Amridge University Academic Catalog

Amridge University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404.679.4501) to award Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Amridge University is authorized by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the Alabama Private School License Law.

Amridge University is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University’s Turner School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada.

Amridge University is authorized by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the laws of the State of Arizona.

Amridge University is authorized by the Utah Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University is a 501(c) (3), non-profit corporation as determined by the United States Department of Treasury and incorporated in the State of Alabama.

Amridge University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Amridge University is a private Christian university open to any qualified student. In a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or other federal, state or local laws or executive orders, Amridge University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, religion, belief or veteran status. Amridge University does follow specific religious tenets and maintains its religious freedom and rights. Inquiries concerning application of these statements should be directed to: Dr. Michael C. Turner, President, Amridge University, 1200 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117-3520.

PAPER AND ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS CATALOG PUBLISHED BY:

Amridge University

1200 Taylor Road

Montgomery, AL 36117-3520

Telephone Number: 800.351.4040

http://www.AmridgeUniversity.edu

The programs, policies, regulations, curricula, fees, and other information as set forth in this catalog are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Amridge University. Because of the possibility of change or undetected error, important points of fact and interpretation should be confirmed by the appropriate University official.

Section 9: Turner School of Theology

This section includes important information on the programs, courses, and degrees offered through the Amridge University Turner School of Theology. Exceptions may be noted in the respective sections for specific programs and services specified elsewhere in this publication, noted in later editions of this publication, and/or published addenda (paper- and web-based). Also, as each degree may have its own unique admission, graduation, and related requirements, these requirements are listed with each degree. Even though the individual listing of these degree requirements may appear to be, and in some cases may be, repetitious of other degrees, the University has chosen to list all of the admissions, graduation, and other requirements under each degree for accuracy purposes [Version 6.2011-2012, Effective 4.14.2012].

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

The Turner School of Theology was established to provide a high degree of training in the fields of Biblical Studies, Theology, and Ministry. In this complex world in which we live, it is imperative to equip our students with the ability to exegete the Bible accurately. Our graduates must be able to teach those with whom they come into contact the importance and the value of the Holy Scriptures, and to impart to them how to apply the many truths found therein to their daily lives. Not only must those we train be prepared to expound the pages of the Bible clearly and carefully, they must be able to defend God’s Word in an age of widespread disbelief.

It is our goal at the Turner School of Theology, as it was the person’s in whose honor the school is named (Dr. Rex Turner, Sr.), that our graduates become the leaders of tomorrow in the communities which they serve. The immensely important task of our capable faculty is to provide our students with the knowledge and skills that will result in the attainment of such a lofty goal.

We invite you to analyze your own personal objectives and needs, then thoughtfully investigate our programs (Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Practical Ministry, Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies). We believe you will find what you need to fulfil your dreams, as well as be a credit to humanity and to your Creator.

Rodney Cloud, PhD

Dean, Turner School of Theology

PURPOSE OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

The Amridge University Board of Regents chartered the Turner School of Theology in 1999 in profound appreciation of Rex and Opal Turner, founders of the University. The board deemed it appropriate to establish a school of theology in their name to honor and recognize the personal labors and sacrifices made by Rex and Opal Turner for the cause of Christ. Dr. Rex Turner, Sr., was an avid student of Scripture who was well loved for his biblical scholarship. He was known for his insight and vision, his, administrative acumen, tireless efforts, and commitment to training church leaders, ministers, and Bible teachers for a world that needs Christ.

The purpose of the Turner School of Theology is to provide for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers, church leaders, teachers, and scholars who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. To accomplish this purpose, the School seeks to prepare students for the ministerial and teaching professions and for effective voluntary Christian service through both academic and practical studies on the graduate level. The programs of instruction are biblical in orientation, scholarly in intellectual preparation, and relevant to contemporary life in application. These programs include a strong emphasis in biblical studies, supported by studies in such fields as biblical languages, church history, systematic theology, homiletics and communication, religious education, professional ministerial studies, and missiology.

Degrees offered include the Master of Arts (MA.), Master of Divinity (MDiv.), Doctor of Divinity (DMin.), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). There are five different master’s programs and several degrees which allow concentration in the Old Testament or the New Testament. Additionally, the University provides a program of continuing education, through the Amridge University School of Continuing Education, for those who are not pursuing degrees.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

The Amridge University Turner School of Theology provides programs and services with the following six educational goals in view. Each student will:

1. Acquire a broad, if not comprehensive knowledge, of the Bible, related disciplines, and practical methods of ministry as a foundation for a life of Christian service;

2. Develop intellectual capacities for critical thinking and problem solving to enable one to analyze, evaluate, organize, and synthesize information and use it constructively and creatively;

3. Develop attitudes and values appropriate to a life of Christian faith and practice;

4. Develop skills for religious research, human relations, and oral and written communication appropriate for Christian ministry;

5. Gain essential knowledge, develop proper attitudes, and acquire important skills, be prepared for more advanced employment in the area of Christian ministries, and/or for life-long learning; and

6. Develop Christian attitudes and values through acquiring skills in communication and human relations, be prepared to function responsibly and effectively in the familial, social, and civic arenas of life.

ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (ATS)

The Turner School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The Amridge University Turner School of Theology offers seven programs of study at the master’s and doctoral levels. The specific programs of study include the following:

Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition

The Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Exposition is designed to provide a survey knowledge of the Bible for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. The degree is biblical in orientation and also relevant to contemporary life in application. The training received in this program will sharpen the student’s skills in biblical interpretation and exposition that will allow for a biblical orientation for use of the Bible as a Christian minister or church leader. This degree program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) offered by Amridge University. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program the graduates will:

1. Have attained a survey knowledge of the Bible necessary to be effective as a Christian minister and church leader;

2. Have skills in biblical interpretation and exposition that will allow for a biblical orientation for use of the Bible as a Christian minister or church leader;

3. Possess skills in Christian ministry for their application in a biblical manner in contemporary life in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

4. Have a scholarly, biblical and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies is a degree that offers a specialization in the Bible, its world, and its interpretation. Crucial to this program is the student's ability to become sufficiently acquainted with the Hebrew and Greek languages to use them as basic linguistic tools in this undertaking. The student my also choose Aramaic and Akkadian (for Old Testament concentration) to aid further investigation into the interpretation of Scripture. There is heavy emphasis on scholarly biblical research in this degree track to provide for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders, especially as teachers and scholars who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. One very important goal is for the student to develop a professional, scholarly approach to interpreting the Bible. If this goal is attained, this program provides a proper foundation for students to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University, as well as be equipped to teach on the college or university level. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

The one and only major for this program is Biblical Studies. A student may specify an area of concentration by earning 15 semester hours of courses in either Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies. In that case, one Testament would be the student’s major, while the other would be classified as the student’s minor, while the other would be classified as the student’s major.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as teachers in a college or university setting.

2. Become sufficiently acquainted with the biblical languages to be able to exegete passages from the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament. The study of biblical languages is integral to this degree program.

3. Mastered the principles of textual criticism in order to deal with difficult problems in the establishing of the best text.

4. Developed an objective approach to interpreting the Bible, with special attention to scholarly research and writing.

5. Attained a survey knowledge of various disciplines, which are related to the students focused discipline.

6. Have been provided with a foundational understanding of one of two designated areas (the focused knowledge) — Old Testament and New Testament — as a basis for more advanced study.

Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

The Master of Arts (MA) in Practical Ministry is designed to prepare qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. It seeks to prepare students for the profession of ministry and for effective Christian service. The program is biblical in its orientation with reflection on theological studies including history, spiritual formation and how to minister in today’s culture. A strong focus of the program is practical ministry that is relevant to contemporary life. Additionally, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies such as the Master of Divinity (MDiv) offered by Amridge University. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program the graduates will have:

1. The ability to reflect in a critical manner on the Christian mission to practice ministry in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

2. The skills in various methods of ministry to be relevant to contemporary culture in Christian service;

3. An understanding of biblical and theological studies that provides the basis for various types of Christian ministry;

4. A sound foundation for both the student’s personal and spiritual growth and also for the student as a teacher of others in spiritual formation;

5. Have a scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies

The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological and Historical Studies is designed to provide a survey knowledge of theological and historical studies for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. The degree is biblical in orientation and also relevant to contemporary life in application. This degree provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs offered by Amridge University. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies program the graduates will:

1. Have attained a survey knowledge of theological and historical studies necessary to be effective as a Christian minister and church leader;

2. Have skills in biblical interpretation that will allow for a biblical orientation for use of theological and historical studies as a Christian minister or church leader;

3. Possess skills in Christian ministry for their application in contemporary life in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

4. Have a scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree prepares qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. The program seeks to prepare students for professions in ministry and further opportunities by preparation for admission to more advanced studies such as the Master of Divinity degree program. The Master of Divinity is biblical in orientation with exposure to theological and historical studies. The program seeks after effective Christian service that is scholarly; yet, practical and relevant to contemporary life for the communities in which graduates will serve. Finally, graduates of the MDiv degree will be mentored in ways to conduct themselves and to relate to others that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

1. Effective preparation for Christian ministry and leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings;

2. The ability to use the biblical text and theological and historical studies to enrich the spiritual life of others;

3. The skills to minister in an effective manner in the culture in which the graduate must live;

4. The means by which one may grow morally and spiritually, and by which one may lead others in positive spiritual formation in the likeness of Jesus Christ;

5. The scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the DMin degree.

Doctor of Ministry

Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program to qualified persons who are currently engaged in ministry. The goal of the DMin program is to develop effective Christian ministers by combining theological reflection with continued spiritual growth which leads to greater competence in ministerial skills. Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness in ministry or to tailor their abilities toward a particular specialty. The Amridge University program utilizes the candidate’s own work setting as a primary learning resource. Much of the course work involves in-service projects of direct benefit to the candidate’s ministry. The intent is to integrate these dimensions into a working totality for each minister. Integration at many levels is one of the important features of the program: of religion and contemporary life, of professional work and personal life, and of Scripture and theology all into the practice of ministry.

Class time provides occasions for disciplined study, critical reflection, and evaluation on ministry issues. Group interaction among peers aids this important process. The faculty will cultivate and encourage interaction that will promote openness, caring, and growth in the Christian ministry.

The DMin is distinguished from the MDiv in that it demands a higher level of competence, more extensive analytical skills, and greater ability to do practical and thorough research related to ministry. The DMin is distinguished from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Theology (ThD) in that it focuses specifically on excellence in practical ministry rather than academic research and languages.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired a greater competence in ministry skills to more effectively lead in various roles in a church setting;

2. Demonstrated the ability to integrate theology and Scripture into an effective ministry;

3. Researched issues in congregational ministry and provided scholarly analysis of those issues and innovative solutions of them;

4. Demonstrated the ability to understand the needs of the contemporary church and developed a vision and a plan to meet those needs;

5. Shown personal spiritual growth as a Christian minister and leader, developing attitudes and values appropriate to a life of Christian faith and practice.

