Master of Theological Studies Language Requirements
One of the requirements for the Master of Theological Studies degree is six foreign language credits and, for the Master of Theological Studies - Research Track degree, twelve foreign language credits. The purpose of this requirement is to equip students to read relevant primary and secondary literature. There are two ways to fulfill this requirement:
- Depending on the degree option, take 6 (two classes) or 12 credits (four classes) of a classical language (Hebrew, Greek, Latin).
- Depending on degree option, successfully pass the 6-credit or 12-credit language proficiency exam (LPE) in a classical or an approved language.
Language Proficiency Exam
A student may take a LPE in either a classical language (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) or another approved language. A student must petition for permission to fulfill the language requirement with a non-classical language. During the exam, the student will translate the given passage(s) into English. A student may only earn credit for one language through the language proficiency exam process. For example, a student COULD NOT pass the level 1 passage in Greek (6 credits) and the level 1 passage in Latin (6 credits) for a total of 12 credits. A student may take a level 1 only exam, a level 2 only exam (with the prerequisite level 1 has been passed), or a level 1 and 2 exam, which will have level 1 and a level 2 passages. A student’s first language proficiency exam attempt may be completed no later than the first two weeks of the student’s penultimate semester in the program.
Registering for the Language Proficiency Exam
Student register for the Language Proficiency Exam through the Theology Department’s The Bridge site.
Scheduling the Exam
After a student has registered for a Language Proficiency Exam through The Bridge, the Director of Program Operations will work with the student and the designated proctor to schedule a time, date, and location of the exam.
Structure of Exam
The exam will consist of two passages to translate. The first passage will be equivalent to what a student with one year of study should be able to translate. The second passage will be equivalent to what a student with two years of study should be able to translate. The student is to provide a translation for both passages.
Duration of Exam
If the exam consists of both a level one and level two passage, the length of the exam is two hours.
If the exam consists of only a level one passage, the length of the exam is one hour.
If the exam consists of only a level two passage, the length of the exam is 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
Available resources during an exam
Students may bring their own lexicons and/or dictionaries, but they may not use any computer or digital aids.
Grading of Exam
The grader will evaluate the student’s translation. Students who provide an acceptable translation for the level one passage, but not the level two passage, will receive six credits. Students who provide an acceptable translation for both passages will receive 12 credits. If a student does not pass the exam, the grader should provide feedback for the student.
Repeated Attempts
A student may take the exam up to two times a semester. Each exam is scheduled by the Director of Program Operations.
For a student who received six credits on an exam, all subsequent exams will consist of a level two passage. Upon successful translation of the level two passage, the student will receive six credits for a total of 12 credits.
Cost
The cost of the first LPE is $500. Each subsequent exam costs $250.