Jewish Theological Seminary, The

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.-Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, D.H.L.; PhD

Program Description:

The Department of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages trains students in the disciplines that are required to interpret the Bible. It offers courses leading to the MA, DHL, and PhD degrees. The history, languages, and cultures of ancient Israel and the ancient Near East are studied through a wide range of courses centered on the Biblical Period (second and first millennium BCE). Fluency in Biblical, Postbiblical, and Modern Hebrew is acquired for the study of classic and contemporary Bible studies. Students are also schooled in comparative Semitics.

Students are encouraged to write for and assist in the editing of the prestigious Journal of the Ancient Near Eastern Society, which is housed at JTS within the Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages Department. An active student Bible society and weekly department meetings with faculty encourage ongoing dialogue.

Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

Prior to taking the Comprehensive Examination, doctoral students are required to pass a proficiency exam in reading Hebrew academic texts, for which HEB 5999: Reading Academic Texts provides the requisite skills.

International Student Requirements:

Applicants whose native language is other than English and who have not been educated at a college where English is the language of instruction must submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based) is required. The Graduate School also may require that nonnative English speakers prove satisfactory proficiency by scoring at level 10 on the placement test administered by Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Theological Seminaries

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: Under 1,000