MA in Religious Studies

Students in this program will be able to: 

• Engage in the larger religious culture with a thorough understanding of world religions.
• Exhibit an understanding of hermeneutical principles by using proper methodology in biblical interpretation.
• Recognize and evaluate in light of biblical revelation the major schools of thought in historical and contemporary theology.
• State and defend a worldview that is consistent with biblical revelation and stated in theological terms.

Master of Art Religious Studies - 42 Credits

Core Curriculum – 27 credit hours (9 courses)

• Ath 613 Theological Research Writing (must betaken in first year)
• Bi 501 Old Testament
• Bi 502 New Testament
• TH 503 Systematic Theology I
• Th 513 Systematic Theology II
• Th 601 History of Christian Thought I
• Th 602 History of Christian Thought II
• Th 607 Hermeneutics
• Ath 698 Religious Studies Capstone

Religious Studies Bible/Theology Requirements - 9 credit hours (3 courses)
Choose any 3 courses with BI/TH prefix

• Bi 603 Isaiah
• Bi 604 Daniel
• Bi 605 Mark
• Bi 606 Romans
• Bi 615 Early Hebrew History
• Bi 616 Biblical Wisdom Literature
• Bi 619 Survey of Matthew
• Bi 620 Survey of Luke & Acts
• Bi 621 John
• Bi 622 Survey of Revelation
• Bi 623 Survey of Genesis

Religious Studies Electives 6 Hours (2 courses)
Choose any 2 courses with BI/TH, ATH, L, SP prefix

• A Th 601 Introduction to Pastoral Care
• A Th 602 Introduction to Preaching
• A Th 603 Ethics and Society
• A Th 610 Introduction to World Mission
• A Th 611 Ethics of Pastoral Leadership
• A Th 612 Introduction to Evangelism
• A Th 614 Spiritual Formation
• A Th 620 Introduction to Global Chaplaincy
• A Th 621 Prison/Jail Chaplaincy
• A Th 622 Ministry Response to Crises and Disasters
• A Th 624 Healthcare Chaplaincy
• A Th 623 Sports/Athletics Chaplaincy
• L 605 Hebrew I
• L 606 Hebrew II
• L 607 Greek I
• L 608 Greek II
• Th 603 Church Scholars (Soren Kierkegaard)
• Th 604 Church Scholars (John Wesley)
• Th 605 Church Scholars (Karl Barth)
• SP 609 Expository Preaching
• SP 615 Contemporary Biblical Preaching
• Th 606 Women in Theology
• Th 608 Introduction to World Religions
• Th 610 Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible

Ath 613 Theological Research Writing
This course will enable the student to conduct meaningful theological research, as well as give attention to the planning, preparation and writing of graduate-level research papers. Attention will be given to grammar, clarity and style. The format and documentation of scholarly writing will also be addressed.

Bi 501 Old Testament
This course gives a broad overview of the entire Old Testament in the context of history, geography and culture of its time demonstrating how each book fits into the whole story of redemption.

Bi 502 New Testament
This course gives a broad overview of the entire New Testament in the context of history, geography, and culture of its time. The chief events, characters, and teachings of each book will be studies in reaction to God’s ongoing plan.

TH 503 Systematic Theology I
This course serves as an introduction to the nature and source of theology, the inspiration and verification of the Scriptures, the doctrine of God, the creation and doctrine of man, and the doctrine of the angels. Study includes God attributes, God’s names, and Trinitarians.

Th 513 Systematic Theology II
This course examines Christology (the doctrine of Christ), which includes the names of Christ, His nature, humiliation, exaltation, and offices, as well as the soteriology (doctrine of salvation).

Th 601 History of Christian Thought I
This course will study ministry to the physically, emotionally or relationally ill, crisis ministry and ministry to the dying and bereaved.

Th 602 History of Christian Thought II
This course is a continuation of the study early church scholars and how each impacted Christian theology and doctrine. It deals with the Reformation and the history of various contemporary theologies.

Th 607 Hermeneutics
This is a study of basic principles and specific guidelines of interpretation. Some attention is given to the historical schools of interpretation, but the focus of the course is on historical-grammatical interpretation and legitimate application of the Scriptures. General principles, such as reliance on the Holy Spirit, biblical context, ancient culture, and different literary genre are studied in this course.

