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 1.0, Effective 8.1.2009].

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE TURNER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Dr Cloud_bookshelf background 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 Word of God 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 Theology, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry,

and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies). We believe you will find what you need to fulfill your dreams, as well as be a credit to humanity and to your Creator.

Rodney Cloud, Ph.D.

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 the word of God and well known for his biblical scholarship, 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 (M.A.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Doctor of Divinity (D.Min.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

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 through six educational goals. These goals are as follows:

1. Each student will acquire advanced knowledge of the Bible, related disciplines, and practical methods of ministry as a foundation for a life of Christian service.

2. Each student will 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. Each student will develop attitudes and values appropriate to a life of Christian faith and practice.

4. Each student will develop skills for religious research, human relations, and oral and written communication appropriate for Christian ministry.

5. Through gaining essential knowledge, developing proper attitudes, and acquiring important skills, each student will be prepared for more advanced employment in the area of Christian ministries, and/or for life-long learning.

6. Through developing Christian attitudes and values and through acquiring skills in communication and human relations, each student will 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)

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 four programs of study at the master’s and doctoral levels. The specific programs of study include the following:

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biblical Studies is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in Biblical studies with a practitioner's approach to Biblical studies and with an option to become sufficiently acquainted with the Greek and Hebrew languages for use as basic linguistic tools in the study of the Bible. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) followed by the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University.

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

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. Developed a professional scholarly approach to interpreting the Bible;

3. Advanced studies in biblical languages, such as Hebrew and Greek;

4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and

5. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.

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 Practical Theology

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

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function as a minister or teacher in a church setting;

2. The skills for a practical/utility approach to the biblical text;

3. The knowledge to make a clearer interpretation of Biblical texts, thus putting the passage/passages on a level that is easier for the average member of the church to understand;

4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and

5. The preparation to handle scholarly teaching positions.

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 Divinity

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and through preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Through completion of this program, graduates will be able to conduct their ministry at the highest level of professional competence and communicate in a manner that is intellectually articulate. Also, graduates will be committed to, and effective in, evangelism. Finally, graduates of the M.Div. Degree will be able to conduct themselves and relate to others in a way that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

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

1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. Skills in studying the Bible;

3. A sound foundation for continuing scholarly biblical studies, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies, for advanced education; and

4. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.

Doctor of Ministry

Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree program to qualified persons currently engaged in ministry. The D.Min. program builds on and extends previous theological education and experience. Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness or tailor their program toward a particular specialty. The purpose of this advanced level program is to help focus the efforts and develop the effectiveness of persons in ministry. 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 the knowledge of the disciplines such as Scripture, theology, church history, and the practice of ministry.

Class time provides occasions for disciplined study, critical reflection, and evaluation of 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 D.Min. is distinguished from the M.Div. 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 D.Min. is distinguished from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) 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 more in-depth knowledge of the Bible and skills to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. A more in-depth knowledge of the bible and ministry related subjects;

3. Skills in studying and teaching the Bible;

4. Experience in conducting bible or ministry related research;

5. Knowledge and skills in accessing, selecting, judging, selecting, and extracting information from various sources;

6. Skills in analyzing and interpreting research results;

7. Experience in presenting in written form and defending research results;

8. Skills to supervise and lead others in a ministry program; and

9. Have insight and vision in planning church and related works.

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies with degree majors in the Old Testament or the New Testament is to equip students for creative scholarship, independent research, and effective biblical teaching and ministry. The program is specifically oriented toward preparing students for teaching theological courses in universities and seminaries; for teaching in related academic fields at the college level; for specialized biblical teaching and leadership in the church; and for 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 30 required courses in the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies which address disciplines such as theology, ancient history, literary criticism, biblical doctrine, biblical ethics, linguistics, and history of religions. These core courses will address the important cultural background of this period of study; provide students with essential research tools; and assess the methods of critical scholarship. The Old Testament and New Testament textual courses in the degree program will be taught from standard Hebrew or Greek Bibles respectively with the assistance of valuable secondary material in other languages.

Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:

1. Old Testament Concentration

A student may major in Old Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament and related subjects. The Old Testament study encompasses a study of Ancient Near Eastern History and Religion, Religion and Archaeology of Ancient Israel, Old Testament Theology, and Old Testament textual courses. A total of 33 required semester degree hours would be in Old Testament study (This includes 9 semester hours in the core,12 semester hours in textual courses and 12 semester hours in the dissertation); additionally there will be 15 semester hours in New Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.

2. New Testament Concentration

A student may major in New Testament studies. The primary goal of this degree major is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the New Testament and related studies. The New Testament study encompasses a study of History and Religion of the Hellenistic Age, New Testament Theology, Patristic Theology, and New Testament textual courses. A total of 33 required semester degree hours would be in New Testament study (This includes 9 semester hours in the core,12 semester hours in textual courses and 12 semester hours in the dissertation); additionally there will be 15 semester hours in Old Testament study; and 12 semester hours in related studies.

The Ph.D. Degree Program in Biblical Studies is a 60 semester hour rigorous research-oriented program beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. The Master of Theology or the two-year Master of Arts in Bible or the Doctor of Ministry will usually meet the sixty semester hours of master level required courses. Applicants aspiring to enter this degree program must satisfy the eight primary requirements of admission.

An applicant may successfully meet the eight primary admission requirements and be admitted to the Ph.D. Program in Biblical Studies but may fall short of the necessary master's program course(s) or language requirements. The master level courses and language requirements will be compared to all completed course work for degree program leveling requirements. The total number of hours necessary to fulfill the requirements for the Ph.D. will depend on the number of germane graduate hours in Bible and languages that the student has attained before entering the program. All admitted applicants who fall short of the acknowledged leveling courses will be required to take specific leveling courses for language deficiencies.

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), 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 regionally accredited with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). All academic programs and degrees of each College/School of the University have been approved by SACS.

Upon completion of the Ph.D. 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, the graduate will be able to teach in related programs at the university-level.

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

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 (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies – two years residency, 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 STUDIES

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biblical Studies is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in biblical studies with a practitioner's approach to Biblical studies and with an option to become sufficiently acquainted with the Greek and Hebrew languages for use as basic linguistic tools in the study of the Bible. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) followed by the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies offered by Amridge University.

The M.A. program is open to applicants who hold the B.A. or B.S. degree. The major for this program is Biblical Studies. A student may acquire an area of concentration by earning 12 semester hours of non-required courses in Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Professional Studies, Theological and Historical Studies, Missions Studies, or Counseling Studies.

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

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. Developed a professional scholarly approach to interpreting the Bible;

3. Advanced studies in biblical languages, such as Hebrew and Greek;

4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and

5. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.

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 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 only 42 semester hours to complete the degree option. At least 33 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 57 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 in the application packet and are also 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 "C" 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. A student who wishes to concentrate in the area of Old Testament text should enroll in the Hebrew language or in the Greek language for the New Testament text. These courses, if not taken on the undergraduate level, can be taken as elective courses in the Master of Arts program.

· Standardized Tests – Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) Test or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken by the applicant. 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 of at least 440 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for the paper version and 123 for the computer version.

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.

· Optional – All applicants are encouraged to submit a recent photograph. The picture should be a close-up of head and shoulders. This may be sent in a JPEG format to admissions@amridgeuniversity.edu. A student is not required to send a photograph in order to be admitted to Amridge University.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

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

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 6339 Research and Evaluation			3
	FD 6312 Hermeneutics			3
	FD 63•• Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic Readings (Either FD 6304 and FD 6305 -OR- FD 6308 and FD 6309-OR- FD 6308 and FD 6330)			6
	FD 7322 Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I			3
Total Required Hours				21

Elective Courses
	Textual Courses			12
	Area of Concentration			12
	Elective Courses -OR-	12
	RS 7302 Thesis Part I	3	=	12
	RS 7303 Thesis Part II	3
	Remaining Elective Courses	6

Total Elective Hours				36
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR DEGREE				*57

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 of 42 Hours Students who have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level will receive Advanced Bible Placement – reducing required hours total from 57 to 42 semester hours.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students in the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies anticipating graduation must pass the Comprehensive Examination. In order to take the exam one must register for the course FD 7322 -- Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I.

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. Additionally, student must then register for the course "Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I." 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: (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:

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 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 Vice President of Academic Affairs 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.

