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PREPARING FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES IN OLD TESTAMENT: ADVICE TO SEMINARY STUDENTS

I begin these words of advice with two assumptions: (1) that you are enrolled in (or soon to enroll in) a three-year M.Div. program, and (2) that you have already chosen the OT as your future field of study. Since it is possible that a few readers do not fit these criteria, let me say a bit about each of them. First, some students who want to do doctoral work in biblical studies but do not plan to seek ordination choose a two-year M.A. program to prepare themselves. For OT studies this is usually not a realistic plan unless you have had Greek and Hebrew in college. The level of ancient language competency expected by most major schools cannot usually be achieved in two years if you are starting from scratch. Also, you should know that while many M.A. programs allow you to specialize completely in biblical studies, many Ph.D. programs in biblical studies require or at least prefer that you will have some masters-level training in theology, ethics, church history, and subjects like sociology or psychology of religion.

Second, if you are not absolutely sure of your choice of subject, you should take courses in a variety of seminary subjects right from the start. You might get hooked on another field. Before you invest four to seven years of your life in long hours of study with little or no income, you should be as sure as you can that your passion for the field of your choice will carry you through.

Now, on to OT preparation!

(1) Hebrew, Greek, and OT classes. You should begin your ancient languages as early as possible, so that you will have time for elective classes using each language. Major schools hope for at least two, preferably three or more, courses using Hebrew beyond the basic grammar course, and at least one, preferably two or more, using Greek. Since many smaller seminaries do not have electives that require use of the language, you should tell your professor of your interest and use the language even when not required. Then, when you fill out applications, list (even if not asked) the parts of the Bible that you have already read in the original languages. If possible, some of your elective work should allow you to do in-depth study of a particular OT book, even if that happens in relation to some theological theme. If advanced reading or grammar classes in Hebrew are available, take advantage of them. Be sure, though, to include exegetical and thematic study as well.

(2) Other Ancient Languages and Subjects beyond Biblical Studies. Some seminaries may offer Aramaic or Latin, maybe even Ugaritic or some other ancient language. If you have time to include such a class in your program, that is fine. But do not worry if it is not offered or you cannot fit it in. The ancient languages beyond Greek and Hebrew that you need will be offered as part of your graduate program. What you will not have time to do in graduate school is to get a solid foundation in the other fields offered in seminary, such as theology, ethics, church history, and the practical theological subjects. Never think that those subjects are a waste of time. The Bible plays a significant role in all those other areas. Most biblical applicants are not well enough trained in philosophy; take such a class if you did not have it in college. And remember that the “skills” of the practical preparation for ministry are used by teachers every day.

(3) Modern Languages. Most Ph.D. programs in Bible require two modern languages besides English, usually German and French. Spanish and modern Hebrew are also important for OT studies, but they are less often formal program requirements. Although programs vary regarding the deadline for demonstrating competency in modern languages, competitive applicants have usually studied at least one of these already. German is more used in biblical studies, and is also generally more difficult for English speakers to learn. If your schedule permits, try to find a class that focuses on reading theological (or general scholarly) German. Then keep practicing; use what you learn. Imagine that you will arrive at grad school and the professor will assign you a full-length German book to report on in the first three weeks. It happens.

(4) Academic Writing. Most schools will require a writing sample that you consider to be your best work in OT. In Ph.D. work, your papers for seminars, and of course eventually your dissertation, will be expected to identify a problem and use arguments from the primary literature (biblical texts) to propose a solution, while engaging in conversation with secondary literature (commentaries, other books, articles) about the possible answers to the problem. Note that this is not a “formula” exegesis paper covering each verse of a passage, which is just the preparatory exercise for this more advanced kind of paper. You should begin building your skill in writing problem-solving papers. If your seminary classes do not require such a paper, ask a professor whether you can have a substitute course assignment so that you can have such a paper ready to present with your application.

(5) A Subspecialty? There are many facets to advanced study of the OT, such as historical inquiry, literary approaches, biblical theology, history of interpretation in pre-modern Christianity or Judaism, study of a particular part of the canon such as wisdom literature or pentateuch or prophets, archaeology, linguistics and ancient inscriptions, comparative ancient Near Eastern religions. Most Ph.D. programs will cover some but not all of these. To the extent that you can identify your priorities, you will be able to apply to programs that best fit your interests. Most seminaries will not offer courses specializing in many of these areas, but your professors can work with you in this discernment process.

(6) Prayer. If you are a seminarian, you are presumably preparing for graduate study as a Christian vocation. Keep open to God’s guidance for your future. Remember that you are God’s child. Whatever happens about your dreams for graduate school, the relationship with God is what counts the most in life.

By Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, Eisenberger Professor of Old Testament, Director of Ph.D. Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, and a clergy member of New Brunswick Presbytery, PCUSA.