Ath 698 Religious Studies Capstone
During the last semester of study before graduation from each program of study, and before being awarded a degree, the student will be required to complete this course in which the student produces a substantial writing assignment (generally 50-60 pages). This research paper will demonstrate comprehension and synthesis of the material covered over the course of the program of study and will address an area of interest, ministry, or future employment context, relating biblical concepts to ministry or leadership topics. A grade of C or better must be achieved in this course to earn a degree.

Bi 603 Isaiah
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Isaiah.

Bi 604 Daniel
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Daniel.

Bi 605 Mark
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Mark.

Bi 606 Romans
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Romans.

Bi 615 Early Hebrew History
This course surveys the history and literature of Israel from Abraham through the end of the United Kingdom and studies the socio-political-religious culture that shapes the literature of this period. The course also deals with important issues such as the early formation of the canon and the authority of the Old Testament scriptures and provides insights from related geographical, historical, and archaeological perspectives.

Bi 616 Biblical Wisdom Literature
This course is a survey of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. This material will be explored in relation to its ancient Near East historical and cultural setting, and involves a study of the nature of Hebrew poetry. The main themes of each book will be evaluated in the theological light of the New Testament.

Bi 619 Survey of Matthew
This course will examine the theological approaches and the history of the book and the writer of the book of Matthew. Analysis and synthesis will be used to explore the motifs, literary style, and Matthew’s relationship to the Old Testament and the other Synoptic Gospels.

Bi 620 Survey of Luke & Acts
This course will allow the students an opportunity to explore primary themes such as the role of women, wealth and poverty, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Close attention will focus on the authorship, history, literary style, and theological implications of the texts.

Bi 621 Survey of John
This course is designed to help students examine the Fourth Gospel’s relationship, style and theology, to the Synoptic Gospels and a portrait of Jesus as presented in the text. Particular attention will be given to authorship, purpose, and the writer’s doctrine of spirituality.

Bi 622 Survey of Revelation
In this course, you will study the nature of apocalyptic literature in the New Testament era and examine the structure and message of the Book of Revelation against its historical background. Emphasis will be placed upon the significance of this book for church in the world today.

Bi 623 Survey of Genesis
This course examines the structure of the book of Genesis, its theological message, and the implications of its message today. The student will be led through an analysis of this foundational book of the Hebrew canon, including an intensive look at the first four narratives

A Th 601 Introduction to Pastoral Care
This course will study ministry to the physically, emotionally or relationally ill, crisis ministry and ministry to the dying and bereaved.

A Th 602 Introduction to Preaching
This course is designed to bring together the theoretical and practical aspects of sermon development. Students explore a theological understanding of preaching along with a psychological and sociological analysis of the formal elements of sermon development, construction, and delivery.

A Th 603 Ethics and Society
This course introduces students to a general knowledge of the development of the literature of Christian ethics. It focuses on the impact of social sciences that inform the task of critical inquiry into the moral life through learning to analyze ethos and lay bare the roots of fundamental character of a community’s moral life.

A Th 610 Introduction to World Mission
This is an introduction to the task of world mission in the light of biblical, theological, and historical foundations. Current mission trends and realities will be examined. The course will also highlight the role of the local church in world missions.

A Th 611 Ethics of Pastoral Leadership
This course examines the appropriate ethical conduct of Christian workers based upon the text of the New Testament. Of particular interest will be such contemporary issues as gender behavior in the workplace, confidentiality and liability, abortion, euthanasia, living wills, stem cell research, and genetic engineering.

A Th 612 Introduction to Evangelism
In this course, you will study the biblical basis and theology of evangelism, as well as methods of developing evangelism as a part of the total mission of the congregation. Other aspects of the course include a comparison of evangelistic work of churches in different parts of the world and a survey of approaches needed to specific immigrant cultural groups in large cities.

A Th 614 Spiritual Formation
In this course, you will explore ways to develop ministry or educational experiences that will enable spiritual development and formation in various age groups. Areas covered include learning theory, human developmental growth and Christian nurture theories. As you understand them, you will be encouraged to integrate them into your own ministry model.

