TWU Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies

Trinity Western University is pleased to offer a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies. This is a 15-semester hour program designed so students with a Bachelor's degree and a desire to study Biblical languages or specific areas of Biblical interpretation, can become part of one of the most dynamic Biblical Studies departments in North America without needing to commit to a full degree program. These are fully accredited courses that can latter be applied toward the Biblical Studies degree program if so desired.

Profiles of Prospective Students

The Certificate is well-suited for at least four types of graduate students:

  • Students who wish to ‘test the waters' before committing to further graduate work in Biblical Studies
  • Pastors who desire to strengthen or refresh their ability in Hebrew or Greek, and update areas of biblical interpretation with emphasis on the original languages.
  • Christian high school teachers who require a specialization for teaching Bible.
  • Any individuals who while continuing in their current roles or professions, wish to undertake formal study of the Bible and its languages for personal interest or as training for informal teaching opportunities.

Program Content

The Graduate Certificate is comprised of 15 semester hours including:

  • 6 semester hours of either Greek Readings or Hebrew Readings
  • 6 semester hours of 500 level Biblical Studies
  • 3 semester hours of 600 level Biblical Studies

In consultation with their advisor, students will create a suitable course of study. Possible concentrations include but are not limited to:

1. Concentration in the New Testament

  • In the Greek New Testament (RELS 531, 532)
  • Two 500 level courses selected from Life and Teachings of Jesus (RELS 551), Life and Letters of Paul (552), Apocalyptic Literature (523), Pauline Theology (RELS 525), The Synoptic Gospels and Acts (RELS 553), Johannine Writings (RELS 554) and New Testament Seminar (RELS 556)
  • One 600 level course selected from Advanced New Testament Exegesis (RELS 621), Advanced New Testament Seminar (RELS 622), or a New Testament elective.

2. Concentration in the Old Testament

  • Readings in the Hebrew Bible (RELS 537, 538)
  • Two 500 level courses selected from: Pentateuch (RELS 541), Psalms and Wisdom Literature (RELS 542), Hebrew Prophets (RELS 546), Old Testament Seminar (RELS 549).
  • One 600 level course selected from Advanced Old Testament Exegesis (RELS 611), Advanced Old Testament Seminar (RELS 612), or an Old Testament elective.

3. Concentration in Biblical and Related Languages

  • Readings in the Greek New Testament (RELS 531, 532)
  • Readings in the Hebrew Bible (RELS 537, 538)
  • One 600 level course selected from Introduction to Aramaic (RELS 655), Syriac (RELS 652), Advanced Greek Studies (RELS 648), Mishnaic and Qumranic Hebrew (RELS 658)

Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • RELS 101 and RELS 102 or challenge exam.
  • 6 semester hours of Elementary Greek or Elementary Hebrew are prerequisites for Readings in Greek and Hebrew, respectively. Students who need to fulfill the language requirement may obtain conditional acceptance into the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies and complete these qualifying courses at TWU as a graduate student.

Starting Dates and Deadlines

The Readings courses in Greek and Hebrew begin in September and continue throughout the school year. Therefore, although the primary entry point for the program is September, students studying part time may begin in January or in the summer with non-language requirements. Study may be undertaken part time but must be completed within three years of acceptance into the program.

The deadline for applications for the Fall semester is May 15. Applications received after this date will be considered as space is available.

Program Cost

Tuition rate for the 2009/2010 academic years is $600 (CDN) per semester hour.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Applications for scholarship may be made online beginning November 1 prior to the year of entry at www.twu.ca/awards. The application deadline for graduate scholarships is May 1. Teaching assistantship positions are also available. Scholarships and assistantships are available to students taking at least 9 credit hours per semester.

Further Information

General inquires regarding the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies may be directed to Graduate Admissions Office - School of Graduate Studies.

For further assistance with questions relating to course or thesis content, please contact acting director of the MABIB program Dr. Martin Abegg, Professor of Religious Studies; Co-Director, Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at abegg@twu.ca.