These outcomes are assessed in Research Dissertation Module IV. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the Research Dissertation Module IV.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies (PhD) with degree concentrations in the Old Testament or the New Testament is to equip students for academic teaching, research, and for producing scholarly, creative writing in the fields of Old Testament and New Testament. Students select one of these two fields as a concentration, while conducting significant study in the other testament is obviously the minor. They will take a comprehensive examination and write a dissertation, both of which will reflect the area of concentration. The program is specifically oriented toward preparing students to teach Bible and biblical languages in universities, seminaries, theological schools, and colleges; to teach in related academic fields at the college level; to become a specialist in scholarly biblical teaching in one’s ministerial practice; and to produce scholarly writing. This Biblical Studies program should equip students with the aptitude necessary to bring critical skills to the biblical text; to analyze, interpret, and explain the text; and to express insights and conclusions in scholarly writing.

There are 10 core courses of the 20 required courses in the PhD in Biblical Studies which address areas such as biblical archaeology, the world of the Bible, theology, doctrine, critical interpretation of the Bible, ethics, linguistics, etymology, the authority of the Bible, exegesis, and the origin and history of the Scriptures. These core courses provide students with essential research tools and assess the methods of critical scholarship. The six Old and New Testament textual courses in this program will use the latest Hebrew or Greek editions of the Old and New Testaments. The other four courses deal directly with the writing of the dissertation.

Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:

1. Old Testament Concentration

A student may elect the concentration in Old Testament studies. The primary goal of this concentration is the development of a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament and related subjects. This Old Testament emphasis encompasses a study of ancient Near Eastern Archaeology, History and Religion (with an emphasis on Israel and its neighbors), Old Testament Theology, and textual courses with Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia as the primary source. A total of 33 required semester hours would be in the field of Old Testament study (this includes 9 semester hours in the core courses, 12 hours in textual courses and 12 hours in the dissertation); additionally there will be 15 hours in New Testament study; and 12 more hours in studies related to both Testaments.

2. New Testament Concentration

A student may elect the concentration in New Testament studies. The primary goal of this concentration is a development of a comprehensive knowledge of the New Testament and related studies. The New Testament concentration encompasses a study of Archaeology, History and Religion of the Hellenistic Age (with an emphasis on Palestine), New Testament Theology, and textual courses which make use of the best editions of the Greek New Testament. A total of 33 required semester hours would be in the field of New Testament study (this includes 9 hours in the core courses, 12 hours in textual courses and 12 hours in the dissertation); additionally there will be 15 semester hours in Old Testament study; and 12 semester hours in studies related to both Testaments.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies program the graduates will have:

1. A comprehensive knowledge of the field of biblical studies and a working knowledge of related academic disciplines, such as theology and history;

2. The ability to use the biblical text in the original languages and to exegete it in a scholarly manner;

3. The skills to engage competently in original research and writing that advance the understanding of the biblical text for the sake of academy, church, and society in order to enrich the spiritual life of others.

4. A sense of and a commitment to the vocation of biblical scholarship in its dimensions of learning, research, and teaching.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

See Section 2—Admissions.

THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

All academic degrees in the Turner School of Theology of Amridge University are designed to conform to the standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada, the graduate theological accrediting association. The University retains the right to change the Turner School of Theology degree program requirements if ATS standards are amended. Amridge University is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. ATS defines residency as a simultaneous face-to-face meeting of a faculty member with his or her students. These resident courses may be taught in a uni-meet (one week), bi-meet, tri-meet or weekly class formats. All Turner School of Theology students are required to meet the following requirements: (1) Master of Arts – one year of residency, six three-hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours, (2) Master of Divinity – one-year of residency, six three-hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours, (3) Doctor of Ministry – one-year residency, four three-hour courses equaling twelve semester hours, (4) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biblical Studies – two years residency, sixteen three-hour courses equaling forty-eight semester hours, a minimum of four years for completion.

Refer to the subsection Student Degree Requirements – Completion Options – Course Delivery Methods and Course Deliver Formats in Section 4: Amridge University Distance Learning Program within this Academic Catalog for additional information related to the respective course completion and delivery options and requirements. Also, see the respective semester course schedule for specific course delivery options and completion requirements.

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL EXPOSITION

The Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Exposition is designed to provide a survey knowledge of the Bible for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. The degree is biblical in orientation and also relevant to contemporary life in application. This degree program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) offered by Amridge University. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program the graduates will:

1. Have attained a survey knowledge of the Bible necessary to be effective as a Christian minister and church leader;

2. Have skills in biblical interpretation and exposition that will allow for a biblical orientation for use of the Bible as a Christian minister or church leader;

3. Possess skills in Christian ministry for their application in a biblical manner in contemporary life in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

4. Have a scholarly, biblical and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program will not be considered complete until all of the following items are properly completed and submitted:

· Application Form – This form should be completed in detail.

· Application Fee – The applicant must submit an application fee. Information about the application fee is published in the application packet, on Amridge University’s website, and is available from the Admissions Office. This one-time fee is non-refundable.

· An earned Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution. Advanced Bible Placement of as many as 15 semester hours can be obtained if the student has completed an undergraduate major in Bible or religious studies. A student receiving Advanced Bible Placement would be required to take a minimum of 45 semester hours to complete the degree option. At least 45 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University to qualify for graduation for those receiving 15 semester hours of Advanced Bible Placement. A student who does not have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level must take the required 60 hours.

· Official Transcripts – Applicants must request an official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution previously attended to be sent directly to Amridge University. Transcript Request Forms are available on the University’s web site. No transcript is official unless it is sent from institution to institution and bears the seal of the institution where the work was completed.

If the applicant has not completed the last course(s) at another school for which he or she is registered at the time of filing his or her application with Amridge University, a partial transcript should be sent for evaluation. The final transcript showing courses completed and any degree earned is required before the end of the first semester after initial matriculation. No academic credit will be recorded on a student’s permanent record until all necessary credentials are received.

· One year of Greek or one year of Hebrew on the undergraduate level with a grade of "B-" or above is required, or the student may take FD 6302 and FD 6303 Elementary Greek I and II or FD 6306 and FD 6307 Elementary Hebrew I and II on the graduate level.

· Standardized Tests – Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken by the applicant or other test approved by the Vice President of academic Affairs. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide documented evidence of English proficiency in one of two ways: (1) A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or (2) A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) per the following:

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high).......................... 22

Listening (high)......................... 22

Speaking (fair)......................... 18

Writing (fair)............................. 17

Other national examinations normally accepted for admission to graduate programs of study will also be accepted. Applicants holding a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution are not required to take these standardized tests.

· Monograph - Develop and submit a monograph on the applicant's career goals. The monograph must be written solely by the applicant and may be 5 to 8 pages in length. Appendices, attachments, or other items sent with the monograph will not be accepted;

· Term paper - Submit a term paper that is written in accordance with a style manual generally accepted by colleges and universities. The writing sample must have been written solely by the applicant and should reflect the applicant's research and academic writing skills. Ideally, the term paper shall contain grade marks by the course instructor to whom it was originally submitted;

· Letters of recommendation - Submit three letters of recommendation: One from each of three of the following four categories: (1) a former college teacher; (2) a former or present employer; (3) a minister, elder or other church official; and (4) a professional, such as a doctor, lawyer or business person; and

· Interview - Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – the interview may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition may be completed in five semesters. A student may take their courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
Research and Foundational Studies
RS 6339 Research and Evaluation (for prospective DMin
students via the MDiv) – OR –
RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research	3
FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
FD 6302* and 6303* Elementary Greek I and II, and
FD 6304* Greek Readings I – OR –
FD 6306* and 6307* Elementary Hebrew I and II, and
FD 6308* Hebrew Readings I – OR –
FD 6360* Elementary Hebrew and Greek for Christian
Ministry, FD 6361* Hebrew Word Study, and FD 6362*
Greek Word Study	9
	15
Biblical Exposition
BI 6310 Archaeology of the Bible	3
BI 6315 History of the Bible	3
NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament*	3
OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*	3
Three textual courses from the OT	9
Three textual courses from the NT	9
One textual course in either OT OR NT	3
	33
Theological and Historical Studies
TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3
TH 6326 Spirituality and Spiritual Formation	3
One class in Historical Studies (TH 6300, TH 6301,
TH 6302, TH 6303, TH 6304, OR TH 6307)	3
One class in Theological Studies (TH 6311, TH 6316,
TH 6317, TH 6318, TH 6319, TH 6320, TH 6321,
TH 6322, TH 6323, TH 6324, TH 6325, TH 6327,
TH 6328, TH 6330, OR TH 6338)	3
	12
BI 7014 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition	0
_____________________________________________________	______
Total Required Hours for MA in Biblical Exposition	60

*Options on Certain Courses: Students who have taken a course in undergraduate studies which is deemed to be similar in content to a course that is marked with an asterisk may substitute another course within the same discipline with permission of the dean of Turner School of Theology.

Important: The Turner School of Theology has a one-year residency requirement for the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition degree. This is equivalent to six three-semester hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours. This residency requirement may be met by students attending six on campus uni-meet (one week) seminars over the course of the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program.

*Advanced Bible Placement

Students who have a major in Bible or religious studies on the undergraduate level may receive, with the approval of the dean of Turner School of Theology, up to 15 hours toward this degree – possibly reducing required hours total from 60 to 45 semester hours.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition anticipating graduation must pass the comprehensive examination.

Please see the Semester Class Schedule for the test dates. All students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program are required to take the comprehensive examination on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Also, students must pass the comprehensive examination before graduating.

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

In order for students to qualify for the comprehensive examination they must be within nine credit hours of completing all the courses in the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition program. Students who register are required to take the examination on the appointed day. Students are encouraged to take the comprehensive examination during their next to last semester.

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

The comprehensive examination measures the range of knowledge acquired by students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses taken and expressing these concepts in written format. Examination dates are scheduled according to the school calendar and offered on that day on the Amridge University campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Specific instructions for the comprehensive examination are as follows: (1) The time allowed for taking the examination is seven hours, which includes one hour for lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch since they are not allowed to leave the facilities during testing hours. (2) Students may bring to the examination unmarked (personal notes) Bible in any language, lexicons for the biblical language, and concordances of biblical texts. Students who are anticipating translation of either a Hebrew or Greek text should bring the appropriate Hebrew or Greek text. (3) Amridge University computers may be allowed in writing the examination. (4) Amridge University provides the paper on which the student's answers are to be written.

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination is graded in accordance with the following:

1. Grading is on a "qualifying" (Q) “not qualifying" (NQ) basis. At least two professors out of three must grade an examination as "qualifying" (Q). Examinations may receive a "qualifying with distinction" (QD), if the readers determine that the examination warrants special recognition.

2. The vice president of Academic Affairs Dean of Turner School of Theology assigns three professors to read the different comprehensive examinations on a “blind” basis. This blind reading ensures that no professor knows the identity of the author of the examination being read or the identity of the other professors who read the examination.