The Thesis requirements are:

All theses must be consistent with the Chicago Manual of Style, latest edition published by the University of Chicago Press, and must be written in third person. Research for a dissertation is based upon the following principles:

Thesis Part I

1. Completed Research Thesis Proposal, which must include:

a. Statement of Problem and subproblems

b. Statement of hypothesis questions

c. Statement of delimitations (research will not address)

d. Statement of definitions of terms

e. Statement of assumptions

f. Statement of importance of study

g. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters and subtopics)

2. Completed First Chapter of the thesis plan (written in third person) which must include:

a. Introduction

b. Need for Study

c. Statement of Problems and Subproblems

d. Purpose of Study

e. Delimitations

f. Methodology

g. Definitions of Terms

h. Organization

3. Completed Third Chapter of the Research Design Proposal, which must include:

a. What is the research design

b. Sources and nature of data

c. Criteria for the admissibility of data

d. Identify appropriate measurement instruments

e. Method of collecting data

f. Linking data and research methodology

4. Completed Second Chapter, a Review of Literature (written in third person).

Thesis Part II

1. Completed Revised Third Chapter, Research Design (written in third person).

2. Completed Fourth Chapter Reporting of Data (written in third person).

3. Completed Fifth Chapter Conclusions and Recommendations (written in third person).

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 Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program 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 18 semester hours of course work (i.e., 6 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 6 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 57 semester hours M.A. Degree program in the Biblical Studies track. The remainder of the semester hours of the Biblical Studies program may be taken via distance learning.

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. A total of 57 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 FD 7322 – Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I to prepare for the 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 THEOLOGY

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Practical Theology is a professional-level degree designed to prepare students for work in biblical studies with a practitioner's approach to biblical studies. Likewise, this program provides a foundation for students to pursue more advanced studies and degree programs such as the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) offered by Amridge University. The M.A. program is open to applicants who hold the B.A. or B.S. degree. The major for this program is Practical Theology. A student may acquire an area of concentration by earning 12 semester hours of nonrequired courses in Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Professional Studies, Theological and Historical Studies, Missions Studies, or Counseling Studies.

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

1. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to effectively function as a minister or teacher in a church setting;

2. The skills for a practical/utility approach to the biblical text;

3. The knowledge to make a clearer interpretation of Biblical texts, thus putting the passage/passages on a level that is easier for the average member of the church to understand;

4. A sound foundation in biblical studies for advanced education; and

5. The preparation to handle scholarly teaching positions.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Practical Theology 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 only 42 semester hours to complete the degree option. At least 33 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 57 semester hours.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Master of Arts in Practical Theology 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 Theology

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament	3
OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament	3
RS 6339 Research and Evaluation	3
LD 6362 Spiritual Leadership within the Organization	3
PS 6302 Homiletics	3
FT 7301 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
PS 6310 Personal Evangelism	3
FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
LD 6357 Organizational Communication	3
TH 6310 Systematic Theology	3
NT 6320 The Book Acts	3
LD 6353 Leadership Visualization and Values	3
TH 6320 Christian Evidences	3
NT 6312 The Life and Teachings of Christ	3
FD 7322 Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I	3
Total Required Hours for Ministry Major	45
Electives
Textual Courses	6
General Elective Courses in Missions, Ministry, Leadership	6
or Professional Services
Total Elective Hours for Ministry Major	12
Total Required Hours for M.A. Practical Theology Degree	*57

*Advanced Bible Placement of 42 Hours Students who have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level will receive Advanced Bible Placement – reducing required hour total from 57 to 42 semester hours.
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

Qualifications for the Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive Examination Testing Procedure

Grading of the Comprehensive Exam

The Comprehensive Examination is graded in accordance with the following:

1. The Vice President of Academic Affairs 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.

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

3. 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 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.

4. 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.

