College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Programs of Study

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.)  Concentration in either Historical/Biblical or Material Culture

Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.)

This program offers two concentrations: 

1) Material/Cultural Concentration: focuses on field-research-based topics that require a direct study of new archaeological data acquired through excavation. This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in secular archaeology and academia. 

2) Historical/Biblical Concentration: focuses on either field-based or archival/historical archaeological research and a biblical-historical or textual approach toward research questions. This concentration will prepare students to teach in faith-based schools and colleges and/or in church settings.

Upon admission to the Ph.D. program and before the start of their first semester, the student must declare a concentration. After completing the six research seminars, the student’s chosen concentration will determine which two reading colloquia they will take, as well as the direction of their dissertation research. 

It is possible to change concentrations with the approval of the student’s doctoral advisor and the department chair.

For specific program requirements, go to Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.)  

Archaeology and Biblical Studies, Master of Arts, (M.A.)

For specific program requirements, go to Archaeology and Biblical Studies, Master of Arts, (M.A.)  

Admission Policies and Procedures (Archaeology)    

Applicants to graduate programs must submit the following:

1. Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at lipscomb.edu/admissions/graduate then click on “Apply by Program” to complete the online application.
2. Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
3. Standardized exam score (recommended). Each applicant may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. For more information on the GRE, visit www.ets.org/ and click on GRE. 
4. Eligibility. Each Ph.D. applicant must submit documentation verifying the following:
   • Hold an M.A. from an accredited institution.
   • Maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
   • 36 hours of specific course work in biblical studies or the social sciences.
5. References. Two letters of reference are required from M.A. applicants. Three letters of reference from former graduate-level professors are required from Ph.D. applicants.
6. Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
7. Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a healthcare provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms.)
8. FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
9. Curriculum Vitae. A CV detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience is required from both M.A. and Ph.D. applicants.
10. Writing Sample. Each Ph.D. applicant must submit a 20-to-30-page research paper showing their work in a related area. Each M.A. student must submit a research paper as evidence of their academic work OR a 750-to-1000-word personal statement concerning the applicant’s interest in and application of the program’s curriculum to expected career progression.
11. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
12. Interview: Each applicant, whether for the M.A. or the Ph.D., must complete an interview with the faculty of the Department of Archaeology.
13. Entrance examination: Each Ph.D. applicant must take and pass an entrance examination that will show they have the necessary foundation for the program.

All application items should be submitted online no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll. 

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. Additionally, A transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Transfer of Courses

The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

Academic Standing

See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours per semester is considered a full-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 15 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the M.A. in Archaeology degree must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation. All requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Archaeology must be completed within a seven-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information (Archaeology Ph.D. and M.A.)

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*

Biomolecular Science, Master of Science (M.S.)

The M.S. in biomolecular science (33 hours) is offered in a block format. Each block is eight weeks, with one calendar year consisting of five blocks. In order to complete the degree in one calendar year, students must enroll in two courses per block. Students may enter the program three times each year (June, Aug. and Jan.) To accommodate working professionals, courses and laboratories are offered in the evening. Lecture courses meet two nights each week (6:00-8:20 p.m.) with laboratories meeting one night each week (6:00-9:50 p.m.).

Our Biomolecular Science post-bacc pre-med program emphasizes an understanding of the application of experimental research to medicine. Students will complete courses both in the lab and in the classroom. Current primary literature based courses include Cancer Biology, Clinical Research, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Stem Cell Biology and others. Choose a concentration in either Human Disease or Laboratory Research, and we will give you the experience, opportunities and skills necessary to stand out.

For specific program requirements, go to your choice of the following tracks available in biomolecular science:

Admission Policies and Procedures (Biomolecular Science)

Applicants to graduate programs must submit the following:

1. Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at lipscomb.edu/admissions/graduate.
2. Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
3. Standardized exam score. A standardized test score is not required to apply, however we are a competitive program. Students with a GPA below a 3.3 are highly encouraged to provide a standardized test score like the GRE, MCAT, DAT, or Biology MFT.
4. Personal Statement. Each applicant must submit a one-two page essay explaining their purpose for pursuing a graduate degree in biomolecular science.
5. Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
6. Health Form.^* Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms.)
7. FERPA.^* The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
8. Resume. A resume detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience is required.
9. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
   All application items should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions in Biomolecular Science office no later than 15 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll. Forms should be mailed to: Graduate Studies, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville TN 37204-3951.
   ^* These forms must be submitted after acceptance into the program.

Credit by Examination

Special consideration for course waiver may be given to the student who has special study and/or experience in a given subject area. The waiver will be by means of an examination that is passed with a grade of “B” or better. A $170 fee is charged for each examination taken (includes $70 for evaluating and recording and $100 per course for constructing and administering). A maximum of 6 hours may be waived by examination. Arrangements for a waiver are to be made through the Graduate Studies office. No graduate credit is awarded.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. Additionally, A transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Transfer Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of 9 hours will be counted toward the M.S. in Biomolecular Science. The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

Academic Standing

See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours per semester is considered a full-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 15 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the M.S. in biomolecular science degree must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Tuition and Fees (Biomolecular Science)

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*