3. When two readers assign the examination a "qualifying" (Q) or "not qualifying" (NQ) grade, the grading process has been completed.

4. Should a student not qualify, that student may be allowed to sit for a retake examination at a date assigned by the vice president of Academic Affairs Dean of Turner School of Theology in consultation with the faculty. Students who do not qualify in this retake examination must petition for a second retake. Such students, if their petition is accepted, may be required to take an oral examination in accordance with number five below.

5. In certain precisely defined circumstances (such as failure of a retake examination) a student may be required to take an oral examination in lieu of the written format, if such an examination is necessary to ensure fairness to the student.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition

Before being graduated with the Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A total of 60 graduate semester hours of which at least 48 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University, if there is no Advanced Bible Placement applied. If 15 hours of Advanced Bible Placement are applied, 33 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University;

2. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;

4. Pass the written Comprehensive Exam. Students must register for and pass BI 7014 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition. The Comprehensive Examination serves as the Program Exit Examination;

5. Complete the program residency requirement; and

6. Complete an Amridge University Degree Completion Application available from Amridge University’s web site. The properly completed and signed application must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester the student plans to graduate. Following this schedule permits the University to conduct a full audit of the respective student’s records to make sure that all courses, programs, and respective graduation requirements have been met. Students having any questions regarding the Degree Completion Application should contact the Registrar’s Office.

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree. The one and only major for this program is Biblical Studies. A student may specify an area of concentration by earning 15 semester hours of courses in either Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies. In that case, one Testament would be the student’s major, while the other would be classified as the student’s minor.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as teachers in a college or university setting.

3. Mastered the principles of textual criticism in order to deal with difficult problems in the establishing of the best text.

4. Developed an objective approach to interpreting the Bible, with special attention to scholarly research and writing.

5. Attained a survey knowledge of various disciplines, which are related to the students focused discipline.

6. Have been provided with a foundational understanding of one of two designated areas (the focused knowledge) — Old Testament and New Testament — as a basis for more advanced study.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program will not be considered complete until all of the following items are properly completed and submitted:

· Application Form – This form should be completed in detail.

· Application Fee – The applicant must submit an application fee. Information about the application fee is published in the application packet on the Amridge University website. This one-time fee is non-refundable.

· An earned Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution. Advanced Bible Placement of 15 semester hours can be obtained if the student has completed an undergraduate major in religious studies. A student receiving Advanced Bible Placement would be required to take a minimum of 45 semester hours to complete the degree option. At least 45 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University to qualify for graduation for those receiving 15 semester hours of Advanced Bible Placement. A student who does not have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level must take the required 60 hours.

· If the applicant has not completed the last course(s) at another school for which he or she is registered at the time of filing his or her application with Amridge University, a partial transcript should be sent for evaluation. The final transcript showing courses completed and any degree earned is required before the end of the first semester after initial matriculation. No academic credit will be recorded on a student’s permanent record until all necessary credentials are received.

· One year of Greek and one year of Hebrew on the undergraduate level with a grade of “B” or above is required, or the student may take FD 6302 and FD 6303 Elementary Greek I and II and FD 6306 and FD 6307 Elementary Hebrew I and II on the graduate level. These courses will satisfy the biblical language prerequisites for the Master of Arts program, but they will not reduce the hours required to complete it.

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high).......................... 22

Listening (high)......................... 22

Speaking (fair)......................... 18

Writing (fair)............................. 17.

· Interview - Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – the interview may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies may be normally completed in seven semesters. A student may take his courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Approval by Institutional Review Board

Faculty members or students conducting research in association with Amridge University, including research for dissertations, master’s theses or other studies must have prior approval of the Institution Review Board (IRB). Students must receive approval from the IRB prior to completion of dissertation Module II or Master’s Thesis Part I.

The purpose of Amridge University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to insure that the use and treatment of human subjects participating in research associated with this University is ethical and in compliance with established standards. Although researchers are ultimately responsible for the ethical treatment of their human subjects, it is the policy of Amridge University that all faculty members conducting research associated with this University involving human subjects must receive approval from the (IRB) before commencing their projects or beginning data collection. This requirement also applies to student researchers who are collecting data under the supervision of a faculty member. Students engaged in projects for theses, dissertations, independent research courses, or faculty-student collaborations which involve human subjects must seek IRB approval through their thesis or dissertation committee chairperson. The IRB may require a background check of the investigator before approving a research plan involving research subjects who are minors.

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Required Courses		Sem. Hrs.
	NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament*	3
	OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*	3
	RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research	3
	FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
	FD 6304 Greek Reading I *	3
	FD 6305 Greek Reading II *	3
	FD 6308 Hebrew Reading I*	3
	FD 6309 Hebrew Reading II*	3
	TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3

	Total Required Hours	27

Elective Courses
Textual Courses		24

Elective Courses Non-Thesis Option (select three)
OT 7320 Guided Research in the Old Testament
BI 6315 History of the Bible
NT 7320 Guided Research in the New Testament
FD 7320 Guided Research in Foundation Studies
BI 6310 Archaeology and the Bible
TH 6318 New Testament Theology
FD 6330 Aramaic
FD 6343 Akkadian		9
- OR -
RS 7302 Thesis Part I		3
RS 7303 Thesis Part II		3
Elective Course Thesis Option (select one)
FD6330 Aramaic
BI 6315 History of the Bible
TH 6311 Christology
TH 6325 Eschatology
TH 6327 Biblical Doctrine of God		3

Elective Courses		33

BI 7011 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Arts in Biblical Studies		0
____________________________________________________		_______
**TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR DEGREE		60

Recommended Curricula for the Concentrations

MA (OT Concentration)

RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research

OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament

NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament

FD 6304 Greek Reading I

FD 6305 Greek Reading II

FD 6308 Hebrew Reading I

FD 6309 Hebrew Reading II

FD 6330 Aramaic

OR FD 6343 Akkadian

OR BI 6310 Archaeology and the Bible

TH 6310 Systematic Theology

FD 6312 Hermeneutics

RS 7302 Thesis Part I

OR BI 6315 History of the Bible

RS 7303 Thesis Part II

OR OT 7320 Guided Research in the Old Testament

OT Textual Courses (select five)

NT Textual Courses (select three)

MA (NT Concentration)

RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research

OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament

NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament

FD 6304 Greek Reading I

FD 6305 Greek Reading II

FD 6308 Hebrew Reading I

FD 6309 Hebrew Reading II

FD 6330 Aramaic

OR BI 6310 Archaeology and the Bible

OR TH 6311 Christology

TH 6310 Systematic Theology

FD 6312 Hermeneutics

RS 7302 Thesis Part I

OR TH 6311 Christology

OR BI 6315 History of the Bible

OR FD 7320 Guided Research in Foundation Studies

RS 7303 Thesis Part II

OR NT 7320 Guided Research in the New Testament

OT Textual Courses (select three)

NT Textual Courses (select five)

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Required Courses		Sem. Hrs.
	NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament*	3
	OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*	3
	RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research	3
	FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
	FD 6304 Greek Reading I *	3
	FD 6305 Greek Reading II *	3
	FD 6308 Hebrew Reading I*	3
	FD 6309 Hebrew Reading II*	3
	TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3

	Total Required Hours	27

Elective Courses
Textual Courses		24

Elective Courses Non-Thesis Option (select three)
OT 7320 Guided Research in the Old Testament
BI 6315 History of the Bible
NT 7320 Guided Research in the New Testament
FD 7320 Guided Research in Foundation Studies
BI 6310 Archaeology and the Bible
TH 6318 New Testament Theology
FD 6330 Aramaic
FD 6343 Akkadian		9
- OR -
RS 7302 Thesis Part I		3
RS 7303 Thesis Part II		3
Elective Course Thesis Option (select one)
FD6330 Aramaic
BI 6315 History of the Bible
TH 6311 Christology
TH 6325 Eschatology
TH 6327 Biblical Doctrine of God		3

Elective Courses		33

BI 7011 Master’s Degree Comprehensive Examination		0
____________________________________________________		_______
**TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR DEGREE		60

Important: The Turner School of Theology has a one-year residency requirement for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. This is equivalent to six three-semester hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours. This residency requirement may be met by students attending six on campus uni-meet (one week) seminars over the course of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program.

*Advanced Bible Placement

Students who have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level will receive Advanced Bible Placement – reducing required hours total from 60 to 45 semester hours.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies anticipating graduation must pass the Comprehensive Examination. To take the Comprehensive Examination the student must register for BI 7011 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.

Please see the Semester Class Schedule for the test dates. All students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program are required to take the Comprehensive Examination on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Also, students must pass the Comprehensive Examination before graduating. The specific content of the Comprehensive Examination is determined for each student in consultation with the faculty through the "professor in charge" that year.

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

In order for students to qualify for the Comprehensive Examination they must be within nine credit hours of completing all the courses in the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program. Students who do not register for the course will not be allowed to take the examination. Students who register are required to take the examination on the appointed day. Students are encouraged to take the Comprehensive Examination during their next to last semester.

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

The Comprehensive Examination measures the range of knowledge acquired by students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses taken and expressing these concepts in written format. Examination dates are scheduled according to the school calendar and offered on that day on the Amridge University campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Specific instructions for the comprehensive examination are as follows: The time allowed for taking the examination is seven hours, which includes one hour for lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch since they are not allowed to leave the facilities during testing hours.

1. Students may bring to the examination unmarked (personal notes) Bible in any language, lexicons for the biblical language, and concordances of biblical texts. Students who are anticipating translation of either a Hebrew or Greek text should bring the appropriate Hebrew or Greek text.

2. Amridge University computers may be allowed in writing the examination.

3. Amridge University provides the paper on which the student's answers are to be written.

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The Comprehensive Examination is graded in accordance with the following:

2. The Dean of the Turner School of Theology assigns three professors to read the different Comprehensive Examinations on a blind basis. This blind reading ensures that no professor knows the identity of the author of the examination being read nor the identity of the other professors who read the examination.

3. When two readers assign the examination a "qualifying" (Q) or "not qualifying" (NQ) grade, the grading process has been completed.

4. Should a student not qualify, that student may be allowed to sit for a retake examination at a date assigned by the Dean of the Turner School of Theology in consultation with the faculty. Students who do not qualify in this retake examination must petition for a second retake. Such students, if their petition is accepted, may be required to take an oral examination in accordance with number five below.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Before being graduated with the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Earn a total of 60 graduate semester hours in the program of which at least 48 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University, if there is no Advanced Bible Placement applied. If 15 hours of Advanced Bible Placement are applied, 33 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University;

2. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;

4. Pass the written Comprehensive Exam. The Comprehensive Examination serves as the Program Exit Examination;

5. Complete and have accepted by the department faculty a Thesis (RS 7302 and RS 7303) – Only for those students who have selected the “Thesis Option” under the guidance of their advisor;

6. Complete the program residency requirement; and

7. Complete an Amridge University Degree Completion Application available from Amridge University’s web site. The properly completed and signed application must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester the student plans to graduate. Following this schedule permits the University to conduct a full audit of the respective student’s records to make sure that all courses, programs, and respective graduation requirements have been met. Students having any questions regarding the Degree Completion Application should contact the Registrar’s Office.

