Bible
Fordham’s doctoral program in biblical studies prepares scholars for rigorous and transformative research and pedagogy across the core areas of biblical studies, from philology and exegesis to theology, material culture, reception, and the history of interpretation. The program is organized around two clusters – Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament – each anchored in historical-critical and literary approaches to textual study while in active dialogue with the critical currents shaping contemporary humanistic and social-scientific inquiry.
Coursework
Coursework in biblical studies aims to develop fluency with the contemporary methods and debates in biblical scholarship and to build the philological and historical competencies required for advanced work with primary sources. Students can also design their studies through electives suited to their particular research interests, including interdisciplinary seminars offered in other Fordham departments, as well as through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium and the New York Theological Group.
Language Requirements
Language requirements for the Ph.D. in Fordham’s Theology department are individualized: each student will work closely with their academic advisor at the beginning of the program to determine appropriate language requirements and proficiency levels tailored to their specific needs and goals. That being said, in almost all cases, doctoral students in the Bible field will be required to demonstrate competence in the biblical languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic) and at least one modern language relevant to their research.
Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive exams are designed to develop teaching competencies in both Testaments and to lay the foundation for dissertation research. The exact plan of comprehensive exams is developed individually with the primary advisor, but typically Bible students take comprehensive exams in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, New Testament, an outside area of their choice, and a dissertation area exam.
Bible Faculty