Cook School of Intercultural Studies
Objectives The purpose of the M.A. in Linguistics and Biblical Languages (MA LBL) is to provide advanced training in biblical languages and exegetical knowledge to Christians desiring to meet the needs of agencies involved in Bible translation, such as SIL International. While the M.A. in Applied Linguistics provides broad perspectives on issues such as translation, literacy, orthography, and language planning, the M.A. in Linguistics and Biblical Languages has a more specific focus on linguistics, exegesis and biblical languages. Students who complete the M.A. in Linguistics and Biblical Languages program will be able to accurately analyze either Hebrew or Greek, understand the relevant historical and cultural background, exegete the Scriptures, and apply sound linguistic and biblical principles in the translation of the Scriptures. Admission Requirements Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average. Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree will relate to those objectives; a one-page typed letter should be appended to the application. Three letters of reference on forms supplied by Biola are required, as are official transcripts of previous schools attended. Applicants who are non-native English speakers must demonstrate both spoken and written proficiency in English through an oral interview with an admissions counselor or faculty member and through submission of an internationally recognized standardized test of English (taken within the last two years). A TOEFL score of 100 iBT is normally required. The essay score should be at least 5.5. Alternatively, an IELTS score of 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) is required. Foundational Requirements Students are required to have 15 foundational credits as noted below. Students entering the program without the stated foundational credits may take them concurrently with regular program courses, normally completing them by the end of the first year. Because teachers and applied linguists are expected to have a high degree of competence in written English, all new graduate students, both native and non-native English speakers, are required to take the department’s Writing Proficiency Exam. If the results indicate that the student needs additional work in grammar and composition to perform at the level expected for these fields, he or she will be directed to take a writing course in the English Language Studies Program or do independent supplementary work on writing. Program Requirements The Master of Arts in Linguistics and Biblical Languages requires 15 credits of foundational courses (Old Testament survey, New Testament survey, hermeneutics, introduction to linguistics, and phonetics) and 41 additional credits for the Hebrew concentration or 40 additional credits for the Greek concentration. The culmination of the Master of Arts in Linguistics and Biblical Languages consist of a comprehensive exam or, with permission of the department, a thesis. The Master of Arts program requirements may be reduced for students with appropriate background course work, but the minimum number of graduate credits required is at least 32, 24 of which must Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to qualify for graduation. No ALT course with a grade less than a “B” (3.0) will be counted for the Certificate or M.A. The M.A. degree in Linguistics and Biblical Languages is usually completed within two years by full-time students; but may require an additional semester or two for students without the foundational credits. Part-time students may have up to seven years for the M.A. degree. be taken through Biola University. Graduation Requirements All students must meet with their department advisor and Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation
Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Curriculum Foundational Credits (15 Credits) (May be taken concurrently with program courses.) Bible (Survey of O.T., Survey of N.T., Hermeneutics): 9 credits ISAL 520 Introduction to Language and Linguistics Credit(s): 3. ISAL 521 General Articulatory Phonetics Credit(s): 3. Program Credits (24 Credits) Theology: 3 credits ISAL 523 Introduction to Phonology Credit(s): 3. ISAL 525 Introduction to Syntax Credit(s): 3. ISAL 529 Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics Credit(s): 3. ISAL 535 Introduction to Bible Translation Credit(s): 3. ISAL 648 Discourse and Text Analysis Credit(s): 3. ISAL 650 Seminar in Linguistics and Biblical Exegesis Credit(s): 3. ISAL 654 Field Methods in Linguistics Credit(s): 3. ISAL 697 Comprehensive Examination Credit(s): 0. Program Electives Students will choose a 17-credit concentration in Hebrew or a
16-credit concentration in Greek. Hebrew Concentration (17 Credits) Electives in Hebrew exegesis or linguistics: 3 credits TTNT 501 Beginning Greek I
Credit(s): 2. Credit(s): 3. Credit(s): 3.
Elements of Hebrew I Elements of Hebrew II
TTOT 603 TTOT 604 TTOT 705
Exegesis in Genesis and Selected Passages World of the Old Testament
Credit(s): 3.
TTOT 745
Credit(s): 2–3.
TTOT 745 must be taken for 3 credits.
Greek Concentration (16 Credits) Electives in Greek exegesis or linguistics: 3 credits TTNT 501 Beginning Greek I
Credit(s): 2. Credit(s): 2. Credit(s): 3.
Beginning Greek II
TTNT 502 TTNT 503 TTNT 701
Introduction to Exegesis
The World of the New Testament
Credit(s): 2–3.
TTNT 701 must be taken for 3 credits. TTOT 603 Elements of Hebrew I
Credit(s): 3.
Missions, M.A. Program Description
The Master of Arts in Missions is designed for individuals who have been in Christian missions ministry for at least three years and have not had the opportunity to earn an accredited baccalaureate degree, but who now wish advanced training related to their ministries.. The program provides graduate level training in three areas: Core Curriculum of Missiology and Intercultural Studies; Bible/Theology; and Electives. Students admitted without the B.A. or its equivalent must have at least 3 years of Bible School training, or 2 years of college equivalency courses. This degree is not a stepping-stone to a Ph.D. program and in most cases it is a terminal degree. However, exceptional students may petition for probationary entrance into the Doctor of Missiology program. Please see the admission requirements for the Doctor of Missiology program.
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