Program: Old Testament, MA (BIBO) - Abilene Christian University

2023-2024 Catalog With Addendum

Apr 01, 2025

Mark Hamilton, Advisor
ACU Box 29434, Abilene, Texas 79699-9408
Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building, Room 319

Phone: 325-674-3765 or 888-242-5360
Fax: 325-674-6180
Email: mark.hamilton@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/gst

The Old Testament track of the Master of Arts degree is a 48-hour thesis program designed to provide an advanced academic foundation in Old Testament studies. Students will be expected to gain proficiency in appropriate exegetical tools and languages as well as a broad understanding of textual and theological issues. Specifically, students should be able to exegete and interpret a variety of Old Testament texts and understand them within their larger theological contexts. Students who have extensive preparation at the undergraduate level may receive advanced standing (maximum 12 hours) toward this 48-hour degree.

Prerequisite Degree Requirements

This program requires a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students who have completed substantial work at the undergraduate level may receive advanced standing (maximum 12 hours).

Core Requirements

Language appropriate to the research program (BGRK 600-699; BHEB 600-699) - Credit Hours: 6
BIBD 660 - Systematic Theology I Credit Hours: 3
BIBH 651 - History of Christianity I: Early to Medieval Credit Hours: 3
BIBH 652 - History of Christianity II: Reformation to Present Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 610 - Critical Interpretation of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 620 - Critical Interpretation of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3
BIBM 602 - GST Orientation Credit Hours: 0
BIBL 699 - Master’s Thesis Credit Hours: 6

Total: 27 Credit Hours

Track Requirements

Old Testament Courses

BHEB 681 - Intermediate Hebrew Readings I Credit Hours: 3
BHEB 682 - Intermediate Hebrew Readings II Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 611 - Old Testament Theology Credit Hours: 3
Old Testament Elective (Semitic language preferred) (BIBL 600-699; BHEB 600-699) - Credit Hours: 3

Total: 12 Credit Hours

Bible Text

(Select 3 from the following menu)

BIBL 651 - The Pentateuch Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 652 - Historical Books of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 653 - Devotional and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3
BIBL 654 - Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3

Total: 9 Credit Hours

Total Major Hours: 48

Other Graduation Requirements

English Bible exam, oral exam for thesis, and four semesters of participation in mentoring groups.