Investigate the world of the Bible through the rigorous study of ancient artifacts and texts. The M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology from the Wheaton College Graduate School combines coursework with fieldwork, as students have the opportunity to participate in excavations at Tel Shimron, the largest site in Israel’s Jezreel Valley.
Participate in archaeological research as part of the excavations at Tel Shimron.
The Joseph P. Free Collection at Wheaton’s Archaeology Lab contains thousands of ancient artifacts.
Choose to focus on either Old Testament or Near Eastern Studies.
Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.
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Old Testament Archaeology seeks to understand the world of the Bible through rigorous study of ancient sources. Students will excavate and work with ancient artifacts, learn Biblical Hebrew, take courses in ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Studies, and traverse the geography of the Old Testament world.
Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.
Your specific requirements will vary based on your chosen concentration; however, common core and elective options include:
The program also includes an archaeological field fieldwork course which takes place in Israel over the summer.
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Learn alongside professors and other archaeologists as they join the Tel Shimron Excavations, an international, interdisciplinary project dedicated to uncovering remains from the Middle Bronze Age. Located in northern Israel, Tel Shimron is an ancient city is full of biblical and historical signficance.
Open to students of any major, this six-week program is offered in select summers; scholarships and financial aid may be available.
Learn from faculty members with expertise in areas such as ancient Israel, prophetic literature, biblical interpretation, petrography, and historical geography. Students get to work with field archaeologists, and a team of world-class scientists who bring expertise in all aspects of modern, interdisciplinary archaeological research.
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The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.
An M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology prepares for careers in academia, research, archaeology, and other fields, as well as for doctoral and seminary programs.
Those who consider this program as a terminal degree will be well-trained for teaching courses in Old and New Testament, Bible backgrounds, ancient history, and archaeology in church and school settings.
With opportunities available both domestically and around the world, a master's degree in Old Testament Archaeology allows you to not only conduct fieldwork, but also become a strong candidate to lead a team.
This program provides you with a solid basis for doctoral studies in archaeology, ancient history, Biblical studies, and church history. While you are not required to write a thesis for the M.A. program, you may do so if granted permission by an advisor and the department.
We've put together a few common questions (and their answers) about this graduate program.
Admission to the program does not require a specific undergraduate major. Students must, however, demonstrate a basic knowledge of Bible content and historical periods of the Old or New Testament and prerequisite competency in Hebrew.
The M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology is a residential program. It also includes a summer excavation in Israel.
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The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what scholarships, loans, and aid may be available to you.
As a part of our mission to commit to the development of missional organizations, we have developed partnerships with various ministries and organizations to make graduate education more affordable.
Students currently involved with any of these ministries may qualify for up to 25% off tuition for all courses.
Learn About Graduate Financial AidInterested in ancient archaeological research? Consider pursuing a master's degree in Old Testament Archaeology at Wheaton College. Request more information or start your application today.