Biblical Studies (Ph.D.)
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2026 through summer 2027. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| Foundational Courses | ||
| RTCH 900 | Research Methods 1 | 3 |
| RTCH 901 | Pedagogical Foundations for Teaching | 3 |
| Core Courses | ||
| BIBL 905 | Uses of Scripture within Scripture | 3 |
| BIBL 920 | Readings in Old Testament and New Testament Texts | 3 |
| BLTH 904 | Scripture, Revelation, and Interpretation | 3 |
| BLTH 922 | The Theology of the Torah | 3 |
| or BLTH 925 | Theology of the Gospel | |
| Biblical Studies Elective Courses | ||
| Biblical Studies Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Biblical Studies Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Biblical Studies Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Biblical Studies Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Biblical Studies Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Comprehensive Exam | ||
| NBST 993 | Readings in New Testament and Comprehensive Examination | 3 |
| OBST 993 | Readings in Old Testament and Comprehensive Examination | 3 |
| Dissertation Courses | ||
| DISS 986 | Mentor Directed Research, Proposal, and Literature Review | 3 |
| DISS 987 | Dissertation Research and Writing I | 5 |
| DISS 988 | Dissertation Research and Writing II | 5 |
| DISS 989 | Dissertation Research and Writing III | 5 |
| DISS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
- 1
Students should take RTCH 900 within the first year of their program of study.
- 2
Students may choose from any 900 level BIBL, BLTH, NGRK, NBST, OBST, or OTCL course.
Additional Major Requirements
- Successful completion of the Research Language Competency: German Examination1
- Successful completion of Comprehensive Exams
- 1
Students may petition and gain approval from the PhD director to use a different research language (e.g., Latin, French, Spanish) if it can be shown the relevancy of that language toward the student's dissertation project. The student must demonstrate proficiency in the requested research language.
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
- 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
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| RTCH 900 | Research Methods | 3 |
| BIBL 905 | Uses of Scripture within Scripture | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIBL 920 | Readings in Old Testament and New Testament Texts | 3 |
| Biblical Studies Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| BLTH 904 | Scripture, Revelation, and Interpretation | 3 |
| Biblical Studies Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BLTH 922 or BLTH 925 | The Theology of the Torah or Theology of the Gospel | 3 |
| Biblical Studies Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fifth Semester | ||
| Biblical Studies Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Biblical Studies Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| NBST 993 | Readings in New Testament and Comprehensive Examination | 3 |
| OBST 993 | Readings in Old Testament and Comprehensive Examination | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Seventh Semester | ||
| DISS 986 | Mentor Directed Research, Proposal, and Literature Review | 3 |
| RTCH 901 | Pedagogical Foundations for Teaching | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Eighth Semester | ||
| DISS 987 | Dissertation Research and Writing I | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Ninth Semester | ||
| DISS 988 | Dissertation Research and Writing II | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Tenth Semester | ||
| DISS 989 | Dissertation Research and Writing III | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Eleventh Semester | ||
| DISS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
- 1
Students may choose from any 900 level BIBL, BLTH, NGRK, NBST, OBST, or OTCL course.
All applicable prerequisites must be met