Religion Degrees Online

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the PhD(Th) program, the candidate must hold a MA(Th) degree of the University of Ottawa/Saint Paul with a minimum 75 per cent (B+) average, or its equivalent.

Among the applicants who meet this requirement, only those whose academic record gives assurance that they are able to succeed and to make a personnal contribution to the field of theological studies will be accepted as candidates to the doctorate.

The candidate must master either English or French and have a passive knowledge (ability to follow lectures and to read) of the other language.

To be admitted in the biblical studies concentration, candidates must have a basic knowledge (Level 1 – Introduction) of Hebrew and of Greek. They must acquire an intermediate level of competence in Hebrew and Greek before presentation of the thesis project.

The Faculty may require a candidate to acquire certain skills deemed necessary for the achievement of the research project (for example, knowledge of a language, basic knowledge of other disciplines).
Residence and Time Limit
Four sessions of residence as a full-time student are mandatory. The candidate must complete all degree requirements within six years from the date of the first registration in the program.
Scholarships and Fellowships

Saint Paul University has established a number of fellowships for doctoral students. More information concerning these as well as other forms of financial assistance can be obtained from the Registrar of Saint Paul University.

Graduate Courses and Seminars in Theology
Four seminars and several courses are offered each year. The precise topics covered by the general headings listed below are selected according to their importance, timeless, the student interest and the availability of professors.

The list of courses and timetables are available at the dean’s office at the beginning of May.

Student Transfers From Other Universities
Students who transfer from other universities may receive credit for work already done, but are normally expected to complete the major part of the requirements for the degree at Saint Paul University. Doctoral candidates transferring from another university to complete their degree at Saint Paul University may be given advanced standing for work and residence already completed elsewhere. However, in all such cases, doctoral candidates must complete at least one year of full-time residence, complete 12 credits in their concentration and pass a preliminary examination at Saint Paul University.

The course offerings for this program are in conjunction with the Baptists for Israel Institute. Piedmont Baptist College and Baptists for Israel Institute offer students the experience of living, working, and traveling among the people of Israel, the Land of the Bible. Students learn about the unique culture of the Jewish people and participate in their biblical holidays in order to serve among the Jewish people.

Biblical Interpretation (Pre-doctoral Studies)
The Master of Arts (Concentration: Biblical Interpretation, Pre-doctoral Studies) is a comprehensive 72-credit hour degree program that provides exposure to the entire seminary program while allowing the pre-doctoral student opportunities to hone specialized interpretation, language, and analytic writing skills.

The Biblical Interpretation, Pre-doctoral Studies concentration is ideal for those who need a foundation for doctoral work leading to career paths in scholarly research, textbook writing or teaching at a seminary, Bible college or missions school.

Usually an academic degree (with thesis) is sufficient for the pursuit of a research Ph.D. in the context of a university, while the professional Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is often a prerequisite for seminary Ph.D. programs. Students should determine the requirements of the post-graduate institution before deciding whether to pursue the M.A. or M.Div. degree.

The Department of Humanities and Religious Studies offers an integrated approach to the study of world cultures. In courses on Western European, Asian, and American cultures, students explore ideas, ideals and values as they are expressed in art, music, drama, history, literature, philosophy and religion.

The Humanities concentration provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation while also allowing students the opportunity to focus their studies. For example, students can concentrate on a specific era, such as the Ancient World, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, or the Modern World. Students may also concentrate on a single cultural field such as American Studies or Asian Cultures.

The Religious Studies concentration is an in-depth comprehensive study of religious belief and practice on a global scale that surveys diverse interpretations of religious experience within and across cultural boundaries and examines religious institutions and sacred texts within an historical framework.

Students majoring in Humanities and Religious Studies may prepare for careers in teaching from the elementary level (as part of a Liberal Studies major program) through the secondary level (as part of a single subject credential program in English/Humanities). A major in Humanities and Religious Studies is also suitable preparation for postgraduate study in several advanced degree programs, including the Master of Arts program in History/Humanities and the Liberal Arts Master’s Program. Providing a solid grounding in the liberal arts, the major helps graduates qualify for continued professional preparation for careers in teaching at the community college or university level, as well as library, museum, or curatorial work. Humanities and Religious Studies majors are also well-prepared for careers in government and fields such as the law and counseling, which require interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Master of Arts in Religious Studies offers students two areas of concentration: Buddhist Studies and Comparative Religious Studies. Students in the graduate program in Buddhist Studies are expected to acquire a critical appreciation and mastery of Buddhist thought and traditions and an increased familiarity with non-Buddhist traditions and contemporary critical theory. Students in the Comparative Religious Studies concentration are required to be familiar with contemporary critical theory in the academic study of religion and the doctrines of different religious belief systems, including a working knowledge of at least two major religious traditions.