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN PRACTICAL MINISTRY

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology Program the graduates will have:

1. The ability to reflect in a critical manner on the Christian mission to practice ministry in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

2. The skills in various methods of ministry to be relevant to contemporary culture in Christian service;

3. An understanding of biblical and theological studies that provides the basis for various types of Christian ministry;

4. A sound foundation for both the student’s personal and spiritual growth and also for the student as a teacher of others in spiritual formation;

5. Have a scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry program will not be considered complete until all of the following items are properly completed and submitted:

· Application Form – This form should be completed in detail.

· Application Fee – The applicant must submit an application fee. Information about the application fee is published on the Amridge University website. This one-time fee is non-refundable.

· An earned Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution. Advanced Bible Placement of 15 semester hours can be obtained if the student has completed an undergraduate major in religious studies. A student receiving Advanced Bible Placement would be required to take a minimum of semester hours to complete the degree option. At least 45 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University to qualify for graduation for those receiving 15 semester hours of Advanced Bible Placement. A student who does not have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level must take the required 60 semester hours.

· Official Transcripts – Applicants must request an official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution previously attended to be sent directly to Amridge University. Transcript Request Forms are available on the University’s web site. No transcript is official unless it is sent from institution to institution and bears the seal of the institution where the work was completed.

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high)....................... 22

Listening (high)....................... 22

Speaking (fair)....................... 18

Writing (fair)........................... 17.

· Interview - Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – the interview may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Arts in Practical Ministry may be completed in five semesters. A student may take the courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
Research and Foundational Studies
RS 6339 Research and Evaluation	3
FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
FD 6302* and 6303* Elementary Greek I and II, and
FD 6304* Greek Readings I – OR –
FD 6306* and 6307* Elementary Hebrew I and II, and
FD 6308* Hebrew Readings I – OR –
FD 6360* Elementary Hebrew and Greek for Christian
Ministry, FD 6361* Hebrew Word Study, and FD 6362*
Greek Word Study	9
	15
Biblical Studies
One textual course from the OT	3
One textual course from the NT	3
	6
Theological and Historical Studies
TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3
TH 6326 Spirituality and Spiritual Formation	3
	6
Practical Ministry
PS 6330 Internship in Ministry	3
FT 7301 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
LD 6362 Spiritual Leadership within the Organization	3
PS 6310 Personal Evangelism	3
PS 6311 Ministry and the Contemporary World	3
The student may choose four from the following nine
courses in practical ministry.
LD 6353 Leadership Visualization and Values
LD 6357 Organizational Communication
MS 6302 Introduction to Missiology
PS 6301 Christian Ministry
PS 6302 Homiletics
PS 6303 Educational Program of the Local Church
PS 6306 Christian Marriage and Family Life
PS 6309 Introduction to Christian Counseling

PS 6312 Church Growth Through Bible School Evangelism	12
	27
General Electives
Two courses from Biblical Studies (BI, NT, OR OT), Theological
and Historical Studies (TH), Practical Ministry (LD, MS
OR PS), OR biblical languages.	6

BI 7012 Comprehensive Exam for Master of Arts in Practical Ministry	0
_____________________________________________________	______
Total Required Hours for MA Practical Ministry Degree	60

*Advanced Bible Placement

Important: The Turner School of Theology has a one year residency requirement for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree. This is equivalent to six three-semester hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours. This residency requirement may be met by students attending six on campus uni-meet (one week) seminars over the course of the Master of Arts in Practical Theology program.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students in the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry anticipating graduation must pass the comprehensive examination.

Please see the Semester Class Schedule for the test dates. All students in the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry program are required to take the comprehensive examination on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Also, students must pass the comprehensive examination before graduating. The specific content of the comprehensive examination is determined for each student in consultation with the faculty through the "professor in charge" that yea

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

In order for students to qualify for the comprehensive examination they must be within nine credit hours of completing all the courses in the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry program. Students who register are required to take the examination on the appointed day. Students are encouraged to take the comprehensive examination during their next to last semester.

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

The Comprehensive Examination measures the range of knowledge acquired by students in the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses taken and expressing these concepts in written format. Examination dates are scheduled according to the school calendar and offered on that day on the Amridge University campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Specific instructions for the comprehensive examination are as follows: (1) The time allowed for taking the examination is seven hours, which includes one hour for lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch since they are not allowed to leave the facilities during testing hours. (2) Students may bring to the examination unmarked (personal notes) bible(s) in any language, lexicons for the biblical language, and concordances of biblical texts. Students who are anticipating translation of either a Hebrew or Greek text should bring the appropriate Hebrew or Greek text. (3) Amridge University computers may be allowed in writing the examination. (4) Amridge University provides the paper on which the student's answers are to be written.

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The Comprehensive Examination is graded in accordance with the following:

2. Dean of the Turner School of Theology assigns three professors to read the different Comprehensive Examinations on a blind basis. This blind reading ensures that no professor knows the identity of the author of the examination being read nor the identity of the other professors who read the examination.

3. When two readers assign the examination a "qualifying" (Q) or "not qualifying" (NQ) grade, the grading process has been completed.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

Before being graduated with the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A total of 60 graduate semester hours of which at least 48 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University, if there is no Advanced Bible Placement applied. If 15 hours of Advanced Bible Placement are applied, 33 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University;

2. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;

4. Pass the Comprehensive Exam. Students must register for BI 7012 Comprehensive Exam for Master of Arts in Practical Ministry to prepare for the exam. The Comprehensive Examination serves as the Program Exit Examination;

5. Complete the program residency requirement; and

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES

The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological and Historical Studies is designed to provide a survey knowledge of theological and historical studies for the educational development of qualified persons to be effective Christian ministers and church leaders who will use their gifts and knowledge in proclaiming the gospel, strengthening the church, and serving humanity. The degree is biblical in orientation and also relevant to contemporary life in application. This degree program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) offered by Amridge University. The MA program is open to applicants who hold the BA or BS degree.

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies program the graduates will:

1. Have attained a survey knowledge of theological and historical studies necessary to be effective as a Christian minister and church leader;

2. Have skills in biblical interpretation that will allow for a biblical orientation for use of theological and historical studies as a Christian minister or church leader;

3. Possess skills in Christian ministry for their application in contemporary life in strengthening the church and serving humanity;

4. Have a scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the MDiv degree.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies program will not be considered complete until all of the following items are properly completed and submitted:

· Application Form – This form should be completed in detail.

· Official Transcripts – Applicants must request an official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution previously attended to be sent directly to Amridge University. Transcript Request Forms are available on the University’s web site. No transcript is official unless it is sent from institution to institution and bears the seal of the institution where the work was completed.

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high)............................ 22

Listening (high)........................... 22

Speaking (fair)............................. 18

Writing (fair)............................... 17

· Interview - Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – the interview may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies may be completed in five semesters. A student may take their courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
Research and Foundational Studies
RS 6339 Research and Evaluation (for prospective DMin
Students via the MDiv) – OR –
RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research	3
FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
FD 6302* and 6303* Elementary Greek I and II, and FD 6304*
Greek Readings I – OR –
FD 6306* and 6307* Elementary Hebrew I and II, and FD 6308*
Hebrew Readings I – OR –
FD 6360* Elementary Hebrew and Greek for Christian
Ministry, FD 6361* Hebrew Word Study, and FD 6362*
Greek Word Study	9
	15
Biblical Studies
NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament* – OR –
OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*	3
One textual course from the OT	3
One textual course from the NT	3
	9
Practical Ministry
The student may choose two courses from the following eleven:
FT 7301 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
LD 6353 Leadership Visualization and Values
LD 6357 Organizational Communication
LD 6362 Spiritual Leadership within the Organization
MS 6302 Introduction to Missiology
PS 6301 Christian Ministry
PS 6306 Christian Marriage and Family Life
PS 6309 Introduction to Christian Counseling
PS 6310 Personal Evangelism
PS 6311 Ministry and the Contemporary World
PS 6312 Church Growth Through Bible School Evangelism
Two ministry courses	6
Theological and Historical Studies
TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3
TH 6326 Spirituality and Spiritual Formation	3
One class in church history (TH 6300, TH 6303, OR TH 6304)	3
One class in history of doctrine (TH 6301, TH 6302, OR	3
TH 6307)
Two classes in systematic theology OR ethics (TH 6311,
TH 6318, TH 6321, TH 6322, TH 6325, TH 6327,
TH 6330, OR TH 6338)	6
Two classes in apologetics OR philosophy of religion
(TH 6316, TH 6317, TH 6319, TH 6320, TH 6323,
TH 6324, OR TH 6328)	6
	24
General Electives
Two courses from Biblical Studies (BI, NT, OR OT), Theological
and Historical Studies (TH), Practical Ministry (LD, MS
OR PS), OR biblical languages.	6
BI 7013 Comprehensive Exam for Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies	0
_____________________________________________________	______
Total Required Hours for MA in
Theological and Historical Studies Degree	60

*Advanced Bible Placement

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students in the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies anticipating graduation must pass the Comprehensive Examination.

Please see the Semester Class Schedule for the test dates. All students in the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies program are required to take the comprehensive examination on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Also, students must pass the comprehensive examination before graduating. The specific content of the comprehensive examination is determined for each student in consultation with the faculty through the "professor in charge" that year.

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

In order for students to qualify for the comprehensive examination they must be within nine credit hours of completing all the courses in the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies program. Students who register are required to take the examination on the appointed day. Students are encouraged to take the comprehensive examination during their next to last semester.

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

The comprehensive examination measures the range of knowledge acquired by students in the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses taken and expressing these concepts in written format. Examination dates are scheduled according to the school calendar and offered on that day on the Amridge University campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Specific instructions for the comprehensive examination are as follows: (1) The time allowed for taking the examination is seven hours, which includes one hour for lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch since they are not allowed to leave the facilities during testing hours. (2) Students may bring to the examination unmarked (personal notes) Bible in any language, lexicons for the biblical language, and concordances of biblical texts. Students who are anticipating translation of either a Hebrew or Greek text should bring the appropriate Hebrew or Greek text. (3) Amridge University computers may be allowed in writing the examination. (4) Amridge University provides the paper on which the student's answers are to be written.

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination is graded in accordance with the following:

2. The Dean of Turner School of Theology assigns three professors to read the different comprehensive examinations on a “blind” basis. This blind reading ensures that no professor knows the identity of the author of the examination being read or the identity of the other professors who read the examination.

3. When two readers assign the examination a "qualifying" (Q) or "not qualifying" (NQ) grade, the grading process has been completed.

