JUC Online Semester Courses
Semester Online Courses
JUC Online Semester Learning includes a unique set of course offerings during the Spring and Fall semesters, following our traditional M.A. course schedule. Study live online under the teaching of our expert faculty, who are deeply familiar with the history, lands, cultures, and languages of the Bible.
JUC Online courses may be applied toward a Master of Arts program or a Graduate Certificate program at JUC. At least 50% of the graduate program must be completed in-residence.
JUC’s online courses offer a unique opportunity for students to learn from and engage with expert faculty. To make the most of this experience, students are expected to attend class regularly, participate in discussions, and complete assigned readings in accordance with JUC policy. Please note that some instructors may choose to share class recordings only with students who have preapproved absences; this decision is at the discretion of each instructor.
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Biblical Archaeology II (Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods) |
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A survey of the results of archaeological investigations in the land of the Bible from the Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Emphasis is placed upon relating archaeological finds to historical records, including the New Testament. |
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Instructor: Dr. Kyle Keimer
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Biblical Hebrew II |
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| This course builds on the material covered in Biblical Hebrew I and continues the study of classical Hebrew phonology, morphology, and syntax. Students will expand their basic vocabulary to include every word that occurs 29 or more times in the Hebrew Bible and will be introduced to principles of translation theory. Prerequisite: HCL 6/410 Biblical Hebrew I or student will be required to take a placement test. | ||
Instructor: Dr. Ellie Paley
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The Book of Revelation and the Seven Cities of the Apocalypse |
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A narrative/historical study of the Book of Revelation with attention given to its rhetorical features and first-century context with application to contemporary Christian faith and practice. This course has an optional field study component. |
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Instructor: Dr. Chris Vlachos3 Credit Hours |
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Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible |
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An analysis of various aspects of daily life in biblical times provides focal points that help students understand biblical customs and ways of thought more accurately. The course integrates anthropology, archaeology, and geography to develop a culturally aware approach to reading and interpreting the Bible. This course has an optional field study component. |
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Instructors: Dr. Oliver Hersey
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Hebrew Readings in the Torah |
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In this course, students will read selected passages from the Torah to strengthen their fluency and comprehension of Biblical Hebrew. Designed for those with prior study, the course provides an opportunity to refresh and deepen understanding of the language. Special attention will be given to grammar (including the verbal system), syntax, and vocabulary. Prerequisite: HCL 6/410 Biblical Hebrew I |
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Instructor: Dr. Eldon Clem2 Credit Hours |
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The Parables of Jesus and the Rabbinic Meshalim |
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A seminar study of the parables of the Gospels and the Meshalim (Rabbinic parables) found in classical rabbinic literature, including issues of hermeneutics, methodology of approach, and content. |
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Instructor: Dr. Steven Notley3 Credit Hours |
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Semester Dates: 31 August - 06 December 2026
Biblical Archaeology I |
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| ARCH 5/300 | 3 credits | Dr. Kyle Keimer | |||
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This course will focus on an integration of archaeological, literary, and historical data from the Early Bronze Age to the Babylonian Period (ca. 3300 – 539 BC) in Israel with the goal of evaluating this evidence and its relevance for understanding socioeconomic and political development, the biblical texts, and the religion of ancient Israel. |
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Biblical Hebrew I |
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| HCL 6/410 | 4 credits | Dr. Ellie Paley | |||
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This course aims to introduce students to the vocabulary, morphology, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew, starting from no prior knowledge of the language. In the first semester (Hebrew I), students will focus on gaining facility in the alphabet and Masoretic pointing system, nouns and pronouns, all verbal stems for strong verbs, and a basic understanding of narrative sentence construction. |
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Biblical Jerusalem and Its Explorations |
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| HIST 5/333 | 3 credits | Chandler Collins | |||
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This course is an introduction to Jerusalem during key periods in its ancient history, including eras of the Canaanite city, David and Solomon, Hezekiah and Manasseh, Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah, the Hasmoneans, Herod the Great, and Jesus, the Apostles, and the Jewish War against the Romans. Jerusalem's geography and rich archaeological history, as well as maps, photos, and accounts of travelers and local Jerusalemites, will aid our study of the city. |
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Ancient Egypt and the Bible |
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| HIST 5/335 | 3 credits | TBA | |||
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Offered as an introduction to ancient Egypt, this course surveys Egypt's history and culture from the Predynastic Period (4th millennium B.C.) through the Ptolemaic Period (30 B.C.). Class lectures, reading, and written assignments and exams prepare the student for a nine-day field study to Egypt. Particular emphasis will be placed on the connection of biblical persons and events with ancient Egypt, and on the connection of Egypt with the land of Canaan and Israel. |
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Text Studies in Midrash, Mishnah, and Gemara |
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| HIST 6/452 | 3 credits | Rabbi Moshe Silberschein | |||
