Daniel Dicken

It’s true. For family and friends, the idea that I’m still in college after a decade is unsurprising and probably worrisome. However, this post will (hopefully) put those worries to rest.

I’m a visual learner, so I made a timeline (see below) that captures where I’ve been, how it helped me progress, and a framework for understanding where I’m going. I hope it’s helpful.

Future posts will provide more clarification on the steps required in my doctoral work, as well as other updates, but this is a good place to start.

• Community College

  Lone Star College

  I took a few college courses out of high school, but then had a six-year break. When I returned to classes, I had a miserable GPA and did not believe that I had what it took to succeed. Although I transferred to HBU during my sophomore year and never received an Associate’s Degree or certification from Lone Star, I would not be where I am today without the experience and lessons I learned during this time.

  Step 1: Begin

• Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

  Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University)

  A variety of courses in theology, exegesis, church history, Hebrew, Greek, and other electives. This was the first time I got my feet wet and learned what academic study of the Bible looked like.

  Step 2: Undergraduate Degree

• Master of Theological Studies

  Anderson University (IN)

  Focused as much as I could on Biblical Studies courses, continued strengthening my Hebrew and Greek, and wrote a thesis on the “mighty works of God” in Acts 2 as a reference to the exodus.

  Submitted Doctoral Applications

  Step 3: Master’s Degree

• Master of Arts in Biblical Languages

  Houston Christian University

  Used the feedback from my doctoral interview and applications to strengthen my CV by further refining my writing sample and taking even more language courses (adding Aramaic, Ugaritic, and Latin). Presented another conference paper, and had one more proposal accepted for April 2026.

  Submitted Doctoral Applications: Accepted

  Step 3.5*: Second Master’s Degree

• Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (New Testament)

  Asbury Theological Seminary

^{* Although two master’s degrees are not required for doctoral admission, my second master’s degree strengthened my application by (1) adding more language courses, (2) branching out to include other courses on hermeneutics and biblical & theological studies, and (3) allowing me to continue developing relationships with my professors who were gracious enough to write recommendation letters for applications and submitted papers.}