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 Master of Arts in Practical Theology program 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 18 semester hours of course work (i.e., 6-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 6-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 57 semester hours Master of Arts Degree program in the Practical Theology track. The remainder of the semester hours of the Practical Theology program may be taken via distance learning.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Practical Theology

Before being graduated with the Master of Arts in Practical Theology, 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 Comprehensive Exam. Students must register for FD 7322 – Synthesis of Theological Curriculum I to prepare for the exam. 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 DIVINITY

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and thorough preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Through completion of this program, graduates will be able to conduct their ministry at the highest level of professional competence and communicate in a manner that is intellectually articulate. Also, graduates will be committed to, and effective in, evangelism. Finally, graduates of the M.Div. Degree will be able to conduct themselves and relate to others in a way that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

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

1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. Skills in studying the Bible;

3. A sound foundation for continuing scholarly biblical studies such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biblical Studies, for advanced education; and

4. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.

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 M.Div. degree.

· Language – One year of Greek or one year of Hebrew on the undergraduate level with a grade of "C" 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. A student who wishes to concentrate in the area of Old Testament text should enroll in the Hebrew language or in the Greek language for the New Testament text. These courses, if not taken on the undergraduate level, can be taken as elective courses in the Master of Divinity program.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

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

Required Courses for the Master of Divinity

Required Courses		Sem. Hrs.
	FT 7301 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	3
	PS 6303 Educational Program of the Local Church	3
	RS 6339 Research and Evaluation	3
	FD 6312 Hermeneutics	3
	NT 6301 Critical Introduction to the New Testament	3
	OT 6301 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament	3
	LD 6362 Spiritual Leadership	3
	PS 6302 Homiletics	3
	TH 6316 Theism and Humanism -OR-
	PS 6311 Ministry and the Contemporary World	3
	FD 7323 Synthesis of Theological Curriculum II	3
Total Required Hours		30

Elective Courses
	Textual Courses	18
	Professional Studies/Missions	9
	Foundation Studies	6
	Theological Studies	3
	Internships (or additional electives)	6
	General Electives	18
	FD 6302, FD 6303 Elementary Greek I, II -OR- FD 6306, FD 6307 Elementary Hebrew I, II
Total Elective Hours		60
**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 of 75 Hours: Students who have a major in religious studies on the undergraduate level will receive Advanced Bible Placement – reducing required degree total from 90 to 75 semester hours.

*NOTE:

Hebrew and/or Greek languages are recommended in the M.Div. 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 FD 7323 -- Synthesis of Theological Curriculum II.

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 FD 7323 -- Synthesis of Theological Curriculum II. 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. Student 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.

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 M.Div. Degree program 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 18 semester hours of course work (i.e., 6 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 six 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 90 semester hour Master of Divinity track. The remainder of the semester hours of the Master of Divinity program may be taken via distance learning.

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 2.0;

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

Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree program to qualified persons currently engaged in ministry. The D.Min. program builds on and extends previous theological education and experience. Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness or tailor their program toward a particular specialty. The purpose of this advanced level program is to help focus the efforts and develop the effectiveness of persons in ministry. 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 the knowledge of the disciplines such as: Scripture, theology, church history, and 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.

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

1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible and skills to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. A more in-depth knowledge of the bible and ministry related subjects;

3. Skills in studying and teaching the Bible;

4. Experience in conducting bible or ministry related research;

5. Knowledge and skills in accessing, selecting, judging, selecting, and extracting information from various sources;

6. Skills in analyzing and interpreting research results;

7. Experience in presenting in written form and defending research results;

8. Skills to supervise and lead others in a ministry program; and

9. Have insight and vision in planning church and related works.

These outcomes are assessed in the following course. 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) Test 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 of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for the paper version and 213 for the computer version;

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 from a former teacher, one from a colleague, and one from an employer; 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.

Also, all applicants are encouraged to submit a recent photograph. The picture should be a close-up of head and shoulders. This may be sent in a JPEG format to admissions@amridgeuniversity.edu. A student is not required to send a photograph in order to be admitted to Amridge University.

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

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 Doctor of Ministry

Required Courses	Sem. Hrs.
DM 9301 Ministry in the D.Min. 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. The dissertation modules must be completed in sequence.

A student who fails to enroll in a dissertation course in a seceding semester 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

The following outline identifies basic content requirements for the dissertation modules. A Historical Research Dissertation may have more chapters and may deviate from this prescribed pattern. The Dissertation committee may prescribe additional requirements for any or all modules. A quantitative dissertation must be written in third person. A qualitative dissertation may be written in first person.