4. Should a student not qualify, that student may be allowed to sit for a retake examination at a date assigned by the Dean of Turner School of Theology in consultation with the faculty. Students who do not qualify in this retake examination must petition for a second retake. Such students, if their petition is accepted, may be required to take an oral examination in accordance with number five below.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies

Before being graduated with the Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

2. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;

4. Pass the written Comprehensive Exam. Students must register for and pass BI 7013 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Arts in Theological and Historical Studies. The Comprehensive Examination serves as the Program Exit Examination;

5. Complete the program residency requirement; and

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF DIVINITY

The program is designed to prepare students for professions in ministry and for further opportunities by preparation for admission to the Doctor of Ministry or other advanced studies. The curriculum and experience in this program promote effective Christian service that is scholarly; yet, practical and relevant to contemporary life for the communities in which graduates will serve. Students in the MDiv Degree program will be mentored in ways to conduct themselves and to relate to others that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity Program the graduates will have:

1. Effective preparation for Christian ministry and leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings;

2. The ability to use the biblical text and theological and historical studies to enrich the spiritual life of others;

3. The skills to minister in an effective manner in the culture in which the graduate must live;

4. The means by which one may grow morally and spiritually, and by which one may lead others in positive spiritual formation in the likeness of Jesus Christ;

5. The scholarly, theological and reflective foundation that will provide the basis for admission into more advanced studies such as the DMin degree.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Divinity

Applications for admission to the Master of Divinity program will not be considered complete until all of the following items are properly completed and submitted:

· Application Form – This form should be completed in detail.

· Application Fee – The applicant must submit an application fee. Information about the application fee is published on the Amridge University website. This one-time fee is non-refundable.

· An earned Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution. Advanced Bible Placement of 15 semester hours can be obtained if the student has completed an undergraduate major in religious studies. A student receiving Advanced Bible Placement would be required to take 75 semester hours to complete the degree option (assuming that no transferable graduate credits can be considered beyond the undergraduate degree). Then all 75 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University to qualify for graduation for those receiving 15 semester hours of Advanced Bible Placement. Note: If another accredited institution has given you Advanced Bible Placement applied toward a completed Master's degree (e.g. MAR-nonthesis), then Amridge University will not re-apply these to our MDiv degree.

· Official Transcripts – Applicants must request an official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution previously attended to be sent directly to Amridge University. Transcript Request Forms are available on the University’s web site. No transcript is official unless it is sent from institution to institution and bears the seal of the institution where the work was completed.

· Language – One year of Greek and one year of Hebrew on the undergraduate level with a grade of "B-" or above is required, or the student may take FD 6302 and FD 6303 Elementary Greek I and II and FD 6306 and FD 6307 Elementary Hebrew I and II on the graduate level. These courses will satisfy the biblical language prerequisites for the Master of Arts program, but they will not reduce the hours required to complete it.

· Standardized Tests – Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken by the applicant or other test approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide documented evidence of English proficiency in one of two ways: (1) A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or (2) A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) per the following:

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high)....................... 22

Listening (high)....................... 22

Speaking (fair)....................... 18

Writing (fair)........................... 17

· Interview - Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – the interview may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Divinity may be completed in three years. A student may take courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Required Courses for the Master of Divinity

Required Courses			Sem. Hrs.
	Research and Foundation Courses:
	RS 6339 Research and Evaluation (for prospective DMin
	students via the MDiv) – OR –
	RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research		3
	FD 6312 Hermeneutics		3
	FD 6302* and 6303* Elementary Greek I and II, and
	FD 6304* Greek Readings I – OR –
	FD 6306* and 6307* Elementary Hebrew I and II, and
	FD 6308* Hebrew Readings I – OR –
	FD 6360* Elementary Hebrew and Greek for Christian
	Ministry, FD 6361* Hebrew Word Study, and FD 6362*
	Greek Word Study		9
			15
	Biblical Studies
	NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament*		3
	OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*		3
	Old Testament textual courses		6
	New Testament textual courses		6
			18
	Theological and Historical Studies
	TH 6310 Systematic Theology		3
	TH 6326 Spirituality and Spiritual Formation		3
	One class in church history (TH 6300, TH 6303, OR TH 6304)		3
	One class in history of doctrine (TH 6301, TH 6302, OR
	TH 6307)		3
	One class in systematic theology OR ethics (TH 6311,
	TH 6318, TH 6321, TH 6322, TH 6325, TH 6327,
	TH 6330, OR TH 6338)		3
	One class in apologetics OR philosophy of religion
	(TH 6316, TH 6317, TH 6319, TH 6320, TH 6323,
	TH 6324, OR TH 6328)		3
			18
	Ministry
	PS 6330 Internship in Ministry I		3
	PS 6331 Internship in Ministry II		3
	FT 7301 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling		3
	LD 6362 Spiritual Leadership within the Organization		3
	PS 6310 Personal Evangelism		3
	PS 6311 Ministry and the Contemporary World		3
	The student may choose two from the following ten
	courses in practical ministry:
	LD 6353 Leadership Visualization and Values
	LD 6357 Organizational Communication
	MS 6302 Introduction to Missiology
	PS 6301 Christian Ministry
	PS 6302 Homiletics
	PS 6303 Educational Program of the Local Church
	PS 6306 Christian Marriage and Family Life
	PS 6309 Introduction to Christian Counseling
	PS 6312 Church Growth and Bible School Evangelism
	RS 6345 Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology (Students
	who plan to advance to the DMin degree program are
	strongly urged to take RS 6345 Quantitative and Qualitative
	Methodology as one of the two choices OR as an elective.)		6
			24
General Electives
Five courses from Biblical Studies (BI, NT, OR OT), Theological
		and Historical Studies (TH), Practical Ministry (LD, MS
		OR PS), OR biblical languages.	15

BI 7018 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Divinity			0
____________________________________________________			______
**TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR DEGREE			90

Important: The Turner School of Theology will have a 1 year residency requirement for the Master of Divinity degree. This is equivalent to six three-semester hour courses equaling eighteen semester hours. This residency requirement may be met by students attending six on campus uni-meet (one week) seminars over the course of the Master of Divinity program.

**Advanced Bible Placement:

Students who have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level may receive, with the approval of the Dean of the Turner School of Theology, Advanced Bible Placement – possibly reducing required degree total from 90 to 75 semester hours.

*NOTE:

Hebrew and/or Greek languages are recommended in the MDiv program, but not required. These can be taken as foundation studies or general electives.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

All Master of Divinity students anticipating graduation must pass the Comprehensive Examination. In order to take the exam one must register for the course BI 7051 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Divinity.

Please see the Semester Course Schedule for the test dates. All Master of Divinity students are required to take the Comprehensive Examination on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Also, all Master of Divinity students must pass the Comprehensive Examination before graduating. The specific content of the Comprehensive Examination is determined for each student in consultation with the faculty through the "professor in charge" that year.

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

In order for students to qualify for the Comprehensive Examination they must be within nine credit hours of completing all course work in the Master of Divinity program. Additionally, students must then register for the course BI 7051 Comprehensive Examination for Master of Divinity. Students who do not register for the course will not be allowed to take the examination. Students who register are required to take the examination on the appointed day. Students are encouraged to take the Comprehensive Examination during their next to last semester.

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

The Comprehensive Examination measures the range of knowledge acquired by Master of Divinity students by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses taken and expressing these concepts in written format. Examination dates are scheduled according to the school calendar and offered on that day on the Amridge University campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Specific instructions for the comprehensive examination are as follows: (1) The time allowed for taking the examination is seven hours, which includes one hour for lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch since they are not allowed to leave the facilities during testing hours. (2) Students may bring to the examination unmarked (personal notes) bible(s) in any language, lexicons for the biblical language, and concordances of biblical texts. Students who are anticipating translation of either a Hebrew or Greek text should bring the appropriate Hebrew or Greek text. (3) Amridge University computers may be allowed in writing the examination. (4) Amridge University provides the paper on which the student's answers are to be written.

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The Comprehensive Examination is graded in accordance with the following:

3. When two readers assign the examination a "qualifying" (Q) or "not qualifying" (NQ) grade, the grading process has been completed.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Divinity

Before being graduated with the Master of Divinity, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A total of 90 graduate semester hours of which at least 48 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University, if there is no Advanced Bible Placement applied. If 15 hours of Advanced Bible Placement are applied, 39 semester hours must be taken at Amridge University. Also, any possible transfer of graduate credits taken from another regionally accredited institution must be agreed upon by the end of the first enrolled semester at Amridge University;

2. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;

4. Pass the written Comprehensive Exam. Students must register for FD 7323 – Synthesis of Theological Curriculum II to prepare for the exam. The Comprehensive Examination serves as the Program Exit Examination;

5. Complete the program residency requirement; and

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired a greater competence in ministry skills to more effectively lead in various roles in a church setting;

2. Demonstrated the ability to integrate theology and Scripture into an effective ministry;

3. Researched issues in congregational ministry and provided scholarly analysis of those issues and innovative solutions of them;

4. Demonstrated the ability to understand the needs of the contemporary church and developed a vision and a plan to meet those needs;

5. Shown personal spiritual growth as a Christian minister and leader, developing attitudes and values appropriate to a life of Christian faith and practice.

These outcomes are assessed in Research Dissertation Module IV. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the Research Dissertation Module IV.

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Ministry

Applications for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program will not be considered complete until all of the following nine items are properly completed and submitted:

1. Complete an Amridge University Admissions Application;

2. Have official transcripts sent to the Amridge University Admissions Office from every institution of higher education that the applicant attended;

3. Must have a Master of Divinity Degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with GPA on previous graduate work of 3.0. Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry program who have not earned a Master of Divinity Degree must have course work equivalent to a Master of Divinity Degree with a 3.0 GPA. The applicant may have to take additional course requirements to be accepted into the program;

4. Three years of ministerial experience;

5. Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken by the applicant.

a. Scores are calculated as follows:

1. GRE score divided by 100 = Score

2. Pre-2003 MAT score times .18 = Score

3. 2003 MAT score divided by 2, minus 156, time .18 = Score

b. Other Test Options

1. Other national examinations normally accepted for admission to graduate programs of study will also be considered as approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

2. Applicants holding a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution are not required to submit a standardized test score.

c. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide documented evidence of English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or

2. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) per the following:

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high)............................. 22

Listening (high)............................ 22

Speaking (fair)............................ 18

Writing (fair)................................ 17

6. Develop and submit a monograph on the applicant's career goals. The monograph must be written solely by the applicant and may be 5 to 20 pages in length. Appendices, attachments, or other items sent with the monograph will not be accepted;

7. Submit a term paper from the master's degree level that is written in accordance with a style manual generally accepted by colleges and universities. The writing sample must have been written solely by the applicant and should reflect the applicant's research and academic writing skills. Ideally, the term paper shall contain grade marks by the course instructor to whom it was originally submitted;

