arts in Archaeology & Biblical History

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach emphasizing organic, cause-and-effect relationships between biblical and ancient Near Eastern history discernable from archaeological, anthropological, and comparative literary inquiry, with the purpose of developing competent, biblically grounded archaeologists who are able to:

• Perform and/or direct methodologically-sound archaeological research, exploration, and excavation in the field. 
• Demonstrate the historical reliability of biblical narratives via professional publication and media.
• Contribute to a hermeneutical framework that seeks to comprehend biblical texts in the light of ancient Near Eastern contexts. 

Applicants may choose between two distinct graduate archaeological tracks:

• Fieldwork Track
• Non-Fieldwork Track

Courses may be fulfilled through several options: 

• Authorized VIU campus locations 
• VIU distance learning.
• Required fieldwork performed at an authorized archaeological excavation. 
• Arranged distance courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

• To investigate and demonstrate that ancient Near Eastern history and biblical history, properly understood, constitute the same reality.
• To develop archaeological research and fieldwork skills to a significant level of competency.
• To apply dialogical analysis in the interpretation and application of archaeological data vis-à-vis the Bible.
• To articulate the value of archaeological data in defending the historical authenticity and accuracy of the Bible.
• To interpret biblical narratives from ancient Near Eastern contexts, including material culture and literature.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Archaeology & Biblical History program requires applicants to:

• Hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or its equivalent, in any subject. 
• Applicants should have the ability to handle graduate level work in the English language. For non-native English speakers, a TOEFL exam may be required.  

Admission to the program as a non-degree ‘certificate’ student requires no previously earned degree. However, other standard admission requirements in the application for admission must be met.

Required Core Courses in Archaeology & Biblical History – 18 units

The following graduate courses in archaeology/history are completed by fulfilling the requirements set forth in a given course syllabus. Courses can be taken either through a residential classroom, distance learning, or arranged courses (independent studies) format, or by a combination of these approaches. Upon commencing your program, the following three courses are prerequisites and should be your first courses completed in this order:  AR511, AR611, and AR621

Fieldwork Track Required Courses – 9 units

The following courses are on-site, hands-on experience in Near Eastern archaeology at an excavation site approved by the graduate program director. Generally held in Israel and/or Jordan, this field experience brings the student into direct contact with applied archaeological methods and techniques, and also includes the exploration and study of historical/biblical sites.

Fieldwork courses are part of the Major Requirement courses completed in conjunction with an approved archaeological excavation and field school, either for course credit or modular (assignment) credit. The student has multiple options for the completion of fieldwork requirements. A minimum of one field season (3-week minimum) at an approved excavation project in the Near East is a base requirement. 

Additional study tours or related archaeological projects and/or activities can also be pursued. Generally, 1 unit is allowed for each week (5-day work week) of participation. For example, three weeks participating in fieldwork (excavation) would fulfill 3 units. Additional units can be given based on project rigor and related items such as associated research and writing. Select Bible Lands Expedition itineraries may also qualify under this course title.

In addition to this, opportunity for the student to gain valuable experience in an archaeological laboratory setting, performing a variety of tasks such as: cleaning and processing excavated pottery and objects; object and ceramic preservation and restoration; field, square, locus, and period sorting of diagnostic pottery sherds; comparative analysis of diagnostic ceramics; object and ceramic drawing; specialized photography; analysis of faunal and human remains; floatation and identification of cultigens and natural vegetation (seeds and pollens); preparation of organic samples for radiocarbon dating; and related analytical processes.

Non-Fieldwork Track Required Courses – 9 units

This group of courses focuses on archaeological data related to the Intertestamental period, biblical period ceramics, the bronze age and biblical history, archaeology of Qumran, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. No fieldwork courses will be required.

Required Courses in Biblical Languages – 12 units

AR680 Koine Greek (6 units)

AR690 Biblical Hebrew (6 units)

Required Courses in Apologetics – 3 units

AP501 Christian Apologetics (3 units)

Electives – 6 units

Select at least three 2-unit courses from the elective course list related to archaeology and biblical history.

Prerequisite Course in Research Skills/Methods – P/F

RW499 Research Methods and Technology Skills 

Comprehensive Examination – P/F

A comprehensive exam must be completed in order to determine the student’s proficiency in archaeology and biblical history, archaeological analysis, and the relevant literature. The comprehensive exam may be scheduled with the program director after all coursework and fieldwork have been completed. After the comprehensive exam is complete, the student may enroll in AR699 Thesis Writing. 

Time Limits

Students must complete all coursework, fieldwork, comprehensive exams, and thesis (if chosen) within 6 years of first registration into the program. 

Masters Thesis Procedure/Guidelines

The student has the option to write a scholarly thesis in lieu of three courses (6 units) as specified from the “Required Courses” grouping. Under consultation with the Director and/or Assistant Director, the student will select an acceptable topic on which to research and write a master’s thesis. The thesis shall conform to SBL or Turabian format, with the text-proper being no less than 90 pages (not including bibliography, appendices, charts, tables, figures, etc.), and not exceeding 150 pages. Two VIU archaeology faculty members and one external reader shall constitute the student’s thesis committee. The topic must incorporate aspects of both archaeology and biblical history. (See the AR699 syllabus for details.)