Investigate the world of the Bible Old Testament Archaeology (M.A.)

Investigate the world of the Bible through the rigorous study of ancient artifacts and texts. The M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology from the Wheaton College Graduate School combines coursework with fieldwork, as students have the opportunity to participate in excavations at Tel Shimron, the largest site in Israel’s Jezreel Valley.

Credential Type

  • M.A.

Major Credits Required

  • 36

Duration

  • 12 months

Format

  • Residential

Study Abroad

  • 6-week summer excavation in Israel

6 Weeks in Israel

Participate in archaeological research as part of the excavations at Tel Shimron.

14,000+ items & artifacts

The Joseph P. Free Collection at Wheaton’s Archaeology Lab contains thousands of ancient artifacts.

2 Concentration Areas

Choose to focus on either Old Testament or Near Eastern Studies.

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

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Tel Shimron Excavation - Wheaton College (IL)

Discover your future by uncovering the past. Why Study Old Testament Archaeology at Wheaton?

Biblical archaeology is an exciting, interdisciplinary field that sits at the intersection of ancient texts and artifacts, biblical and theological study, and contemporary Christianity. It provides cultural, historical, social, religious, and linguistic information that sheds light on the context of Biblical passages.

An M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology prepares you for ministerial work and teaching in local churches or for further academic studies in related fields, such as archaeology, near east studies, pastoral studies, or biblical studies.

Program Overview

Our program offers a concentration in Old Testament and Near Eastern Studies and emphasizes four content areas:

  • Archaeology
  • Biblical Geography
  • Biblical Languages
  • Biblical Studies

Our Curriculum

Old Testament Archaeology seeks to understand the world of the Bible through rigorous study of ancient sources. Students will excavate and work with ancient artifacts, learn Biblical Hebrew, take courses in ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Studies, and traverse the geography of the Old Testament world.

Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.

Sample Courses

Your specific requirements will vary based on your chosen concentration; however, common core and elective options include:

  • Intro to Hebrew Exegesis
  • Advanced Archaeology & the Old Testament
  • Old Testament Hermeneutics
  • International Relations in the Ancient Near East

The program also includes an archaeological field fieldwork course which takes place in Israel over the summer.

Tel-Shimron-Forensic excavator
Study Abroad Feature

Tel Shimron Excavations

Learn alongside professors and other archaeologists as they join the Tel Shimron Excavations, an international, interdisciplinary project dedicated to uncovering remains from the Middle Bronze Age. Located in northern Israel, Tel Shimron is an ancient city is full of biblical and historical signficance.

Open to students of any major, this six-week program is offered in select summers; scholarships and financial aid may be available.

Learn About Tel Shimron Excavations

Our Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

Learn from faculty members with expertise in areas such as ancient Israel, prophetic literature, biblical interpretation, petrography, and historical geography. Students get to work with field archaeologists, and a team of world-class scientists who bring expertise in all aspects of modern, interdisciplinary archaeological research.

Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D. Headshot

Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies in the Litfin Divinity School; Program Director of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Program; Professor of Old Testament
Andrew Burlingame, Ph.D. Headshot

Andrew Burlingame, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Hebrew
M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Ph.D. Headshot

M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Ph.D.

Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy
Daniel Master, Ph.D. Headshot

Daniel Master, Ph.D.

Professor of Archaeology
Esau McCaulley, Ph.D. Headshot

Esau McCaulley, Ph.D.

Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology
Adam E. Miglio, Ph.D. Headshot

Adam E. Miglio, Ph.D.

Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament, Director of M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology
Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. Headshot

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.

Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament
Richard Schultz, Ph.D. Headshot

Richard Schultz, Ph.D.

Blanchard Professor of Old Testament
Biblical and Theological Studies women enjoying a day out in Chicago

BTS Grad Women's Fellowship

The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do With a Master's in Old Testament Archaeology?

An M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology prepares for careers in academia, research, archaeology, and other fields, as well as for doctoral and seminary programs.

Teaching Careers

Those who consider this program as a terminal degree will be well-trained for teaching courses in Old and New Testament, Bible backgrounds, ancient history, and archaeology in church and school settings.

Archaeology Careers

With opportunities available both domestically and around the world, a master's degree in Old Testament Archaeology allows you to not only conduct fieldwork, but also become a strong candidate to lead a team.

Doctoral Programs

This program provides you with a solid basis for doctoral studies in archaeology, ancient history, Biblical studies, and church history. While you are not required to write a thesis for the M.A. program, you may do so if granted permission by an advisor and the department.

More About This Program Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a few common questions (and their answers) about this graduate program.

Wheaton College Graduate School Graduate Student at Commencement with His Mom
Investing in You

Financial Wellness

The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what scholarships, loans, and aid may be available to you. 

As a part of our mission to commit to the development of missional organizations, we have developed partnerships with various ministries and organizations to make graduate education more affordable.

Students currently involved with any of these ministries may qualify for up to 25% off tuition for all courses.

Learn About Graduate Financial Aid

Next Steps

Interested in ancient archaeological research? Consider pursuing a master's degree in Old Testament Archaeology at Wheaton College. Request more information or start your application today.