2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
    Nov 12, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVE]

Biblical Studies, PhD


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The Biblical Studies concentration encompasses the broad areas of Old Testament and New Testament. Students who pursue this concentration may choose to focus their research in any of the areas of biblical studies, including biblical backgrounds, exegesis, interpretation, and biblical theology. Their objective is to make an original and significant contribution to their area of study and, as a result, contribute to a more accurate understanding of the message of Christ as found in Scripture. Applicants complete qualifying exams in either Biblical Hebrew or Biblical Greek, and either Old Testament or New Testament critical areas. 

Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard
  • Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned
    • A minimum 3.5 GPA for the most recent degree obtained.
    • Proficiency in graduate-level theological studies, demonstrated by completion of an accredited Master of Arts (MA), Master of Divinity (MDiv), or Master of Theology (ThM) degree
  • Biblical languages:
    • Biblical Studies: New Testament (4 semesters of Greek; 2 semesters of Hebrew)
    • Biblical Studies: Old Testament (4 semesters of Hebrew; 2 semesters of Greek)
  • Research Language I and II Prerequisites: 
    • Students must demonstrate competency in an approved research language (usually either German, French, or Latin). This can be accomplished by taking an approved course at another institution and passing that course or by taking a proficiency exam administered by CIU. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete these courses as soon as possible, as they will not be allowed to take the Dissertation Research I course (BIB 9901) until the prerequisite Research Language I has been met and Dissertation Writing I course (BIB 9904) until the prerequisite Research Language II has been met. 
  • Submit research proposal (approximately 500 words)
  • Submit Master’s thesis or major research paper, approximately 5,000-6,000 words (20-24 pages)
  • Two Academic References
  • Interview

Doctor of Philosophy (CBS)


Purpose and Objectives:

The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares students to teach in post-secondary theological higher education both nationally and internationally. It provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to research, write, and make a scholarly contribution to the fields of Biblical Studies and Theological Studies.

The objectives of the Ph.D. degree will enable students to:

  • Research and write at an advanced level of scholarship under the functional authority of Scripture.
  • Make a scholarly contribution to the field of Biblical Studies or Theological Studies.
  • Present research results in a professional, organized, coherent, and structured manner in both written and oral form.
  • Function responsibly in the context of a supervisory relationship while exhibiting CIU’s core value of victorious Christian living.

Achievement of these objectives will be evaluated through the production and defense of the student’s original work of academic research (90,000-110,000 words), which will be directed by a faculty specialist in the student’s chosen field of study. Students may focus their research in any of the areas of biblical or theological studies. 

Residency and Transfer Policies:

The program is non-residential, and students are not required to study in residence. The initial three seminars are delivered online, and the dissertation process is an independent research and writing experience with a specialist in the student’s field of study.

A student may transfer in up to 6 hours, if he/she can demonstrate completion of the equivalent of BIB/THE/PTH 9200 Issues and Methods and BIB/THE/PTH 9400 Principles of Teaching, Learning, and Course Design.

Time Limitation:

The time limit for completing the program is ten years, dating from the student’s first seminar and concluding with dissertation defense and graduation.

The program is designed so that students who study on a full-time basis should be able to complete their degree in three years. If a full-time student does not defend the dissertation by the end of the third year, the student will pay a continuation fee for each semester he/she remains in the program.

Students who study on a part-time basis should be able to complete their degree in five years. If a part-time student does not defend the dissertation by the end of the fifth year, the student will pay a continuation fee for each semester he/she remains in the program.

Completion Requirements:

  • Successful completion of all required hours of specified coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and with a grade of B or higher for all seminars.
  • Successful completion of proficiency examinations in concentration-specific modern research languages as noted below.
  • Successful completion of a dissertation proposal prepared under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  • Successful oral defense of a dissertation that is an original work of academic research (90,000-110,000 words) before a committee of at least three internal and/or external faculty readers.
  • Affirmation of the CIU doctrinal statement.

Course of Study (45)


Full-Time Suggested Program of Study (3 years)


Year 1 - Fall


  • BIB 9200 - Issues and Methods in Biblical Studies Credits: 3

Year 1 Spring


  • BIB 9400 - Principles of Teaching, Learning, and Course Design Credits: 3

Year 1 - Summer


  • BIB 9900 - Dissertation Proposal Credits: 3

Year 2 - Fall


  • BIB 9901 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research I Credits: 6

Year 2 - Spring


  • BIB 9902 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research II Credits: 6

Year 2 - Summer


  • BIB 9903 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research III Credits: 6

Year 3 - Fall


  • BIB 9904 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing I Credits: 6

Year 3 Spring


  • BIB 9905 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing II Credits: 6

Year 3 Summer


  • BIB 9906 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Review & Defense Credits: 6

Part-Time Suggested Program of Study (5 years)


Year 1 - Fall


  • BIB 9200 - Issues and Methods in Biblical Studies Credits: 3

Year 1 Spring


  • BIB 9400 - Principles of Teaching, Learning, and Course Design Credits: 3

Year 1 - Summer


  • BIB 9900 - Dissertation Proposal Credits: 3

Year 2 - Fall


  • BIB 9901 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research I Credits:3

Year 2 - Spring


  • BIB 9901 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research I Credits: 3

Year 2 - Summer


  • BIB 9902 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research II Credits: 3

Year 3 - Fall


  • BIB 9902 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research II Credits: 3

Year 3 - Spring


  • BIB 9903 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research III Credits: 3

Year 3 - Summer


  • BIB 9903 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research III Credits: 3

Year 4 - Fall


  • BIB 9904 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing I Credits: 3

Year 4 - Spring


  • BIB 9904 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing I Credits: 3

Year 4 - Summer


  • BIB 9905 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing II Credits: 3

Year 5 - Fall


  • BIB 9905 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing II Credits: 3

Year 5 - Spring


  • BIB 9906 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Review & Defense Credits: 3

Year 5 - Summer


  • BIB 9906 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Review & Defense Credits: 3

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