Our Master of Arts in Israel Studies has been established to offer students an opportunity to advance their education not only with knowledge but with hands-on experience in the land of the Bible. Studying in the land of Israel gives you a totally new perspective of the Bible and its teachings. Forty-two days of field trips where classes are held on Biblical, historical, and prophetic sites give you unprecedented insights into God’s Word. Experiencing the celebration of the Biblical holidays firsthand is enlightening. One college president said, “A two-week trip to Israel is worth a year of seminary.” If this is true, think of the value of a year’s study in the land.
Students are required to attend all the classes given the year they attend. The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Class hours are sixty minutes in length, and normally a class is held for two consecutive hours per day. Classes are conducted five days a week (32 semester credit hours total). Field trips are an integral part of the classes that are taught. Classes cannot be audited.
Our classes are designed to help you understand the land, culture, and customs of the Jewish people. This in turn helps you to better understand your Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments are studied in relationship to the land and the people. Hebrew becomes a language not just used for translation but a living language used for daily communication with Israelis.
Our program is not conducted in an isolated setting. Student interns live and work with the Israeli people on a kibbutz. In this setting you get a firsthand knowledge of the people and their beliefs, hopes, and aspirations. You are able to communicate with them as you work with them in the fields or other areas of the kibbutz. You will come to love and better understand the people of Israel.
Practical work is an integral part of your time in Israel. Through your experience in this program, you will not only gain knowledge, but also practice what you have learned.
General Admissions Requirements
The school year program and the summer program of Baptists for Israel Institute are open to all students (age 18 to 35) of all races and ethnic origins. The graduate student must have an earned bachelor’s degree from a recognized college with a high recommendation from that school and from his assembly. The graduate student is expected to have high spiritual qualifications and be ready to minister and serve others. Much will be expected from him in humility, service, leadership and being an example of the believer.
If the graduate student is married, the spouse must attend Baptists for Israel Institute in the division in which he or she is qualified.
All student interns must unconditionally sign our Doctrinal Statement which will be sent with the application.
Degree Requirements
| ✡ | Thirty-two semester hours of classes |
| ✡ | Forty-two days of field trips |
| ✡ | Teach Bible study |
| ✡ | Two Sundays or more of preaching (male students only) |
| ✡ | Lead Prayer and Praise services |
| ✡ | Nine months internship in Israel |
| ✡ | Leadership with college level interns |
| ✡ | Counseled weekly by Baptists for Israel staff |
| ✡ | Graduate students will attend the same classes as the undergraduates but will be required to complete extra reading and research papers for each class |
| ✡ | Demonstrate a proficiency to read, write, and speak the Hebrew language |
| ✡ | Maintain a B- or above in all classes |
