Biblical Studies (Ph.D.)

Biblical Studies (Ph.D.)

Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2023 through summer 2024. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

Language Competency
German Examination
Total Hours0
Foundational Research Courses
RTCH 900Research Methods3
RTCH 901Teaching in Higher Education3
Total Hours6
Biblical Studies Core Courses
BIBL 900Hermeneutics and History of Interpretation3
NBST 900Reading Seminar in Early Judaism and the Greco-Roman World3
NBST 910Uses of the Old Testament in the New Testament 13
OBST 900Reading Seminar in Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture3
Total Hours12
1

NBST 910 is Cross-listed with OBST 910 and OBST 910 may also fulfill this requirement

Major Area of Focus Courses 1
Biblical Theology
Bible Elective 23
Bible Elective 23
Bible Elective 23
Choose six hours from the following:6
Old Testament Theology
New Testament Theology
Theology of the Gospel
Current Biblical and Theological Issues
Special Topics in Biblical Theology
Seminar in Biblical Theology
New Testament
NGRK 997Reading Seminar in New Testament Greek Literature3
NGRK 997Reading Seminar in New Testament Greek Literature3
NGRK 997Reading Seminar in New Testament Greek Literature3
Choose six hours from the following:6
Theology of Paul
Special Topics in the New Testament
Current Biblical and Theological Issues
Seminar in New Testament
Reading Seminar in New Testament Greek Literature
Old Testament
OTCL 997Seminar in Old Testament Language3
OTCL 997Seminar in Old Testament Language3
OTCL 997Seminar in Old Testament Language3
Choose six hours from the following:6
The Theology of the Torah
Special Topics in the Old Testament
Current Biblical and Theological Issues
Seminar in Old Testament
Seminar in Old Testament Language
1

Choose one Major Area of Focus from the following: Biblical Theology, New Testament, or Old Testament. 

2

Must be a 900 level course.

Minor Area of Focus Courses
Choose nine hours from one of the Areas of Focus listed in the Major Area of Focus section 19
Elective
Elective
Elective
Total Hours9
1

Choose one Minor Area of Focus from the following: Biblical Studies, New Testament, or Old Testament. Minor Area of Focus must be different from the Major Area of Focus.

Comprehensive Examinations
Biblical Studies Core
Major Area of Focus
Minor Area of Focus
Dissertation Courses 1
DISS 987Dissertation Proposal and Research I5
DISS 988Dissertation Proposal and Research II5
DISS 989Dissertation Proposal and Research III5
DISS 990Dissertation Defense0
Total Hours15
1

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

All applicable prerequisites must be met

Graduation Requirements

  • 57 total hours
  • A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
  • 3.0 GPA
  • No grades lower than B- may be applied to the degree
  • Successful completion of the Research Language Competencies
  • Successful completion of Comprehensive Exams
  • Degree must be completed within 7 years
  • Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student's anticipated graduation date

Program Offered in Resident Format

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterHours
RTCH 900 Research Methods 3
BIBL 900 Hermeneutics and History of Interpretation 3
 Hours6
Second Semester
NBST 910 Uses of the Old Testament in the New Testament 1 3
OBST 900 Reading Seminar in Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture 3
 Hours6
Third Semester
NBST 900 Reading Seminar in Early Judaism and the Greco-Roman World 3
Major Area of Focus Elective 2 3
 Hours6
Fourth Semester
Major Area of Focus Elective 2 3
Major Area of Focus Elective 2 3
 Hours6
Fifth Semester
Major Area of Focus Elective 2 3
Minor Area of Focus Elective 3 3
 Hours6
Sixth Semester
Minor Area of Focus Elective 3 3
RTCH 901 Teaching in Higher Education 3
 Hours6
Seventh Semester
Major Area of Focus Elective 2 3
Minor Area of Focus Elective 3 3
 Hours6
Eighth Semester
DISS 987 Dissertation Proposal and Research I 5
 Hours5
Ninth Semester
DISS 988 Dissertation Proposal and Research II 5
 Hours5
Tenth Semester
DISS 989 Dissertation Proposal and Research III 5
 Hours5
Eleventh Semester
DISS 990 Dissertation Defense 0
 Hours0
 Total Hours57
1

NBST 910 is cross-listed with OBST 910, and OBST 910 may also fulfill this requirement.

2

Refer to Degree Completion Plan for Major Area of Focus requirements.

3

Refer to Degree Completion Plan for Minor Area of Focus requirements.

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