The BA Biblical Studies (Honours) program allows greater specialization than is possible in the standard BA Biblical Studies program. It is designed for students who wish for deeper insight and more intensive training in their subject of special interest and who are able to meet the higher standards set. Entrance into this program is by application following the completion a minimum of 45 credit hours, and the student is required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 at the time of entry. Approval is subject to faculty availability and competence in the area of research.
Students must complete 45 credit hours of major requirements, including 33 credit hours at the 300-400 levels with a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 400 level. In addition, students must take at least 18 credit hours of biblical languages, including at least 12 credit hours in one language (Hebrew or Greek) and 6 credit hours in a second biblical language. Students who complete this program will also be awarded a minor in Ancient and Biblical Languages.
The program is offered with the written authorization of the Minister of Advanced Education effective July 31, 2021. This authorization was provided after the program proposal underwent a quality assurance review and was found to meet the standards established by the Minister. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs.
Credit Hours: 120
I. Required Courses (6 credit hours)
BLST 111 Introduction to the Old Testament
BLST 109 Introduction to the New Testament
BLST 423 Advanced Hermeneutics
II. Electives (45 credit hours)
Minimum 6 credit hours must be taken in each of the 3 domains: (a) Old Testament Studies; (b) New Testament Studies; and (c) Backgrounds and Methodological issues.
A minimum of at least 21 credit hours must be taken at the 300+ level. An additional 3 credithour elective must be taken at the 400 level. (Note: BLST 426 Biblical Studies Internship may be taken as an elective, but does not count as one of the required 400 level courses.)
III. Honours Thesis (6 credit hours)
Students are required to complete BLST 498/99 Honours Thesis (6 credit hours), including an oral defense or public presentation and the production of a library-acceptable copy. The Honours thesis must be defended before two faculty members, one of whom (typically the second reader) may be a non-Briercrest faculty member.
IV. Cognate Language Requirements (18 credit hours)
12 credit hours of one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew) and at least 6 credit hours of the other.
Note: students may count the second year of the second biblical language as Biblical Studies Electives.
V. Cognate Theological Studies Requirements (6 credit hours with a minimum of 3 credit hours at 300+ level)
VI. Free Electives (to bring credit hour total to 120 credit hours)
PRT 400 Senior Portfolio (non-credit)
SL 1-6 Service and Experiential Learning (non-credit)
In addition, all Bachelor of Arts degrees require the completion of Briercrest's core curriculum.
