Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures: Biblical Studies, MA
In addition to the MA awarded within the PhD program, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MELC) offers an independent (terminal) MA degree in Biblical Studies, which is one of the tracks in MELC’s graduate program in Hebrew and Judaic Studies. This track offers advanced study of the languages and philology of the Hebrew Bible as well as the history and archaeology of ancient Israel in its Middle Eastern context.
Students admitted to the MA program are assigned a faculty advisor to guide their studies. Courses, selected in consultation with the advisor, will normally be completed in three semesters. All students, regardless of their concentration, must master at least one of the languages in which the primary sources of MELC's subfields are written. Standards vary by subfield.
For more information: https://nelc.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/general-ma-procedures
View the University’s Academic Rules for Research Master's Programs.
Curriculum
A minimum of 12 course units are required for graduation.
- Coursework
- Reading proficiency examination in one modern language of scholarly research
- MA Final Exams (no more than four exams, with at least one being a language exam)
- Thesis or two research papers
Some MA students apply for MELC’s PhD program. However, admission to the MA program or successful completion of the MA does not provide a guarantee of admission to the PhD program.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.