8. Submit three letters of recommendation: One each three of the following categories: (1) a former college teacher; (2) a former or present employer; (3) a minister, elder or other church official; and (4) a professional, such as a doctor, lawyer or business person; and

9. Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – this may be done by telephone.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Doctor of Ministry may be completed in approximately 3 years. A student may take courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Approval by Institutional Review Board

Required Courses for the Doctor of Ministry

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
DM 9301 Ministry in the DMin Setting (required on campus residency)	3
DM 9302 Ministry and Theology - OR – DM 9310 The Prophets and Prophetic Ministry in the Church	3
DM 9323 Ministry in the World of Science, Philosophy and Religion - OR – DM 9303 Ministry and the Contemporary World	3
DM 9305 The Ministry and Worship - OR – DM 9312 Church Growth and Membership Development	3
DM 9306 The Minister and Preaching Christian Doctrine - OR – DM 9314 The Minister and Homiletics	3
DM 9309 The Minister’s Message of Salvation - OR – DM 9311 The Minister and Missiology	3
DM 9308 Ministry and Controversial Issues - OR – DM 9313 The Minister and Leadership	3
DM 9304 Ministry to Individuals and Families - OR – 9327 Psychology of Religion	3
Total Required Hours	24

Required Modules
RS 9340 Research Dissertation Module I (required on campus residency)	3
RS 9341 Research Dissertation Module II	3
RS 9342 Research Dissertation Module III	3
RS 9343 Research Dissertation Module IV	3
Total Required Module Hours	12
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR DEGREE	36

Residency Requirement

The faculty and administration of the Amridge University Turner School of Theology strongly adhere to the tenet that an advanced program of study of this nature must have opportunities for students to participate in a comprehensive community of faculty and peers that include provisions for one-on-one and group interaction over time. In keeping with this tenet, the Turner School of Theology has established a residency requirement for the Doctor of Ministry that specifies that the equivalent of at least one full-time academic year of work must be completed on the Amridge University Campus in Montgomery, Alabama. Generally, this requirement means that at least 12 semester hours of course work (i.e., four three-semester hour courses) must be completed on the Montgomery Amridge University campus. One option to meet this requirement will be met by students attending four one-week seminars on campus. In order to have the greatest impact on the academic study process, students are encouraged to take these residency seminars throughout the course of the 36 semester hours Doctor of Ministry track. The remainder of the semester hours of the Doctor of Ministry program may be taken via distance learning.

Dissertation Committee

A Dissertation Committee shall be appointed near the time that the student enrolls in the first dissertation module, RS 9340 Research Dissertation Module I. The Dissertation Committee shall be appointed by the Dean of the Turner School of Theology with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The student may request specific individuals to be appointed to the Dissertation Committee. A minimum of two signatory members of the Dissertation Committee shall have a doctorate in a field related to ministry. The Committee shall establish protocol for communication among the Committee members. Each dissertation module and the final total dissertation shall be approved by the Committee Chairperson, the Reader, the Dissertation Secretary, the Dean and the Vice President of Academic Affairs before a grade is assigned for the module. The Committee Chairperson shall be the instructor of record for the dissertation modules.

Dissertation Modules

The dissertation is to be completed through a sequence of dissertation module courses. The minimum sequence involves Research Dissertation Module I, Research Dissertation Module II, Research Dissertation Module III, and Research Dissertation Module IV. The sequence may also involve module continuation courses. A Research Dissertation Module First Continuation and a Research Dissertation Module Second Continuation course are available for each module level if the student does not complete all requirements for a given module in one semester.

A student must achieve “Candidacy Status” prior to enrolling in a dissertation Module. After beginning the dissertation the student must enroll in a dissertation module or dissertation continuation module each semester until completion of the dissertation, unless prior written approval is obtained from the Appeals Committee. The dissertation modules must be completed in sequence.

A student who fails to enroll in a dissertation course in a succeeding semester, unless prior written approval is obtained from the Appeals Committee, will be removed from the program. An individual so removed from the program may submit an appeal to the Appeals Committee for consideration of readmission to the program.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module course are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met, “IP” for in-progress if satisfactory progress, as specified below, has been made but not all module requirements have been met, or “F” for failure if satisfactory progress has not been made.

· The “IP” for a Dissertation Module course is a permanent grade. Students receiving a grade of IP on a dissertation module must register for and pay tuition and fees for the appropriate Dissertation Module First Continuation course to complete requirements for the dissertation module. Tuition and fees, including the Dissertation Lab Fee, will be charged for this course.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module First Continuation course are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met,

· “IP” for in-progress if satisfactory progress, as specified below, has been made but not all module requirements have been met, or F for failure if satisfactory progress has not been made.

Students receiving a grade of “IP” on Dissertation Module First Continuation course must register for and pay tuition and fees for the appropriate Dissertation Module Second Continuation course to complete requirements for the dissertation module. Tuition and fees, including the Dissertation Lab Fee, will be charged for this credit course.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module Second Continuation courses are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met, or

· “F” for failure if all requirements of the module have not been met.

A student who receives a grade of “F” for any dissertation module, dissertation module first continuation course or dissertation module second continuation course will be removed from the program. An individual so removed from the program may submit an appeal to the Appeals Committee for consideration of readmission to the program.

The appeals Committee shall consult with the student’s dissertation committee in considering the appeal.

Requirements for Dissertation Module Courses

See the section titled Requirements for Dissertation Module Courses for the Doctor of Ministry and Doctor Philosophy Programs under Section 10 – Course Description of this version of the Amridge University Academic Catalog.

Graduation Requirements for the Doctor of Ministry

Before being graduated with the Doctor of Ministry, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Complete 36 graduate hours of the approved curriculum;

2. All of the above graduate semester hours must be from Amridge University;

3. Complete all required coursework for the degree;

4. Complete all program residency requirements;

5. Submit and gain faculty approval of dissertation proposal appropriate to the student’s area of specialization and research competency;

6. Research Dissertation Module IV serves as the Program Exit Examination. The student must receive a passing grade in the Research Dissertation Module IV in order to graduate;

7. Maintain a 3.0 in all courses taken at Amridge University; and

8. Complete an Amridge University Degree Completion Application available from Amridge University’s web site. The properly completed and signed application must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester the student plans to graduate. Following this schedule permits the University to conduct a full audit of the respective student’s records to make sure that all courses, programs, and respective graduation requirements have been met. Students having any questions regarding the Degree Completion Application should contact the Registrar’s Office.

ADMISSION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biblical Studies with degree concentrations in the Old Testament or the New Testament is to equip students for academic teaching, research, and for producing scholarly, creative writing in the fields of Old Testament and New Testament. Students select one of these two fields as a concentration, while conducting significant study in the other testament is obviously the minor. They will take a comprehensive examination and write a dissertation, both of which will reflect the area of concentration. The program is specifically oriented toward preparing students to teach Bible and biblical languages in universities, seminaries, theological schools, and colleges; to teach in related academic fields at the college level; to become a specialist in scholarly biblical teaching in one’s ministerial practice; and to produce scholarly writing. This Biblical Studies program should equip students with the aptitude necessary to bring critical skills to the biblical text; to analyze, interpret, and explain the text; and to express insights and conclusions in scholarly writing.

Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:

1. Old Testament Concentration

2. New Testament Concentration

Upon completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies program the graduates will have:

5. A comprehensive knowledge of the field of biblical studies and a working knowledge of related academic disciplines, such as theology and history;

6. The ability to use the biblical text in the original languages and to exegete it in a scholarly manner;

7. The skills to engage competently in original research and writing that advance the understanding of the biblical text for the sake of academy, church, and society in order to enrich the spiritual life of others.

8. A sense of and a commitment to the vocation of biblical scholarship in its dimensions of learning, research, and teaching.

A student will demonstrate achievement of the program outcomes by receiving a passing grade in dissertation Module IV.

The PhD in Biblical Studies is a rigorous research-oriented study of 60 semester hours beyond Amridge University’s Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. The MA in Biblical Studies has been structured to meet most, if not all, of the 60 semester hours of levelling courses required in order to enter the PhD in Biblical Studies. Students aspiring to enter this degree program must satisfy the eight primary requirements of admission, but it is possible for a student to meet these eight requirements and be admitted to the PhD program in Biblical Studies while falling short of the necessary 60 hours of levelling courses. The graduate committee, which is chaired by the dean of the Turner School of Theology, will examine the student’s transcripts to determine how many levelling courses satisfy the requirements. The lowest grade that will be allowed is B-. All applicants who fall short of the 20 levelling courses will be required to take specific levelling courses and/or correct language deficiencies. The applicant must have completed (3.0 or higher) each listed course or an equivalent course or the student must take the course at Amridge University as an additional (levelling course) to the PhD program.

Levelling Courses Required for Either Concentration

FD 6308 Hebrew Readings I (2^nd year)

FD 6309 Hebrew Readings II (2^nd year)

FD 6304 Greek Readings I (2^nd year)

FD 6305 Greek Readings II (2^nd Year)

FD 6312 Hermeneutics

RS 6310 Introduction to Biblical Related Research

OR RS 7302 Thesis Part I

OR other committee approved course

TH 6310 Systematic Theology

OR TH 6311 Christology

OR TH 6328 Comparative Religions

OR other committee approved course

OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament

Old Testament Textual Course

NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament

New Testament Textual Course

Additional Levelling Courses Required for Old Testament Concentration

Old Testament Textual Course

FD 6330 Biblical Aramaic

OR BI 6325 Archaeology and the Bible

OR other committee approved course

FD 6310 Ancient Near Eastern History

OR BI 6320 History of the Bible

OR FD 6343 Akkadian

OR other committee approved course

RS 7325 Historical and Archaeological Research Methodology

OR RS 7323 Thesis Part II

OR OT 7320 Guided Research in the Old Testament

Additional Levelling Courses Required for New Testament Concentration

New Testament Textual Course

TH 6311 Christology

OR TH 6325 Eschatology

OR TH 6327 Biblical Doctrine of God

OR other committee approved course

BI 6310 Archaeology and the Bible

OR FD 6330 Biblical Aramaic

OR BI 6320 History of the Bible

OR FD 6343 Akkadian

OR other committee approved course

RS 7325 Historical and Archaeological Research Methodology

Or RS 7323 Thesis Part II

Or NT 7320 Guided Research in the New Testament

Or other committee approved course

Upon completion of the PhD in Biblical Studies, the student will be prepared to teach academic courses in biblical studies, biblical languages, and related subjects and will be skilled to engage in productive, original research. The student will also be equipped for higher-level service to the church universal. Also, furthermore, the graduate will be able to teach in related programs at the university-level.

