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MA in Biblical Studies

  • Areas of Opportunity:

Fall or Spring Semester

  • Application Period:
February - September
  • Length of Studies:
2 academic years (4 semesters)
  • Studies Begin:
Fall or Spring Semester
  • Language of Instruction
English
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  • Studies Begin:

Fall or Spring Semester

Program Overview
Admission Requirements
Courses & Requirements
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The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies at Bar-Ilan University is a two-year program taught entirely in English, as part of the largest academic department of Hebrew Bible studies in the world. Located in the land where these historic events occurred, the program welcomes students from all countries, backgrounds, and faiths.  

The excellent faculty will equip you with the essential tools for the scientific study of the Hebrew Bible. The international program is fully integrated with the broader department, allowing students to study alongside Israeli students and participate in a warm, inviting scholarly community. 

The Department of Bible is dedicated to the teaching and critical study of the Hebrew Bible according to its original meaning. The curriculum encompasses ancient translations, Second Temple literature, Talmudic writings, and medieval and early modern rabbinic commentators. You will conduct independent research utilizing linguistic, historical, archaeological, literary, and theological approaches to the text.  

To enrich the academic experience, students have the opportunity to participate in field trips organized in cooperation with the Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology department. These excursions fulfill academic requirements while offering a unique opportunity to learn by walking through the ancient landscapes of the biblical narrative.  

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for fieldwork and research in archaeology, or positions within museums, historical societies, and cultural institutions focused on biblical history and artifacts. The degree also provides a foundation for educators seeking to teach biblical studies in high schools, religious schools, and universities, as well as for those assuming religious leadership roles as rabbis, pastors, or spiritual educators within their respective communities. 

  • Requirements for acceptance and registration: 
    • BA with a grade average of 76 or above. 
    • Students whose BA is not in Biblical Studies are required to take some additional prerequisite courses in our department, according to their academic background. 

The MA in Biblical Studies offers two options, you may choose between a thesis track (Track 08-404) and a non-thesis track (Track 08-504). 

MA with Thesis (Track 08-404)  

  • The thesis track requires the completion of 40 credits, which includes elective graduate courses, two seminar courses with accompanying papers, and a 12-credit master’s thesis.  
  • Students must also complete one beginner-level ancient language course in Akkadian, Greek, or Arabic, though an exemption may be granted in coordination with the thesis supervisor and departmental committee.  
  • Students are required to participate in English-language departmental conferences over their two years of study. 
  • Students must complete 4 credits of supplementary Basic Jewish Studies or general courses according to the Bar-Ilan School for Advanced Studies requirements.  
  • Students without a background in the academic study of the Hebrew Bible must complete 16 credit points of prerequisite courses.  
  • Research proposals must be submitted by the end of the first academic year, or no later than the first semester of the second year. 

MA without Thesis (Track 08-504)  

  • The non-thesis track requires the completion of 40 credits, primarily composed of elective graduate courses (24-30 credits) and three seminar courses with papers (6-12 credits).  
  • With departmental permission, up to 12 elective credits may be taken as BA courses within the Bible Department or other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies.  
  • Students must participate in English-language departmental conferences during their two years of study and complete 4 credits of supplementary Basic Jewish Studies or general courses.  
  • Students without a background in Bible studies must complete 8 credit points of prerequisite courses.  
  • Students on this track have the option to begin their studies in the Spring semester.  

Thesis Completion Track  

  • Students who have already completed their master’s degree in Bible on the non-thesis track may apply to write a thesis over a two-year period, provided they achieved a graduate GPA of 80 or above and grades of 85 or above in two master’s seminars.  
  • Applicants must apply through the School of Graduate Studies website, interview with the department head, and register for thesis code 083000. 
  •  This program requires the completion of 8 additional course credits, as determined by the department head or adviser.  
  • Students must submit an approved research proposal by the end of the first semester of their second year, dedicate the second year to thesis preparation, and submit the final work according to university guidelines.  
  • Graduates of this track receive an official university document confirming thesis completion rather than a new degree certificate. 

Sample Course List 

  • Second Temple Literature – Prof. James Kugel 
  • Inscriptions from the Biblical Period – Prof. Esther Eshel 
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls – Prof. Eyal Regev 
  • The Biblical Story – Prof. Isaac Gottlieb 
  • The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East – Dr. Nili Samet 
  • Biblical Hebrew – Dr. Jeremy Bajema 
  • Computer Applications in Biblical Research – Dr. Leeor Gottlieb 
  • The Ark of the Covenant – Dr. Raanan Eichler 
  • Ethics in the Bible and the Ancient Near East – Dr. Jeremiah Unterman 
  • War and Peace in the Hebrew Bible – Dr. Shira Golani 
  • The Book of Genesis – Dr. Zvi Shimon 
  • The Book of Samuel – Dr. Shira Golani 
  • The Book of Kings – Dr. Raanan Eichler 
  • The Book of Jeremiah – Dr. Jeremiah Unterman 
  • Wisdom Literature – Dr. Nili Samet 
  • Ruth and Esther – Prof. Isaac Gottlieb 
  • Studies in the Septuagint – Dr. Leeor Gottlieb 
    • Jewish Biblical Commentaries – Prof. Eric Lawee 

Application for graduate degrees taught in English 2026-2027 

International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002 

Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
[email protected] 

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    • International School, (Bldg. 403/-1), Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
    • Phone: +972-3-738-4245
    • Mail: [email protected]
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