Program Overview
Gain professional experience and develop core archaeological skills all while connecting your work to a spiritual foundation with Lipscomb’s Masters in Archaeology and Biblical Studies program. Prepare for a terminal degree that leads to a career as a biblical archaeologist, and acquire the necessary knowledge to practice Bible archaeology in the field or to teach in a humanities-based discipline.
Complete more than 200 hours of internship work in field schools, museum studies or lab work along and participate in at least one excavation season. Guided by leaders in the field, you will develop your ability to design and independently pursue a viable research project through your thesis work. With hands-on experience in and research capabilities, you will graduate as an active member of the scholarly archaeological guild.
What is Biblical Archaeology?
The Lipscomb University Master's of Archaeology program is based on the truth and research of the bible. Students will work in conjunction with the Hazelip School of Theology to merge the ideals and intersections of archaeology and theology.
Archaeology and Biblical Studies Program Foundations
- Core Knowledge: Develop understanding of concepts, terms and theories, and explore the disciplines of archaeology and biblical archaeology, specifically how these disciplines interface.
- Skill Acquisition: Learn in a real-world setting by participating in a field school overseas in the Middle East. Process and handle material culture in at least two lab courses.
- Career Orientation: Become a competitive and attractive candidate for a Ph.D. program through primary research, membership in professional organizations and presentations at national and regional meetings of the profession.
- Lifelong Learning: Cultivate a plan and ethos for learning for life with an emphasis on adapting to the changing modern world.
Archaeology and Biblical Studies Program Outcomes
Lipscomb’s Master’s in Archaeology and Biblical Studies prepares students to be contributing members to academic conversations in archaeology, history, theology and more. As a graduate, you will have had the opportunity to conduct primary research and present your work at scholarly conferences, such as American Schools of Oriental Research, Society of Biblical Literature, and Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion among others.
Upon completion of this Bible archaeology program, students will have acquired these academic skills and experiences:
- Archaeological material studies
- Museum studies and lab work
- Development and presentation of primary research
- Integration of social science and biblical studies
- Knowledge of methods and theories in archaeology
- Spiritual development in a Christian community
Why Earn Your Degree at Lipscomb?
As a student in the archaeology program, you will have access to substantial resources, formative professional experiences and leaders in biblical archaeology. With excavation sites in Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan, you will be able to travel globally and learn in the field. You will study from six museum collections and two archives available through the Lanier Center. Supported by our esteemed faculty, you will also have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research and publish your work in established academic journals.
Admissions Requirements
Ready to apply? Let’s get started. We’re here to help at every step. Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit the following for admission review and enrollment:
- Completed and submitted online application
- CV detailing applicant's academic work, experience and scholarly achievement (publications, professional presentations, etc.) that has prepared the applicant to benefit from the program.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official college transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities (including graduate, if applicable)
- Two recommendations: at least one from a university professor and one from either a supervisor/employer or character reference (pastor, priest, mentor).
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- A research paper providing evidence of your academic work OR 750-1000 word essay about your career, your interest in archaeology, and how you would use the skills and learnings from our program professionally or personally.
- Interview with faculty (on campus, virtually or by phone)
For transcripts, electronic copies can be emailed directly from your undergraduate institution to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu.
If you are having a hard copy mailed, have it sent to:
Lipscomb University
Graduate Admissions
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
Courses
Archaeology & Archaeological Method (18 hours)
Archaeology
ARCH 5103 Archaeology of Ancient Israel
ARCH 5203 Archaeology of the New Testament World
Archaeological Method/Theory
ARCH 5303 Archaeological Field Excavation Methods
ARCH 5403 Archaeological Practicum-Material Studies
ARCH 5503 Archaeological Method and Theory
ARCH 5603 Ceramic Analysis – Syro-Palestine
Biblical Backgrounds and History (6 hours)
GB 5183 History of Ancient Israel
or
GB 5193 History of the Second Temple Period
GB 5273 Social and Cultural Settings of Ancient Palestine
or
GB 5283 Social and Cultural Settings of Palestine during the Roman Period
Biblical and Cognate Languages (6 hours)
Either one year of introductory Hebrew or Greek or advanced Hebrew or Greek exegesis (depends on prerequisite Biblical language).
GB 5033/GB 5073 Biblical Greek I, II
or
GB 5043/GB 5063 Biblical Hebrew I, II
or
GB 5703/GB 5713 NT Greek Readings I, II
or
GB 5763/GB 5773 OT Hebrew Readings I, II
Thesis or Electives (6 hours)
Thesis and Research
ARCH 5902 Graduate Research Seminar
ARCH 599V Thesis
ARCH 6000 Thesis Continuation
Electives
Graduate courses in complementary areas approved by program director.
Prerequisites
Bible Backgrounds (Historical Geography)
Old Testament Interpretation (BI 4503 or equivalent)
New Testament Interpretation (BI 4513 or equivalent)
Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) (HB 1515/HB 1525 or GR 1515/GR 1525 or equivalent)
Tuition & Aid
Program tuition is $950* per credit hour.
You will have access to many scholarship opportunities offered to Lipscomb University students as well as internal departmental resources, on-campus employment and traditional sources of financial aid loans.
*Note: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.