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

Applications for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies program will not be considered complete until all of the following eight items are properly completed and submitted:

1. Complete an Amridge University Application for Admission;

2. Have official transcripts sent to the Amridge University Admissions Office from every institution of higher education that the applicant attended;

3. Have completed a master’s degree from an accredited institution;

4. Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken by the applicant.

a. Scores are calculated as follows:

1. GRE score divided by 100 = Score

2. Pre-2003 MAT score times .18 = Score

3. 2003 MAT score divided by 2, minus 156, time .18 = Score

b. Other Test Options

1. Other national examinations normally accepted for admission to graduate programs of study will also be considered as approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

2. Applicants holding a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution are not required to submit a standardized test score.

c. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide documented evidence of English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or

2. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) per the following:

Graduate—minimum total score of 79, with minimum scores for reading and listening increased to “high” levels.

Reading (high)....................... 22

Listening (high)....................... 22

Speaking (fair)....................... 18

Writing (fair)........................... 17

5. Develop and submit a monograph on the applicant's career goals and how Amridge University’s PhD in Biblical Studies would enhance the applicant’s current of prospective vocation and choice of a career. The monograph must be written solely by the applicant and may be 5 to 10 pages in length. Appendices, attachments, or other items sent with the monograph will not be accepted;

6. Submit a term paper or thesis from the master's degree level or doctoral dissertation that is written in accordance with a style manual generally accepted by colleges and universities. The writing sample must have been written solely by the applicant and should reflect the applicant's research and academic writing skills. Ideally, the term paper shall contain grade marks by the course instructor to whom it was originally submitted;

7. Submit three letters of recommendation: One each three of the following categories: (1) a former college teacher; (2) a former or present employer; (3) a minister, elder or other church official; and (4) a professional, such as a doctor, lawyer or business person.

8. Participate in an interview. The assigned Amridge University faculty interviewer will arrange an interview with the applicant – this may be done by telephone.

Language Requirement

The University adheres to the language requirements for a PhD degree program as defined by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Specifically, the ATS accreditation standards for PhD degree programs require that "students shall be required to use competently the language(s) in which relevant primary texts are written, as well as those in which there is important secondary material."

Applicants for the PhD in Biblical Studies should have coursework at the master's or undergraduate degree level in Hebrew and Greek, and an approved secondary language, such as Aramaic, Latin, German, French, etc. The Old Testament and New Testament textual courses incorporate an exegesis of the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts with the assistance of a useful secondary language.

Students who are deficient in these language skills will be required to take additional levelling courses to improve their language skills. Students will be required to pass proficiency exams in three languages. Students must pass the Hebrew language proficiency exam prior to registering for Old Testament textual courses. Students must pass the Greek language proficiency exam prior to registering for New Testament textual courses. Additionally, the student must pass the proficiency exam for an approved secondary language for the student’s major (Old Testament or New Testament) prior to registering for textual courses in the student’s major.

Asterisk grades shall not be allowed for a language proficiency examination registration (course). The allowable grades for a language proficiency examination registration are P, IP, or F. The awarded grade shall be recorded on the student’s transcript for the semester that the grade is assigned. The Language Proficiency Examination Fee shall be charged each time a student registers for the language proficiency examination.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

It is possible to complete the program in four years; however, the completion time will depend on factors such as the number of leveling courses needed, the pace at which courses are taken, the student’s working knowledge in the required languages, and the time necessary to research and write the dissertation.

A student may take courses on a part-time or full-time basis. The total time from admission to graduation should not exceed seven years.

Approval by Institutional Review Board

Required Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies with Old Testament Concentration

Required Courses (Required Core Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies with Old Testament Concentration: 30 Semester Hours)	Sem. Hrs.
FD 9300 Research in Biblical Studies Doctrine	3
FD 9305 Research Analysis of the Origin and History of the Bible	3
FD 9310 Historical and Archaeological Research of New Testament	3
FD 9312 Research Methods of Old Testament Criticism	3
FD 9318 Research Methods of New Testament Criticism	3
FD 9350 Historical and Archaeological Research of Old Testament	3
FD 9353 Biblical Etymology and Exegesis	3
TH 9309 Research in New Testament Theology	3
TH 9315 Biblical Ethics	3
TH 9318 Research in Old Testament Theology	3
Total Core Courses Required Hours for Degree	30

Old Testament Concentration will consist of 4 Old Testament textual courses selected from the following for a total of 12 semester hours:
OT 9302 Old Testament Text – The Pentateuch		3
OT 9312 Old Testament Text – Joshua and Judges		3
OT 9316 Old Testament Text – I and II Samuel		3
OT 9318 Old Testament Text – I and II Kings		3
OT 9320 Guided Research in the Old Testament (by permission only)		3
OT 9322 Old Testament Text – Ezra and Nehemiah		3
OT 9330 Old Testament Text – The Book of Psalms		3
OT 9332 Old Testament Text – Wisdom Literature		3
OT 9340 Old Testament Text – Isaiah		3
OT 9342 Old Testament Text – Jeremiah		3
OT 9344 Old Testament Text – Ezekiel		3
OT 9346 Old Testament Text – Daniel		3
OT 9350 Old Testament Text – Hosea and Amos		3
OT 9360 Old Testament Text – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi		3
Total Old Testament Concentration Required Course Hours			12

New Testament Electives will consist of 2 New Testament textual courses to be selected from the list below for a total of 6 semester hours:
NT 9311 New Testament Text – The Synoptic Gospels		3
NT 9314 New Testament Text – The Gospel of Luke		3
NT 9315 New Testament Text – The Gospel of John		3
NT 9320 New Testament Text – Acts of the Apostles		3
NT 9321 New Testament Text – Romans and Galatians		3
NT 9322 New Testament Text – I Corinthians		3
NT 9325 New Testament Text – Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians and Philemon		3
NT 9328 New Testament Text – I and II Timothy and Titus		3
NT 9331 New Testament Text – Hebrews		3
NT 9332 New Testament Text – General Epistles		3
NT 9341 New Testament Text – Revelation		3
NT 9351 New Testament Text – Guided Research in the New Testament (by permission only)		3
Total New Testament Electives Required Course Hours				6

Required Old Testament Research Dissertation Modules
RB 9391 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I OR RB 9395 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I First Continuation OR RB 9385 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I Second Continuation		3
RB 9392 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II OR RB 9396 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II First Continuation OR RB 9386 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II Second Continuation		3
RB 9393 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module III OR RB 9397 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module III First Continuation OR RB 9387 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II Second Continuation		3
RB 9394 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV OR RB 9398 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV First Continuation OR RB 9388 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV Second Continuation		3
Total Old Testament Research Dissertation Module Hours for Degree	12
FD 9050 Comprehensive Examination for Doctor of Philosophy	0
TOTAL COURSE HOURS REQUIRED FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIBLICAL STUDIES WITH OLD TESTAMENT CONCENTRATION	60

Required Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies with New Testament Concentration

Required Courses (Required Core Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies with New Testament Concentration: 30 Semester Hours)	Sem. Hrs.
FD 9300 Research in Biblical Studies Doctrine	3
FD 9305 Research Analysis of the Origin and History of the Bible	3
FD 9310 Historical and Archaeological Research of New Testament	3
FD 9312 Research Methods of Old Testament Criticism	3
FD 9318 Research Methods of New Testament Criticism	3
FD 9350 Historical and Archaeological Research of Old Testament	3
FD 9353 Biblical Etymology and Exegesis	3
TH 9309 Research in New Testament Theology	3
TH 9315 Biblical Ethics	3
TH 9318 Research in Old Testament Theology	3
Total Core Courses Required Hours for Degree	30

New Testament Concentration will consist of 4 New Testament textual courses selected from the following for a total of 12 semester hours:
NT 9311 New Testament Text – The Synoptic Gospels		3
NT 9314 New Testament Text – The Gospel of Luke		3
NT 9315 New Testament Text – The Gospel of John		3
NT 9320 New Testament Text – Acts of the Apostles		3
NT 9321 New Testament Text – Romans and Galatians		3
NT 9322 New Testament Text – I Corinthians		3
NT 9325 New Testament Text – Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians and Philemon		3
NT 9328 New Testament Text – I and II Timothy and Titus		3
NT 9331 New Testament Text – Hebrews		3
NT 9332 New Testament Text – General Epistles		3
NT 9341 New Testament Text – Revelation		3
NT 9351 New Testament Text – Guided Research in the New Testament (by permission only)		3
Total New Testament Concentration Required Course Hours			12

Old Testament Electives will consist of 2 Old Testament textual courses to be selected from the list below for a total of 6 semester hours:
OT 9302 Old Testament Text – The Pentateuch		3
OT 9312 Old Testament Text – Joshua and Judges		3
OT 9316 Old Testament Text – I and II Samuel		3
OT 9318 Old Testament Text – I and II Kings		3
OT 9320 Guided Research in the Old Testament (by permission only)		3
OT 9322 Old Testament Text – Ezra and Nehemiah		3
OT 9330 Old Testament Text – The Book of Psalms		3
OT 9332 Old Testament Text – Wisdom Literature		3
OT 9340 Old Testament Text – Isaiah		3
OT 9342 Old Testament Text – Jeremiah		3
OT 9344 Old Testament Text – Ezekiel		3
OT 9346 Old Testament Text – Daniel		3
OT 9350 Old Testament Text – Hosea and Amos		3
OT 9360 Old Testament Text – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi		3
Total Old Testament Electives Required Course Hours			6
FD 9050 Comprehensive Examination for Doctor of Philosophy			0
Required New Testament Research Dissertation Modules
RB 9391 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I OR RB 9395 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I First Continuation OR RB 9385 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I Second Continuation		3
RB 9392 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II OR RB 9396 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II First Continuation OR RB 9386 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II Second Continuation		3
RB 9393 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module III OR RB 9397 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module III First Continuation OR RB 9387 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module II Second Continuation		3
RB 9394 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV OR RB 9398 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV First Continuation OR RB 9388 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module IV Second Continuation		3
Total New Testament Research Dissertation Module Hours for Degree	12

TOTAL COURSE HOURS REQUIRED FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIBLICAL STUDIES WITH NEW TESTAMENT CONCENTRATION	60

Residency Requirement

· Face-To-Face Residency

The residency requirements of the Turner School of Theology of Amridge University are based on the present standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the graduate theological accrediting association. ATS standards require that a Ph.D. degree program must have two years of face-to-face student-teacher residency. Amridge University requires two years of residency in the Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies program. This includes all core and textual courses (sixteen in all). The University retains the right to change the degree program face-to-face residency requirements if ATS standards are amended.

· Live Web Residency – or Concomitant Residency

The University will require students enrolled in the PhD program to participate in live voice-to-voice conferencing and live web collaboration. A faculty member and students, regardless of the state in which they reside, may simultaneously participate in live voice-to-voice class discussions and live web collaboration. Each concomitant course sessions will be arranged by the faculty member with his students. The University requires the student to attend this class in Resident Live Web class sessions on a one-time, two-time, three-time, bi-weekly, tri-weekly, or weekly basis. All course work including the Live Web recordings of the class sessions are made available in the online course. The Live Web classes are identified in the semester schedule.