Requirements for Completion of Dissertation Module Courses

[Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass)]

Module I Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Completed Research Dissertation Prospectus or Proposal, which must include:

a. Statement of the problem and sub-problems

b. Statement of hypothesis or research questions

(1). (Quantitative dissertations) Statement of hypothesis

(2). (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of research
questions

c. Statement of delimitations (what the research will not
address)

d. Statement of definitions of terms

e. Statement of assumptions

f. Statement of importance of study

g. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of rationale for the
selection of qualitative research methodology

h. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of relationship of
qualitative research methodology to research questions

i. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of the Qualitative
Researcher’s sampling procedures

j. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher proposes to analyze the data (e.g., content
analysis, thematic analysis, etc)

k. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher will address trustworthiness and reliability (e.g.,
triangulation, member-checking, etc)

l. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters
and subtopics)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Completed First Chapter of the research plan which must include:

a. Introduction

b. Need for Study

c. Statement of Problems and Sub-problems

d. Purpose of Study

e. Delimitations

f. Methodology

g. Definitions of Terms

h. Organization

2. Completed Second Chapter: a Review of Literature

3. Completed Third Chapter: the Research Design Proposal, which
must include:

a. Description of the research design

b. Sources and nature of data

c. Criteria for the admissibility of data

d. Identification of appropriate procedures for analyzing data.

e. Method of Collecting Data

f. Link data and research methodology

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

2. Documented proof of implementation of research as defined in
Chapter Three (This would include questionnaires, research data,
etc.)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

1. Completed Chapter 4 - Reporting of Data

2. Completed Chapter 5 - Findings, Analysis, Interpretation, Conclusion and Summary of the Research Dissertation

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

4. Successful Defense of the Research Dissertation (Conducted on the main campus)

5. (Ph.D. in Biblical Studies only) 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 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 one or more of the following doctrines: Bibliology, Theology, Angelology, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, and Eschatology. Special emphasis must be given to the sub-doctrines such as the Doctrine of God, Inspiration and Authority, Doctrine of Satan, Doctrine of Sin, Virgin Birth of Christ, Atonement, Doctrine of Salvation, Resurrection of Christ, Doctrine of the Church, New Testament Christian Worship, Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, or Man's Victory over Death.

6. Submit completed Research Dissertation

Requirements for Satisfactory Progress in

Dissertation Module Courses

If a student does not fulfill all requirements for a module the following minimum requirements for the applicable module must be met to award the student an IP (in-progress) grade.

[Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress)]

Module I Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1 and 2.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1 and 2.

1. Complete two approved dissertation chapters

2. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Data collection procedures approved.

2. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

3. Research data collection begun

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Three approved chapters

2. All research data collected

3. Data analysis procedures and reporting formats approved

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Requirements for Completion of Dissertation Module

First Continuation Courses

[Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass)]

Module I First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Completed Research Dissertation Prospectus or Proposal, which
must include:

a. Statement of the problem and sub-problems

b. Statement of hypothesis or research questions

(1). (Quantitative dissertations) Statement of hypothesis

(2). (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of research questions

c. Statement of delimitations (what the research will not address)

d. Statement of definitions of terms

e. Statement of assumptions

f. Statement of importance of study

g. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of rationale for the
selection of qualitative research methodology

h. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of relationship of
qualitative research methodology to research questions

i. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of the Qualitative
Researcher’s sampling procedures

j. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher proposes to analyze the data (e.g., content
analysis, thematic analysis, etc)

k. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher will address trustworthiness and reliability (e.g.,
triangulation, member-checking, etc)

l. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters and
subtopics)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Completed First Chapter of the research plan which must include:

a. Introduction

b. Need for Study

c. Statement of Problems and Sub-problems

d. Purpose of Study

e. Delimitations

f. Methodology

g. Definitions of Terms

h. Organization

2. Completed Second Chapter: a Review of Literature

3. Completed Third Chapter: the Research Design Proposal, which
must include:

a. Description of the research design

b. Sources and nature of data

c. Criteria for the admissibility of data

d. Identification of appropriate procedures for analyzing data.