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A comparative study of the Mishnah and Taanaitic literature in Rabbinic Judaism and Early Christianity, with an emphasis on formative thought in both peoples of the Book. |
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The Life and Times of Paul |
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| HIST 6/471 | 3 credits | Dr. Chris Vlachos | |||
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This course is a narrative study of the life of Paul in Acts in light of historical, cultural, and geographical backgrounds with application to Christian faith, practice, and witness. |
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Hebrew Readings in the Former Prophets |
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| HCL 6/417 | 3 credits | Dr. Eldon Clem | |||
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During this course, students will read selections from the Former Prophets together to increase fluency and understanding. This course is designed for students who have previously studied Biblical Hebrew and desire to refresh and deepen their knowledge. Special emphasis will be placed on Hebrew grammar (including the verbal system), syntax, and vocabulary. Prerequisite: 1 year of Biblical Hebrew. |
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Semester Dates: 01 February - 07 May 2027
Biblical Archaeology II |
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| ARCH 5/301 | 3 credits | Dr. Kyle Keimer | |||
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A survey of the results of archaeological investigations in the land of the Bible from the Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Emphasis is placed upon relating archaeological finds to historical records, including the New Testament. |
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Biblical Hebrew II |
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| HCL 6/411 | 4 credits | Dr. Ellie Paley | |||
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This course assumes the material covered in Biblical Hebrew I and continues the basics of classical Hebrew phonology, morphology, and syntax. Basic vocabulary will be learned, including every word used 29 or more times in the Hebrew Bible. The student will also be introduced to translation theory. Prerequisite: HCL 6/410 Biblical Hebrew I or student will be required to take a placement test. |
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Hebrew Readings in the Later Prophets |
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| HCL 6/425 | 2 credits | Dr. Eldon Clem | |||
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During this course, students will read selections from the Later Prophets together to increase fluency and understanding. This course is designed for students who have previously studied Biblical Hebrew and desire to refresh and deepen their knowledge. Special emphasis will be placed on Hebrew grammar (including the verbal system), syntax, and vocabulary. Prerequisite: 1 year of Biblical Hebrew. |
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Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible |
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| HIST 5/321 | 3 credits | TBA | |||
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An analysis of various aspects of daily life in biblical times provides focal points that help students understand biblical customs and ways of thought more accurately. The course integrates anthropology, archaeology, and geography to develop a culturally aware approach to reading and interpreting the Bible. |
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The Parables of Jesus and the Rabbinic Meshalim |
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| HIST 6/456 | 3 credits | TBA | |||
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A seminar study of the parables of the Gospels and the Meshalim (Rabbinic parables) found in classical rabbinic literature, including issues of hermeneutics, methodology of approach, and content. |
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The Book of Revelation and the Seven Cities of the Apocalypse |
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| HIST 6/471 | 3 credits | Dr. Chris Vlachos | |||
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A narrative/historical study of the Book of Revelation with attention given to its rhetorical features and first-century context with application to contemporary Christian faith and practice. This course has an optional field study component. |
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Jewish Thought and Practice |
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| MECR 5/345 | 3 credits | Rabbi Moshe Silberschein | |||
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The course will describe the nature of present-day Jewish religious beliefs, books, and practices with an emphasis on their development throughout the ages. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can take as many courses or studies as you would like.
Yes, we offer technical assistance through our North American office that operates from 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern Time. You are welcome to contact our team at support@juc.edu with your questions.
Scholarships may be available for JUC Online Semester Learning courses and are listed here on our website. Additionally, students are able to enroll in JUC Online Semester Learning courses for audit at a reduced rate.
Yes. If JUC M.A. students take all the required in-residence courses for their program (48 credits for M.A., 24 credits for Graduate Certificate, and 12 credits for Semester Abroad) they can take as many additional JUC Online courses as they would like. If a student does not take more than 16 credit hours in each semester, they will not be charged extra for JUC Online courses.
Yes, credits from JUC Online courses may be applied toward any of the four JUC Master of Arts programs or a Graduate Certificate program. At least 50% of the graduate program must be completed in-residence. Please reach out to admissions@juc.edu if you have any questions.
Lecture recordings may be provided at the discretion of each course instructor. In the case that recordings are provided for later viewing, please be aware that JUC Online students are required to attend lectures online in live time.
Apply and Register
New Online Students:
The JUC Online application is open.
Returning Online Students:
Re-application is not required. Course registration information will be provided via email and in your JUC Portal.
Semester Learning Overview
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WHO: Open to All
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WHEN: 02 Feb. - 08 May 2026
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PRICE: Audit from $370; Credit from $1,470
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COURSE CREDIT: Audit & Credit
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DEADLINE TO APPLY: 25 Jan. 2026
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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 27 Jan. 2026