Associate of Arts in Divinity Studies

Associate of Arts in Divinity Studies (Hebrew Perspective)

Core Categories & Tracks

Track 1: Biblical Languages & Exegesis

Focus on mastering biblical Hebrew and foundational exegesis skills.

Track 2: Biblical Literature & History

Focus on understanding biblical narratives, history, and cultural context.

Track 3: Theology & Doctrine

Focus on biblical doctrines, theological concepts, and Hebrew theological perspectives.

Track 4: Practical Ministry & Interfaith Engagement

Focus on pastoral skills, worship, community leadership, and interfaith relations.

Curriculum Overview

1. Proficiency in Biblical Languages (8–12 credits)

Prerequisite: None; foundational for all tracks.

• - HEBR 1002: Hebrew Language and Grammar I (3)

  Prerequisite: None

• - HEBR 1003: Hebrew Language and Grammar II (3)

  Prerequisite: HEBR 1002

• - HEBR 1004: Biblical Hebrew Syntax and Vocabulary (3)

  Prerequisite: HEBR 1003

• - HEBR 1005: Hebrew Exegesis and Hermeneutics (3)

  Prerequisite: HEBR 1004

• - (Optional for more credits)

• - HEBR 1012: Greek Language Basics (for NT studies, 3)

  Prerequisite: None

2. Biblical Literacy and Exegesis (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Basic Hebrew proficiency or equivalent.

• - HEBR 1001: Introduction to the Torah and Tanakh (3)

• - HEBR 1006: Critical Methods in Biblical Studies (3)

• - HEBR 4001: Advanced Hermeneutics & Exegesis Techniques (3)

3. Hebrew History and Culture (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None.

• - HICS 1001: Hebrew History from Ancient to Modern Times (3)

• - HICS 2001: Hebrew Life in Ancient Israel and the Global Context (3)

• - HICS 2002: Hebrew Art, Music, and Cultural Expression (3)

4. Theology and Doctrine (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None.

• - PHIL 2001: Ethics and Moral Philosophy in Ancient Israel (3)

• - PHIL 3002: Jewish Mysticism and Ethical Thought (3)

• - HEBR 2001: The Role of Torah in Hebrew Life (3)

5. Ethics and Moral Principles (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None.

• - PHIL 2001: Ethics and Moral Philosophy (3)

• - PHIL 2003: Contemporary Hebrew Ethics (3)

• - LIT 3004: Translation and Interpretation of Sacred Texts (3)

6. Research & Critical Thinking (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Basic biblical studies or equivalent.

• - HEBR 3006: Critical Methods in Biblical Studies (3)

• - LIT 3004: Translation & Hermeneutics (3)

7. Practical Ministry Skills (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None.

• - RIT 3001: Hebrew Worship & Prayer Traditions (3)

• - RIT 3002: Festivals & Holidays in Hebrew Thought (3)

• - RIT 4001: Lifecycle Rituals & Ceremonies (3)

8. Interfaith & Cultural Awareness (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None.

• - INTER 2001: Judaism & Christianity Dialogue (3)

• - INTER 2002: Islamic Perspectives on Judaism (3)

• - INTER 3001: Interfaith Understanding & Cooperation (3)

Electives (12–15 credits, flexible)

(Choose based on track focus)

1. - HEBR 1010: Foundations of Missiology from a Hebrew Perspective

2. - HEBR 1011: Cultural Anthropology & Mission in Hebrew Contexts

3. - HEBR 1012: Theological Approaches to Mission & Evangelism

4. - RABB 2010: Discipleship & Practice in Hebrew Scripture (3)

5. - RABB 2011: Holistic Living & Spiritual Wellness (3)

6. - ESCH 3010: Prophetic Movements & Black Hebrew Identity (3)

7. - ESCH 3011: Prophetic Visions & Social Justice (3)

8. - RIT 4030: Foundations of Pastoral Ministry (3)

9. - RIT 4031: Pastoral Care & Discipleship (3)

10. - HICS 1002: Critical Examination of the Slave Narrative & Scripture (3)

11. - PHIL 1010: Prophetic Technologies & Inner Liberation (3)

12. - PHIL 1020: Biblical Counseling & Inner Healing (3)

13. - RIT 4040: Corporate Chaplaincy & Workplace Ministry (3)

14. - HEBR 4001: Advanced Hermeneutics & Exegesis (3)

15. - INTER 1001: Digital Ministry & Online Discipleship (3)

16. - PHIL 1030: Biblical Stewardship & Giving Principles (3)

17. - LIT 1001: Proverbs & Wisdom Literature on Virtue (3)

18. - PHIL 1004: Hebrew Perspectives on Manhood & Virtue (3)

Sample Tracks & Focus Areas

Track A: Biblical Languages & Exegesis

- Focus on Hebrew and Greek proficiency, hermeneutics, textual criticism, and advanced exegesis.

Track B: Biblical Literature & History

- Focus on biblical narratives, genres, historical context, and cultural studies.

Track C: Theology & Doctrine

- Emphasizes biblical doctrines, ethics, mysticism, and theological interpretation from a Hebrew perspective.

Track D: Practical Ministry & Interfaith Engagement

- Focuses on worship, pastoral skills, community leadership, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

Total credits: ~36–42, with flexibility for electives, to complete the associate degree requirements.

Additional Specialized Tracks:

With specialized tracks, additional courses are tailored to equip students with the specific skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary for each focus area:

Urban Ministry Track: Focus on City-Based Congregational Leadership (9-12 additional credits or more)

1. - Urban Contexts and Challenges: Understanding social, economic, and cultural issues in urban environments.

2. - City Ministry and Community Engagement: Strategies for outreach, evangelism, and building community in urban settings.

3. - Leadership and Administration in Urban Congregations: Congregation management, organizational leadership, and resource development.

4. - Cultural Competency and Diversity: Engaging effectively with diverse urban populations.

5. - Urban Social Issues and Biblical Responses: Addressing homelessness, poverty, violence, and other urban issues scripturally.

6. - Mentorship and Discipleship in Urban Settings: Developing leadership among urban youth and marginalized groups.

Community Organizing Track: Faith-Based Social Justice Advocacy (9-12 additional credits or more)

1. - Social Justice and Biblical Ethics: Theologically grounded approaches to justice, advocacy, and social change.

2. - Community Organizing and Mobilization: Principles and strategies of faith-based activism.

3. - Public Policy and Advocacy: Understanding government systems, policy development, and lobbying.

4. - Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue: Building coalitions and working across faith communities.

5. - History of Social Movements in Faith Contexts: Study of faith-inspired social justice movements.

6. - Legal and Ethical Issues in Advocacy: Navigating legal frameworks and ethical considerations.

Chaplaincy Track: Preparation for Institutional Chaplaincy Roles (6-9 additional credits or more)

1. - Pastoral Care and Counseling: Skills for providing emotional and spiritual support in institutional settings.

2. - Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response: Handling urgent and sensitive situations.

3. - Healthcare and Hospital Chaplaincy: Understanding medical ethics, patient care, and hospital protocols.

4. - Military and Institutional Chaplaincy: Specific needs of military, prison, or correctional facilities.

5. - Spiritual Assessment and Interfaith Ministry: Serving diverse faith backgrounds and spiritual needs.

6. - Ethics in Institutional Settings: Navigating confidentiality, end-of-life issues, and institutional policies.

General Recommendations:

• - Internship or Practicum: Practical experience in each track, such as urban church ministry, social justice projects, or hospital chaplaincy.

• - Leadership and Communication Skills: Courses or workshops on effective leadership, conflict resolution, and public speaking relevant to each specialization.