The Certificate in Biblical Archaeology program deals with the study of the archaeology of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The design of this certificate program is to help students gain a fuller perception of the events and the lifeways of the peoples described in the Bible, to reconstruct the lifeways of biblical peoples, and to learn of the cultural change in their civilizations. This certificate normally requires one academic year (two semesters) to complete on a part-time basis. Those who plan to complete the certificate over two or more years can take one or two courses a semester. These courses are not available in the summer session. Admission to this program requires upper division standing.

On successful completion of this program of study, students should be able to:

• Define basic terminology in biblical archaeology;

• Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics of archaeological fieldwork as performed in a stratigraphic excavation (tells and other kinds of settlements) in the Levant by describing the steps and methodologies involved in field excavation;

• Describe the geographical setting of the Levant;

• Cite and explain the highlights of the major archaeological periods in the Levant;

• Explain in general terms the field of biblical archaeology, its major means and ends, and the leading issues in biblical archaeological research;

• Cite and describe the significance of the major Levantine archeological sites with emphasis upon those located in Israel;

• Explain how archaeological research of biblical lands can illuminate parts of the biblical text in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament; and

• Explain the concept of culture, the nature of archaeological data, and archaeological context through definition and examples from the material cultures that provide the setting for the biblical narrative.

A Certificate in Biblical Archeology requires successful completion of a minimum of 18 semester hours as follows:

Upon entering the Certificate in Biblical Archaeology program a student is assigned an adviser who will be available for program advisement. An adviser helps a student create a workable plan to meet his or her educational objectives within a reasonable time period.

For the conferring of the certificate students should apply for graduation in the semester they plan to graduate. For graduation, a student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the 18 semester hours applicable to the certificate. Students may obtain an Application for Graduation from the Registrar. This application must be filed with the Registrar by midterm for graduation that semester.