e. Method of Collecting Data

f. Link data and research methodology

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3

1. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

2. Documented proof of implementation of research as defined in
Chapter Three (This would include questionnaires, research data,
etc.)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

1. Completed Chapter 4 - Reporting of Data

2. Completed Chapter 5 - Findings, Analysis, Interpretation, Conclusion
and Summary of the Research Dissertation

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

4. Successful Defense of the Research Dissertation (Conducted on the
main campus)

6. Submit completed Research Dissertation

Requirements for Satisfactory Progress in Dissertation Module

First Continuation Courses

If a student does not fulfill all requirements for a module first continuation course the following minimum requirements for the applicable module must be met to award the student an IP (in-progress) grade.

[Requirements for a grade of “IP” (In-progress)]

Module I First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (In-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Completed a significant portion of the Research Dissertation
Prospectus or Proposal, which must include:

a. Statement of the problem and sub-problems

b. Statement of hypothesis or research questions

(1). (Quantitative dissertations) Statement of hypothesis

(2). (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of research questions

c. Statement of delimitations (what the research will not address)

d. Statement of definitions of terms

e. Statement of assumptions

f. Statement of importance of study

g. Statement of selection of qualitative research methodology

h. Statement of relationship of qualitative research methodology
to research questions

i. Statement of the Qualitative Researcher’s sampling
procedures

j. Statement of how the Qualitative Researcher proposes to
analyze the data (e.g., content analysis, thematic analysis, etc)

k. Statement of how the Qualitative Researcher will address
           trustworthiness and reliability (e.g., triangulation, member-
      checking, etc).

l. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters
and subtopics)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (In-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2,3 and 4.

1. Completed First Chapter

2. Completed Second Chapter, a Review of Literature

3. Completed Third Chapter (Except for Committee recommended
changes)

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (In-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Completed three chapters

2. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

3. Collected substantial data

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV First Continuation Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (In-progress):

Must have completed items 1 and 2.

1. Completed all chapters of the dissertation

2. Additional requirements from the Committee

Requirements for Completion of Dissertation Module

Second Continuation Courses

[Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass)]

Module I Second Continuation

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Completed Research Dissertation Prospectus or Proposal, which
must include:

a. Statement of the problem and sub-problems

b. Statement of hypothesis or research questions

(1). (Quantitative dissertations) Statement of hypothesis

(2). (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of research questions

c. Statement of delimitations (what the research will the selection of
qualitative research methodology

d. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of relationship of qualitative
research methodology to research questions

e. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of the Qualitative
Researcher’s sampling procedures

f. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher proposes to analyze the data (e.g., content analysis,
thematic analysis, etc)

g. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher will address trustworthiness and reliability (e.g.,
triangulation, member checking, etc)

h. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters and subtopics)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II Second Continuation

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Completed First Chapter of the research plan which must include:

a. Introduction

b. Need for Study

c. Statement of Problems and Sub-problems

d. Purpose of Study

e. Delimitations

f. Methodology

g. Definitions of Terms

h. Organization

2. Completed Second Chapter: a Review of Literature

3. Completed Third Chapter: the Research Design Proposal, which
must include:

a. Description of the research design

b. Sources and nature of data

c. Criteria for the admissibility of data

d. Identification of appropriate procedures for analyzing data.

e. Method of Collecting Data

f. Link data and research methodology

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III Second Continuation

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

2. Documented proof of implementation of research as defined in
Chapter Three ( This would include questionnaires, research data,
etc.)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV Second Continuation

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

1. Completed Chapter 4 - Reporting of Data

2. Completed Chapter 5 - Findings, Analysis, Interpretation, Conclusion
and Summary of the Research Dissertation

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

4. Successful Defense of the Research Dissertation (Conducted on the
main campus)

6. Submit completed Research Dissertation

End of Dissertation Modules Requirements

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

Other requirements within these concentrations are as follows:

1. Old Testament Concentration

2. New Testament Concentration

The Ph.D. Degree Program in Biblical Studies is a 60 semester hour rigorous research-oriented program beyond the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. The Master of Theology or the two year Master of Arts in Bible or the Doctor of Ministry will usually meet the sixty semester hours of master level required courses. Applicants aspiring to enter this degree program must satisfy the eight primary requirements of admission.