A Th 620 Introduction to Global Chaplaincy
This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in specialized settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, jails and prisons, rescue missions and shelters, law enforcement agencies, business and industry, detention centers, benevolence organizations, social services agencies, and other institutions. Students will be exposed to the theological and practical ramifications of specialized ministries in these settings and in a pluralistic and secular environment. The various aspects of chaplaincy to be taught include: defining Chaplaincy Ministry, History of Chaplaincy, Theology of Chaplaincy, Chaplain as Person, and various core skills such as Stress Management & Debriefing, Confidentiality, Workplace Etiquette, Suicide, Death Notifications, Grief, and more.

A Th 621 Prison/Jail Chaplaincy
This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of prison/jail chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in prisons, jails, and other law enforcement arenas. This course will address both ministry to inmates and their families, as well as to law enforcement officers. It will explore the unique role of the chaplain in the law enforcement and rehabilitation contexts and foundational theoretical concepts relative to this role.

A Th 622 Ministry Response to Crises and Disasters
This course is designed to equip chaplains in addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of individuals following a major natural or manmade crisis, such as a tornado or a terrorist attack. It will explore theories of shock, coping mechanisms, and post-traumatic stress as a result of a critical event affecting a large population. Further, it will equip chaplains as part of a first responder team, as well as in ministry to first responders as they cope with spiritual and emotional needs.

A Th 624 Healthcare Chaplaincy
This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of healthcare chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and home healthcare settings. The student will explore the unique challenges associated with healthcare chaplaincy and the role of the chaplain with respect to patients, relatives of patients, and healthcare workers.

A Th 623 Sports/Athletics Chaplaincy
This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in the specialized the setting of sports. The chaplaincy focus of this course will include collegiate and professional sports programs and the issues and challenges related to serving athletes, coaches, managers, administrators, etc., who are connected with a sports program. It will address emotional, financial, marital, and moral issues often associated with high profile sports programs at both the amateur and professional levels.

L 605 Hebrew I
This is an introductory course on the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparation for assisting the student in reading and understanding the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

L 606 Hebrew II
This is an intermediate course for students who have completed the prerequisite introductory course on the L 605 Elements of Hebrew I and desire further work in the areas of Hebrew grammar, syntax, vocabulary, criticism, and the reading of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Prerequisite: L 605 Hebrew I

L 607 Greek I
This is an introductory course on the fundamental essentials of Koine Greek as reflected in the New Testament and the early Christian writings. The course will, therefore, focus on teaching the students basic vocabulary, grammar, and syntax required to read the New Testament.

L 608 Greek II
This is an intermediate course for students who have completed the prerequisite L 607 Elements of Greek I course and are interested in furthering their vocabulary, grammar, and syntactic Koine Greek skills. Prerequisite: L 607 Greek I

Th 603 Church Scholars (Soren Kierkegaard)
This course is an intensive study of the thought of Korean Kierkegaard. Special emphasis will be placed on Kierkegaard’s’ moral philosophy of religion and philosophy of human nature.

Th 604 Church Scholars (John Wesley)
This course will focus on the primary writings of John Wesley, with an introduction to the works of Charles Wesley, and the rise of the Wesleyan Movement. Wesley will be placed within the larger theological context of Western Christendom, but with special emphasis placed on the development of his thought. Interaction over sections of primary readings will form a vital part of the course.

Th 605 Church Scholars (Karl Barth)
This course will focus on a selected portion of the primary writings of Karl Barth’s theological views placed within a larger framework of his thought.

SP 609 Expository Preaching
In this course, a variety of texts from Scripture will be studied in order to understand structure, content, theology and contemporary relevance. A series of expository sermons will be developed by the students in order that the holistic mechanics of each sermon may be examined.

SP 615 Contemporary Biblical Preaching
This course is designed to introduce various contemporary models of preaching in theory and to give the students the opportunity to practice these various models. Emphasizing sermon structure, students will be expected to acquire numerous ways of proclamation to enhance their pulpit ministry and to present topical sermons within the new models studied.

Th 606 Women in Theology
This course examines the historical roots, key ideas and trajectories of women in theology and philosophy, the passions and contradictions of these women and their effects on various social practices and religious institutions.

Th 608 Introduction to World Religions
This course will study the historical ethnic religions with special emphasis on their comparison and encounter with Christianity.

Th 610 Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible
This course surveys the role of the Holy Spirit throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. Special consideration is given to the function of the Holy Spirit within the Triune Godhead, His activity in regard to Creation and miracles, and to His work in the lives of believers.