Online Internet and Computer Requirements for Live Web Residency

The online Internet and computer requirements for the Live Web Residency:

§ Internet Connection

A student must have a broadband or high-speed internet connection. Cable Modem, DSL or ADSL, or Satellite are acceptable. Dial-Up connections will not permit the data exchange! If you do not have high-speed internet, please make arrangements to order this service from a local provider. The minimum rates required are 128 KB upload speed and 256 KB download. Note: Some services are labeled “DSL” when in fact they are dial up connections with varying compression rates and cache servers located at central server locations which may give the sense of faster speed. If the rates at which you can transmit and receive data are not 128 KB up and 256 KB down you do not have a broadband connection or “DSL.”

§ Computer Requirements

Students must have a computer with at least the following:

1. Personal computer—based with a 1.0 GHz Pentium Processor or higher, Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack III or higher or Windows XP Professional Service Pack I or higher at least 256 MB of RAM, 10/100 MB Ethernet Network Interface Card, 16-bit sound card and speakers along with USB or Analog external Headset, 65,000 color video display card, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later or Netscape 7.0 or later;

2. Macintosh Computer—not supported by the IP Communicator.

Course Instruction Format

1. The Turner School of Theology of Amridge University will use the traditional uni-meet (one week) format—five days of course instruction.

a. This five day course format-usually a Monday through Friday traditional face-to-face instruction on the Montgomery campus for a course-will facilitate students who live in other states.

b. This course format will permit ministers, teachers, and other professionals to travel to the Montgomery campus for the traditional face-to-face one week per course arrangement.

c. This course format will assist the student in maintaining study time, work obligations, and family responsibilities.

2. Face-to-face traditional instruction will be complemented with a live web learning structure that will employ the following processes:

a. All live class sessions will be videoed and archived and made available in Blackboard online so the student can review all class lectures;

b. The instructor will make available in Blackboard online class lectures, notes and material that will assist the student;

c. Through the online Blackboard digital drop box the student will be able to send research papers, book reviews, etc., to the instructor;

d. Test and open book discussion questions can be taken online;

e. The student and instructor communications are not limited to the one week uni-meet class session;

f. The student and instructor will be able to communicate at will through the online discussion board, email, online chat, and internet conferencing system during the semester; and

g. Courses taught by this learning process will have the live web conferencing feature—this means that the faculty member and students, regardless of the state in which they reside, will simultaneously participate in live voice-to-voice class discussions and web collaboration.

Comprehensive Examination Preparation Course

The Comprehensive Examination attempts to measure the range of knowledge acquired by doctoral students by synthesizing the knowledge gained from the various courses that were taken and expressing these concepts in written format. The Comprehensive Examination Preparation course is automatically uploaded and charged the semester the student unrolls in the initial program course FD 9300 Research in Biblical Studies Doctrine. The Comprehensive Examination Preparation course will include a pool of questions similar to the questions that will be included on the Comprehensive Examinations. A student may draw random questions from the pool as guides for preparing for the Comprehensive Examination. The preparation course will also include guides in the form of the rubric that will be used in evaluating student responses to the Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Exam fee is a onetime fee.

Qualifications and Procedures for the Comprehensive Examination

1. To qualify for the Comprehensive Examination, a student must have completed at least 39 semester hours of the core course requirements.

2. The student must register for the course FD 9050 Comprehensive Examination for Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies.

3. The Comprehensive Examination will be administered only on the Montgomery campus.

4. The Comprehensive Examination will be administered over a two day period, the times of which will be included in the semester schedule.

5. The Comprehensive Examination will be drawn from the pool of questions in the Comprehensive Examination Preparation Course.

6. Student responses to the Comprehensive Examination will be evaluated based on the rubric provided to students in the Comprehensive Examination Preparation Course.

7. The Comprehensive Examination evaluation outcomes will be on a pass or fail basis.

8. A student who fails the exam must retake the entire exam.

9. Students may retake the exam as early as the following semester.

10. Students who fail the exam the second time may not retake the exam without approval of the program faculty.

11. An appeal for a third opportunity to take the exam must be submitted to the PhD Program Director who will chair the faculty committee to consider the appeal. An appeal will be granted only in very unusual circumstances.

Candidacy Status

Candidacy status is a milestone designation for the student. Candidacy status indicates that the student has demonstrated extensive knowledge and academic achievement in the student’s major area and that the student has the knowledge base to conduct original research in the field.

The minimum requirements to attain Candidacy Status shall include: (a) Completion of all prerequisite courses for the student's chosen program; (b) Completion of all program residency requirements as specified in the University's Academic Catalog; (c) Completion of all required PhD core courses; (d) Passage of the written comprehensive examination within the student's chosen program; and, (e) Demonstration of competency to produce a manuscript publishable in a peer refereed journal by presenting to the Examination Team conducting the Comprehensive Examination for Candidacy Status: (1) documentation that the student has published in a peer refereed journal during the student’s tenure in the PhD program at Amridge University, or (2) a manuscript which is judged by the Comprehensive Examination Team to be of publishable quality and ready to be submitted for publication in a peer refereed journal.

Dissertation Committee

A Dissertation Committee shall be appointed upon, or prior to, the student enrolling in the first dissertation module, RB 9391 Research Dissertation in Biblical Studies Module I. The Dissertation Committee shall be appointed by the PhD Program Director with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The student may request specific individuals to be appointed to the Dissertation Committee. A minimum of two signatory members of the Dissertation Committee shall have a PhD in a field related to biblical studies. The Committee shall establish procedures for communication among the Committee members. Each dissertation module and the final total dissertation shall be approved by the Committee Chairperson, the reader, and the Dissertation Secretary before a grade is assigned for the module. The Committee Chairperson shall be the instructor of record for the dissertation modules.

Dissertation Modules

The dissertation is to be completed through a sequence of dissertation module courses. The minimum sequence involves Research Dissertation Module I, Research Dissertation Module II, Research Dissertation Module III, and Research Dissertation Module IV. The sequence may also involve module continuation courses. A Research Dissertation Module First Continuation and a Research Dissertation Module Second Continuation is available for each module level if the student does not complete all requirements for a given module in one semester.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module course are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met, IP for in-progress if satisfactory progress has been made but not all module requirements have been met, or F for failure if satisfactory progress has not been made.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module First Continuation course are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met,

· IP for in-progress if satisfactory progress has been made but not all module requirements have been met, or F for failure if satisfactory progress has not been made.

Students receiving a grade of IP on Dissertation Module First Continuation course must register for the appropriate Dissertation Module Second Continuation course to complete requirements for the dissertation module. Tuition and fees, including the Dissertation Lab Fee, will be charged for this credit course.

Allowable Grades for a Dissertation Module Second Continuation courses are:

· “P” for pass if all requirements of the module have been met, or

· “F” for failure if all requirements of the module have not been met.

The appeals Committee shall consult with the student’s dissertation committee in considering the appeal.

Requirements for Dissertation Module Courses.

Graduation Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

Before being graduated with the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Satisfactorily complete 120 approved graduate hours, of which a minimum 60 semester hours must be taken in the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biblical Studies program at Amridge University; the remaining 60 semester hours consist of the student's Master of Divinity or Master of Theology or two-year Master of Arts in Bible or Doctor of Ministry from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 point scale;

2. Demonstrate competency in and pass proficiency exams in Greek, Hebrew, and a secondary language;

3. Complete all leveling and required coursework for the degree with a 3.0 grade or better in each course;

4. Complete all program face-to-face residency requirements;

5. Pass the Comprehensive Examination and gain Candidacy Status;

6. Submit and gain faculty approval of dissertation proposal appropriate to the student's area of specialization and research competency;

7. Pass all four dissertation modules.

8. Final defense:

a. As part of the dissertation defense, the student must present, defend and pass a Biblical Doctrines Position Paper. This paper is to be a revision and expansion of the original paper presented in the course FD 9300 Research in Biblical Doctrine. This paper must show evidence of research and study to substantiate, validate, or abjure the student’s belief in and understanding of three or more of the following biblical doctrines: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the inspiration and authority of the Bible, humanity and sin, redemption and salvation, the church, and the last things. Special emphasis should be given to the various sub-doctrines of the selected doctrines in the paper thereby giving a full treatment of the chosen topics.

b. Doctoral dissertation defense approval: the student must defend, and receive a passing grade for their doctoral dissertation before their dissertation committee, the dean of the Turner School of Theology, and other faculty. This defense will take place in Montgomery, Alabama at a time set by the dissertation committee.

c. The student must comply with all requirements for submission of the completed dissertation to the Amridge University Head Librarian.

9. Achieve a grade of 3.0 or higher for each PhD courses in the student’s PhD program;

10. Complete and submit the Amridge University Degree Completion Application available from the University’s web site.

a. The properly completed and signed application must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester the student plans to graduate.

b. This submission schedule permits the University to conduct a full audit of the respective student's records to make sure that all courses, programs, and respective graduation requirements have been attained.

FACULTY FOR THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Note: Faculty listed below teach in the Amridge University Turner School of Theology but may also teach in one of the other three Amridge University schools.

Curtis A. Cates

BS, Faulkner University

BS, University of West Alabama

MS, Samford University

MTh, Amridge University

EdD, University of Alabama

Rodney Cloud

BA, Lipscomb University

MA, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

MA, George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University

PhD, Hebrew Union College

John Demar Elam, Sr.

BS, Faulkner University

MS, M.Div, Amridge University

DMin, Erskine Theological Seminary

Thomas P. "Pat" Hardeman

BA, Murray State University

MTh, Amridge University

MA, PhD, University of Illinois

Tom Holland

AA, Freed-Hardeman University

BA, Lipscomb University

MA, Abilene Christian University

MTh, Amridge University

PhD, Southern Illinois University

Larry D. Mathis

AA, BS, Freed-Hardeman University

MAR, Lipscomb University

MA, MS, MDiv, Amridge University

DMin, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Keith A. Mosher, Sr.

BA, MA, MTh, Amridge University

DMin, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

David Musgrave

BS, Old Dominion University

MA, Lipscomb University

MPh, PhD, Hebrew Union College

Don Shackelford

AA, Oklahoma Christian University

BA, Lipscomb University

MTh, ThD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Roger Shepherd

BA, Heritage Christian University

MA, Lipscomb University

DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary

James Smeal

BA, Lipscomb University

PhD, Vanderbilt University

Charles Stephenson

BSEd, Abilene Christian University

MTh, ThD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Winston C. Temple

AA, Pensacola Junior College

BA, MA, MTS, MTh, Amridge University

DMin, Erskine Theological Seminary

Robert L. Waggoner

BA, Harding University

MA, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

MDiv, Vanderbilt University

DMin, Erskine Theological Seminary

Duane Warden

AA, Freed-Hardman University

BA, Harding University

MAR, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

PhD, Duke University

David Warren

AA, BA, Freed-Hardman University

MTh, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

ThM, ThD, Harvard University

Paul Watson

BA, Abilene Christian University

BDiv, MA, MPhil, PhD, Yale University

Joel Williams

BS, Harding University

MTh, Harding University Graduate School of Religion

PhD, Baylor University