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

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 Admissions Application;

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 of Divinity or Master of Theology or two year Master of Arts in Bible or Doctor of Ministry from an accredited institution with a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 point scale;

4. Have submitted to the Amridge University Admissions Office proof of the results of the Graduate Record Exam General (GRE) Test 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 of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for the paper version and 213 for the computer version

5. 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;

6. Submit a term paper 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 from a former teacher, one from a colleague, and one from an employer.

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 Ph.D. degree program as defined by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Specifically, the ATS accreditation standards for Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. in Biblical Studies must 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 leveling 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.

Submission of a Photograph

Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to submit a recent photograph. The picture should be a close-up of head and shoulders. This may be sent in a JPEG format to admissions@amridgeuniversity.edu

A student is not required to send a photograph in order to be admitted to Amridge University.

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
a Historical and Archaeological Research of Old Testament			3
TH 9309 Research in New Testament Theology			3
TH 9315 Biblical Ethics			3
TH 9318 Research in Old Testament Theology			3
FD 9353 Entomology and Exegesis of Key Biblical Terminology			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

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
TH 9309 Research in New Testament Theology			3
TH 9315 Biblical Ethics			3
TH 9318 Research in Old Testament Theology			3
FD 9353 Entomology and Exegesis of Key Biblical Terminology			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

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. 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 Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 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 Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. in a field related to family therapy. 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, 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 course 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, 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.

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.

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

Requirements for Dissertation Module Courses

Requirements for Completion of Dissertation Module Courses

[Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass)]

Module I Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Completed Research Dissertation Prospectus or Proposal, which must include:

a. Statement of the problem and sub-problems

b. Statement of hypothesis or research questions

(1). (Quantitative dissertations) Statement of hypothesis

(2). (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of research
questions

c. Statement of delimitations (what the research will not
address)

d. Statement of definitions of terms

e. Statement of assumptions

f. Statement of importance of study

g. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of rationale for the
selection of qualitative research methodology

h. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of relationship of
qualitative research methodology to research questions

i. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of the Qualitative
Researcher’s sampling procedures

j. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher proposes to analyze the data (e.g., content
analysis, thematic analysis, etc)

k. (Qualitative dissertations) Statement of how the Qualitative
Researcher will address trustworthiness and reliability (e.g.,
triangulation, member-checking, etc)

l. Statement of organization (outline of all proposed chapters
and subtopics)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Completed First Chapter of the research plan which must include:

a. Introduction

b. Need for Study

c. Statement of Problems and Sub-problems

d. Purpose of Study

e. Delimitations

f. Methodology

g. Definitions of Terms

h. Organization

2. Completed Second Chapter: a Review of Literature

3. Completed Third Chapter: the Research Design Proposal, which
must include:

a. Description of the research design

b. Sources and nature of data

c. Criteria for the admissibility of data

d. Identification of appropriate procedures for analyzing data.

e. Method of Collecting Data

f. Link data and research methodology

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

2. Documented proof of implementation of research as defined in
Chapter Three (This would include questionnaires, research data,
etc.)

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV Course

Requirements for a grade of “P” (pass):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

1. Completed Chapter 4 - Reporting of Data

2. Completed Chapter 5 - Findings, Analysis, Interpretation, Conclusion and Summary of the Research Dissertation

3. Additional requirements from the Committee

4. Successful Defense of the Research Dissertation (Conducted on the main campus)

6. Submit completed Research Dissertation

Requirements for Satisfactory Progress in

Dissertation Module Courses

If a student does not fulfill all requirements for a module the following minimum requirements for the applicable module must be met to award the student an IP (in-progress) grade.

[Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress)]

Module I Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1 and 2.

1. Completed Initial Review of Literature

2. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module II Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1 and 2.

1. Complete two approved dissertation chapters

2. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module III Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2 and 3.

1. Data collection procedures approved.

2. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Board for the data
collection instruments and procedures.

3. Research data collection begun

4. Additional requirements from the Committee

Module IV Course

Requirements for a grade of “IP” (in-progress):

Must have completed items 1, 2, 3 and 4.

1. Three approved chapters

2. All research data collected

3. Data analysis procedures and reporting formats approved

4. Additional requirements from the Committee