Undergraduate (Bachelors Degree)
Undergraduate Degree in Biblical Studies
Learning period: 3 Years | Type of Program: Double major | Enrollment Status: Registration begins January 29, 2023 | Department web site
The Department of Biblical Studies teaches all aspects of Old Testament study and research which include textual criticism, study of the sources, study of the individual books of the old testament, and the study of general overarching subjects – ideological, theological, literary, historical, etc. – with reference both to the biblical corpus as well as to external written and pictographic sources from the general milieu of the Ancient Near East. The research and study by the staff is directed also toward the comparative research of the Old Testament in its background and footing in the Ancient Near Eastern cultures and literatures from the general areas of Mesopotamia, Ugarit & Phoenicia, and Egypt.
Concerning the connection with later periods, the Old Testament translations into Greek and other languages are also studied, as are the Apocryphal books. Special attention is given to the study of the medieval commentaries on the Old Testament, as well as to the Dead Sea scrolls.
The curriculum includes: The study of biblical literature in modern times; the history of the bible period (Israel and the Ancient Near East); the language of the Bible and related languages; religions and ideologies; the style of the Bible; ancient translations; Jewish commentary; the Bible’s role in Jewish history and culture.
General Admission Requirements:
1. Complete Matriculation Certificate/ high school diploma or an equivalent recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Education or by the Registration Department.
2. Psychometric Entrance Examination/ SAT or ACT.
3. Knowledge of English– The level of English is determined within the framework of the Psychometric Entrance Examination, the English Placement Tests (AMIR /AMIRAM) or SAT, TOFEL, IELTS, ECRL tests.
The minimum level of English required for admission to the university is Basic (a score of at least 85). Certain departments require a higher level of English.
4. Knowledge of Hebrew – Applicants who took the Psychometric Entrance Examination in a language other than Hebrew and graduated from high schools where the language of instruction was not Hebrew, must prove satisfactory knowledge of Hebrew before the beginning of the academic year by passing a Hebrew Proficiency Test (YAEL/ YAELNET/ Hebrew classification test of the University of Haifa* ). The score required for admission to the University of Haifa is a score of at least 120 on the YAEL/ YAELNET/ Hebrew classification tests.
Applicants whose scores on the YAEL/ YAELNET/Hebrew classification tests range from 90-119 and their Psychometric score was at least 500 will be conditionally admitted and will have to pass the Hebrew Proficiency Test at the required score by the end of the first year of their studies. These students also have the option of studying a Hebrew literacy course within the framework of the University of Haifa preparatory program (Mechina) . Those who meet the course requirements and their final score in the course will be 85 and above will be exempt from the Hebrew condition.
Please note that certain departments require a higher level of Hebrew and that some departments do not approve admission with a Hebrew condition.
*The Hebrew classification test and Hebrew literacy course is valid at the University of Haifa only.
5.Departmental Entrance Examinations/Special admissions requirements– Certain departments require applicants to take a departmental Entrance Examinations and/or attend an interview or meet other departmental requirements.
For more information about the general admission requirements please read the supplement.
In addition to the general university admission requirements, the candidate must meet individual departmental admission requirements.
- A weighted grade of 500 or the special admission requirements of the Faculty of Humanities.
- Outstanding graduates of the University of Haifa’s pre-academic preparatory program will be accepted (for more information click here).
- For the calculator that rates the likelihood of your admission, click here.
Admission Requirements for Students who have a Matriculation Certificate** but have not taken the Psychometric Exam:
Applicants will be able to apply to the department based on two courses taken during their first semester. To continue their studies, they must pass these courses with a minimum grade of 75.
English Required: Advanced Level A.
Hebrew: Passing the YAEL Hebrew Proficiency Exam. Language exams will be held according to university guidelines.
*The University reserves the right to change or amend the admission regulations, fees and tuition at any time without prior notification.
** Matriculation certificate = Israeli matriculation certificate or equivalent
- Double major
Employment options upon graduation: Tourism, teaching in school and the “SHELACH” track (for certified teachers), positions in museums; and academic research of the Bible and the Geography of Israel.