DESCRIPTION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
1. Bachelor of Theology
1) Description
The Bachelor of Theology degree program(4 years program/180 units) is of particular value to those who serve faith communities and intend to pursue graduate studies in theology. The Bachelor of Theology degree program is of particular value to those involved in faith community educational programs, and has been designed especially for experienced Sunday School teachers.
2) Admission Requirements
1. A completed application form for admission
2. Application fee
3. Official Transcripts
4. Recommendation Form
3) Program Requirements
1. A minimum of 180 semester units
1) General education requirements (56 units)
2) Biblical-theological requirements (60 units)
3) Practical education requirements (30 units)
4) Common Electives (34 units)
2. A minimum full-time course load is 18 units per semester. A maximum full-time load is 24 units per semester; however, students may petition for additional units if their cumulative average is 3.0 or higher.
3. Official classification is based on the number of units completed toward graduation as follows:
1) 1st-year students 0-45
2) sophomores 46-90
3) juniors 91-137
4) seniors 138 or more.
2. Bachelor of Religious Education
1) Description
The Bachelor of Religious Education program (4 years program/180 units) is designed to give the student the maximum benefit of a broad education in theological studies with an emphasis in biblical studies. General Education requirements ensure that the student is broadly educated in the arts and sciences, while a significant portion of time is spent learning the fields of theology and history of Christianity. The majority of the student’s coursework is dedicated to bible, theology and practical ministry.
2) Admission Requirements
1. A completed application form for admission
2. Application fee
3. Official Transcripts
4. Recommendation Form
3) Program Requirements
1. A minimum of 180 semester units
1) General education requirements (56 units)
2) Biblical-theological requirements (40 units)
3) Practical education requirements (50 units)
4) Common Electives (34 units)
2. A minimum full-time course load is 18 units per semester. A maximum full-time load is 24 units per semester; however, students may petition for additional units if their cumulative average is 3.0 or higher.
3. Official classification is based on the number of units completed toward graduation as follows:
1) 1st-year students 0-45
2) sophomores 46-90
3) juniors 91-137
4) seniors 138 or more.
3. Master of Divinity(M.Div.)
1) Description
The Master of Divinity program(3 years program – 98 units) is designed to equip dedicated Christians for various ministries in the church setting, including the ordained ministries of instruction and leadership in the church. This program emphasizes developing the capacity to study and communicate the Christian scriptures and the theological traditions and the capacity to model and facilitate Christian spiritual formation and communal practices.
2) Admission Requirements
Anyone possessing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent meets the basic academic requirement for admission to the program.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Master of Divinity program:
Applicants for admission must hold a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree from university or college with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.00 scale). The following documents must be submitted to the office of admission by the appropriate deadline:
1. A completed application form for admission
2. Application fee
3. Official Transcripts
4. Recommendation Form
3) Program Requirements
1. History Requirement (16 units)
2. Biblical Studies Requirement (38 units)
3. Practical Theology Requirement (20 units)
4. Electives (24 units)
5. Unit Requirement: a minimum of 98 units
4. Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.)
1) Description
The Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.) is a three-year, 98units foundational program. Of the required hours, 12units are reserved for electives so that students can focus on what is most important to their ministry preparation. M.C.S. degree is designed to meet basic theological needs for effective service, primarily in volunteer positions.
2) Admission Requirements
Anyone possessing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent meets the basic academic requirement for admission to the program.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Master of Christian Studies:
Applicants for admission must hold a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree from university or college with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.00 scale). The following documents must be submitted to the office of admission by the appropriate deadline:
1. A completed application form for admission
2. Application fee
3. Official Transcripts
4. Recommendation Form
3) Program Requirements
1. History Requirement (16 units)
2. Biblical Studies Requirement (38 units)
3. Practical Theology Requirement (20 units)
4. Electives (24 units)
5. Unit Requirement: a minimum of 98 units
5. Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
1) Description
The degree of Doctor of Theology has been designed specifically for those ministry professionals who wish to pursue advanced studies relevant to their own particular denomination including theology, denominational history, liturgy, ecclesiology, polity, hymnody, and spirituality. This degree is a 30 units program that may be completed in no less than two years and no more than four years.
- 24 units (8 courses)
- 6 units (thesis)
2) Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
- Master's degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
- Completion of the Application Procedure.
3) Program Requirements
- Completion of the non-credit course, Research Methodology. This course is a prerequisite to beginning the doctoral thesis.
- Fulfillment of language requirements if such have been determined by the Thesis Supervisor.
- Nomination and approval of Thesis Supervisor.
- Submission of an electronic copy of a doctoral thesis of 45,000-60,000 words (180-240 pages) and required forms (abstract, personal biography, cover sheet, Thesis Supervisor Report Form).
- Successful defense of the doctoral thesis.
6. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
1) Description
The degree of Doctor of Ministry degree is a nationally accepted terminal professional degree for ministry professionals. The uniqueness of the Doctor of Ministry. program lies in its orientation as "ministry as a pastoral ecumenical commitment." Within an educational model that provides maximum flexibility, students can pursue a highly individualized and specialized program of studies, choosing from a wide variety of study options. The Doctor of Ministry offers a practice-oriented D.Min. in an environment that is supportive, nurturing, and fully interreligious.
This degree is a 36 unitt program that may be completed in no less than eighteen months and no more than three years.
- 30 units (10 courses)
- 6 units (Exit Project or Non-Project Option)
2) Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
- Master’s degree in a cognate field of education such as theology, ministry, pastoral care or administration validated by a transcript.
- Completion of the Application Procedure.
3) Program Requirements
- Completion of the non-credit course, Research Methodology. This course is a prerequisite to beginning the doctoral project.
- Completion of the Doctoral Project (or NPO) and submission of one electronic copy including the Project Consultant’s evaluation forms. All academic requirements must be met by February 1 prior to graduation.
7. Doctor of Religious Education (Ed.D.)
1) Description
This program has been designed specifically for those ministry professionals who have pursued both the theoretical and practical study of religious formation for children and adults alike but who now feel the need for further nurture and enrichment of their professional skills and interests. Religious education as conceived in this program is concerned with the educative process on all levels within faith communities: child and adult, continuing education projects for faith communities, and continuing education for ministry professionals. The Ed.D. is designed to allow each candidate to pursue his/her own line of study at a wide range of graduate institutions and centers of learning.
This degree is a 36 unit program that may be completed in no less than eighteen months and no more than three years.
- 30 units (10 courses)
- 6 units (Exit Project or Non-Project Option)
2) Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
- Master’s degree in a cognate field of education such as theology, ministry, pastoral care or administration validated by a transcript.
- Completion of the Application Procedure.
3) Program Requirements
- Completion of the non-credit course, Research Methodology. This course is a prerequisite to beginning the doctoral project.
- Completion of the Doctoral Project (or NPO) and submission of one electronic copy including the Project Consultant’s evaluation forms.