The Department of Bible Studies
Master's Degree
Programs & Tracks
The department has two programs of study:
- Standard program
- International program
Each program has two tracks:
Track A – includes research and thesis submission.
Track B – not research-based (Standard Program and Teachers’ Track).
Master’s degree courses take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Standard program
Admission requirements
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A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 76.
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Students with a minor in Bible studies may also be admitted. Applicants who did not major in Bible studies at the undergraduate level may be admitted but must make up courses per their background.
Track A – research-based track
Credit and seminar requirements
12 AC (annual-based credits) (24 SC – semester-based credits) as specified below:
Two graduate-level seminars, including seminar papers – 2-4 AC (4-8 SC)
Graduate-level courses, including an ancient language at the introductory level (Akkadian, Greek, Arabic or Latin), as determined by the advisor, in coordination with the departmental committee chair. In some cases, an exemption may be provided; instead, these credits must be achieved by taking an equal number of other courses from the Bible department.
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).
Thesis guidelines
See School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations in the introductory chapter.
Research proposals should be submitted by the end of the first year of study,
and no later than the end of the fall semester of the second year.
Final exam for the master’s degree
The exam is based on the thesis and its underlying bibliography.
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Track B – non-research track
Credit and seminar requirements
18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:
Three seminars, including seminar papers (at least two of the seminars at the graduate level) – 3-6 AC (6-12 SC)
Graduate-level courses; grades are based on a final paper or exam – 12-15 AC (24-30 SC)
Up to 6 AC (12 SC) may be from undergraduate courses or from other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies (via prior arrangement with the departmental committee chair).
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
In non-research tracks, the master’s degree may be completed in a single year including summer session – particularly suitable for teachers on sabbatical.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Teacher track: Track B – non-research track
Applications for this track may be submitted by active teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate.
Students who did not major in Bible studies at the undergraduate level must make up missing courses per their background.
Credit and seminar requirements
18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:
Two graduate-level seminars, including seminar papers – 2-4 AC (4-8 SC)
Graduate-level courses; grades are based on a final paper or exam – 14-16 AC (28-32 SC).
Up to 6 AC (12 SC) may be from undergraduate courses or from other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies (via prior arrangement with the departmental committee chair).
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
In the non-research teacher track, the master’s degree may be completed in a single year including summer session – particularly suitable for teachers on sabbatical.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Innovative Pedagogy Program
Take part in a fascinating study program. The innovative pedagogy program is geared toward teachers who believe in their students, are willing to assimilate change and integrate such change into the school system in Israel. Senior academic faculty; a high standard of Bible studies incorporating innovative pedagogical methods; field trips to innovative pedagogy centers throughout the country. Only qualified applicants will be admitted.
Full tuition scholarship plus a 4000 NIS grant from the Ministry of Education, for those eligible.
Either a research-based or a non-research-based track may be selected.
A track which is not research-based may be completed in a single year, including summer session.
Track A – research-based track
Credit and seminar requirements
18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:
Courses specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 8 AC (16 SC).
Two graduate-level seminars in Bible studies, including seminar papers – 4 AC (8 SC).
Graduate-level courses in Bible studies – 4 AC (8 SC).
Jewish studies course specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 2 AC (4 SC)
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).
Thesis guidelines
See School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations in the introductory chapter.
Research proposals should be submitted by the end of the first year of study,
and no later than the end of the fall semester of the second year.
Final exam for the master’s degree
The exam is based on the thesis and its underlying bibliography.
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Jewish studies course specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 2 AC (4 SC), credited as partial fulfillment of Jewish studies requirements.
Track B – non-research track
Credit and seminar requirements
24 AC (48 SC) as specified below:
Courses specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 8 AC (16 SC).
Two graduate-level seminars, including seminar papers – 4 AC (8 SC).
Graduate-level courses in Bible studies. Grades are based on a final paper or exam – 10 AC (20 SC).
Up to 6 AC (12 SC) may be from undergraduate courses or from other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies (via prior arrangement with the departmental committee chair).
Jewish studies course specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 2 AC (4 SC)
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
In non-research tracks, the master’s degree may be completed in a single year including summer session – particularly suitable for teachers on sabbatical.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter).
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Jewish studies course specific to the innovative pedagogy program – 2 AC (4 SC), credited as partial fulfillment of Jewish studies requirements.
Courses specific to the innovative pedagogy program take place on Wednesdays.
Graduate-level courses in Bible studies take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Dr. Nava Cohen, coordinator of the innovative pedagogy program, may be contacted via email.
2. International program
The international program is equivalent to the regular Hebrew program, yet is taught entirely in English. The program includes a variety of courses in the main research areas of the department’s researchers: the study of the Biblical story, Biblical prophecy and poetry, the juncture between the Bible and the Ancient East, the study of Jewish Biblical commentary throughout the ages.
Admission requirements
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A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 76 (or an equivalent international grade).
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Students from other institutions or without an undergraduate Bible studies major may need to make up courses per their background.
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Proof of English proficiency.
Track A – research-based track
Credit and seminar requirements
12 AC (annual-based credits) (24 SC – semester-based credits) as specified below:
Two graduate-level seminars, including seminar papers – 2-4 AC (4-8 SC)Graduate-level courses, including an ancient language at the introductory level (Akkadian, Greek, Arabic or Latin), as determined by the advisor in coordination with the departmental committee chair. In some cases, an exemption may be provided; instead, these credits must be achieved by taking an equal number of other courses from the Bible department. – 4-6 AC (8-12 SC).
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter)
Thesis guidelines
See School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations in the introductory chapter.
Research proposals should be submitted by the end of the first year of study,
and no later than the end of the fall semester of the second year.
Final exam for the master’s degree
The exam is based on the thesis and its underlying bibliography.
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
Track B – non-research track
Credit and seminar requirements
18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:
Three seminars, including seminar papers (at least two of the seminars at the graduate level) 3– 6 AC (12-15 SC)
Graduate-level courses; grades are based on a final paper or exam – 12 AC (24 SC)
Up to 6 AC (12 SC) may be from undergraduate courses or from other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies (via prior arrangement with the departmental committee chair).
Participation in departmental meetings throughout the two years of study.
Language proficiency
English at the master’s degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter)
Jewish studies
As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).
PhD
Areas of specialization
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study of the Biblical Story.
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Prophetic literature
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Wisdom Literature and Prophetic Literature
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Second Temple Apocryphya.
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The Bible on the backdrop of the ancient Near East.
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Biblical exegesis and commentary.
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Biblical Law and Ancient Worship
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Linguistics, translations and study of the Masoretic text.
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Biblical theology.
Collaboration with other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies is possible, with an additional advisor from another department, contingent on approval from the School of Graduate Studies.
For admission criteria, study tracks and course requirements – see the introductory chapter.
Those interested in applying to PhD studies, are asked to contact the department’s office.
Language proficiency
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English – see introductory chapter.
For further details
visit the Department of Bible Studies website
or contact the department by phone at 03-5318258 or via email.
Last Updated Date : 03/04/2024
