About Us
Shepherds Institute of Archeaology
The Shepherds Institute of Archaeology exists to provide a venue and apparatus for instruction, research, and field experience in archaeology within ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman contexts. Biblical archaeology seeks to illuminate our understanding of the biblical world by recovering and investigating its material culture and ancient texts.
At Shepherds, we understand that archaeological findings may be interpreted in multiple ways based on the presuppositions of archaeologists and the prevailing culture. Our desire is to prepare the next generation of archaeologists by providing opportunities for students to participate in scheduled excavations throughout the modern countries representing historical context. Participants in such excavations will be equipped to demonstrate the skills necessary for all phases of fieldwork, follow-up analysis, conservation, and the publication of such findings.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology
65 Credit Hours | 2-Year Program |
1 Life-Changing Dig
The Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology (MABA) provides graduate level instruction in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field. Students will learn the history, theory, and practice of archaeology, all while engaging in a comprehensive study of the Bible and its theology. Students who choose the optional thesis track will be fully prepared to apply to PhD programs in archaeology.
VIEW SAMPLE DEGREE CURRICULUM
| R 500 Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | 3 |
| AR 505 Archaeological Method and Theory | 3 |
| AR 610 Archaeological Fieldwork I | 3 |
| AR 615 Archaeological Fieldwork II | 3 |
| AR 625 Archaeological Laboratory | 3 |
| AR 630 Archaeology and the NT | 3 |
| AR 632 Archaeology and the OT | 3 |
| AR 620 Biblical Chronology | 3 |
| AR 626 Intertestamental Literature | 3 |
| AR 636 Geography of Bible Lands | 3 |
| AR 640 Greco-Roman World | 3 |
| AR 710 Archaeological Fieldwork III | 3 |
| AR 715 Archaeological Fieldwork IV | 3 |
| AR 720 Dead Sea Scrolls | 3 |
| AR 726 Literature of the Ancient Near East | 3 |
| AR 790 Thesis I | 3 |
| AR 792 Thesis II | 3 |