Religion Major with a Concentration in Biblical Studies
Biblical studies support the mission of the Division of Religion with a thorough survey of biblical literature integrated with biblical history and culture. Upper division courses in specific books, or groupings of books, permit the student to sample meaningfully representative types of biblical literature; other courses emphasize various methods in exegetical study, the principles of sound interpretation, the distinctive theological emphasis of the various sectors of biblical thought, and the utilization of archaeological and literary backgrounds. In addition, students study selected issues and methods pertaining to theology, philosophy, ethics, and church history.

Biblical Studies Concentration Requirements
thirty-one units
Choose one of the following sets (10 units):

BLAN 102
Introduction to Hebrew
2 units

BLAN 201
Beginning Greek I
4 units

BLAN 202
Beginning Greek II
4 units

OR
BLAN 100
Introduction to Greek
2 units

BLAN 204
Beginning Hebrew I
4 units

BLAN 205
Beginning Hebrew II
4 units

Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Electives
6 units

CHIS Elective
3 units

Upper Division NT Elective
3 units

Upper Division OT Elective
3 units

Upper Division PHIL/THEO Elective
6 units

SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. PLST 406 is recommended as an elective.

Degree Requirements

Students must select one of four concentrations available:
Biblical Exegesis
Biblical Studies
History of Christianity
Theology

Students are required to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. Students should register for BITH 692 Graduate Comprehensive Exam in the semester in which they intend to take the exam. Comprehensive exams can be failed only once. A student failing a particular exam (in part or as a whole) may retake the exam at the announced time in the following semester. All students desiring to write a thesis must apply in writing for the privilege. Students planning to complete a thesis during the summer must be sure their supervisor will be available. All students writing a thesis must register for BITH 698 and BITH 699 in all subsequent semesters.

The requirements for the program leading to a Master of Arts degree in the Biblical Exegesis and Biblical Studies concentrations are 40 semester hours. Students in Biblical Studies concentration may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). The requirements to complete the degree in the History of Christianity or Theology concentrations are 36 semester hours. Those enrolled in these concentrations may apply to write a thesis (4 hours) to complete the 36 hours. Students in these concentrations may either write a thesis or take four additional hours of course work and a comprehensive examination. The requirements to complete a second Master of Arts degree in Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies for students who have already completed one of the M.A. programs offered in the department will be reduced by up to 12 hours from the number of hours required for the second M.A. Students would be allowed to use up to 12 hours of common core courses toward the second M.A. degree from the same department. Most courses will be taken on the 500- and 600-level in the Biblical and Theological Studies area. Four hours of elective courses may be taken in other graduate departments, except in the Biblical Exegesis concentration. Unless otherwise noted, a maximum of eight hours (only four hours in the Biblical Exegesis and Biblical Studies concentrations) from 300- and 400-level courses suitably enriched to carry graduate credit may be taken with approval of the student’s advisor and the instructor. Each student works with an advisor to determine the appropriate concentration and to individualize the degree program based on the student’s previous studies, interests, and goals.

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the master’s program the candidate must hold a specialized baccalaureate (60 credits in theology) or its equivalent, with a minimum 70 per cent (B) average;

Each candidate registers in a concentration. To be admitted to a particular concentration the candidate must demonstrate a certain level of knowledge in the concentration chosen;

To be admitted to the MA program the candidate must master either English or French and possess a passive knowledge (ability to follow lectures and to read) of the other language.

A candidate who registers in the biblical studies concentration must have a basic knowledge (Level 1 – Introduction) of Hebrew and of Greek.

MA(Th) is a civil degree conferred jointly by the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University.

Concentrations
Students register in one of the following concentrations:
Biblical Studies
Ethics
Systematic and historical theology
Spirituality
Eastern Christian Studies

Concentration in Theological and Religious Studies

If you would like to be able:
To interpret scripture in its historical-cultural context
To know the history of the church and how the Bible has been understood
To develop a thoughtful and systematic theology to guide you in life
To see connections between theology and other fields of study
To think in distinctively Christian ways in all areas of life
To apply Christianity in today’s cultural context
then, perhaps you should take a look at a Bible & Religion major with a concentration in religious studies.

Students in the Bible & Religion major at Huntington University choose one of two concentrations: biblical studies or religious studies. Though both concentrations provide a solid foundation in scripture, they each have a different area of focus. The concentration in religious studies couples a solid grounding in scripture with an understanding of the history and theology of the church. Moreover, this concentration develops an awareness of the values and thought forms of contemporary society which is useful for understanding the assumptions we bring to the Bible and how to apply scripture. This concentration seeks to integrate biblical studies with other disciplines such as philosophy, history, literature, and psychology.

The religious studies concentration is flexible, enabling students to design a course of study to meet individual interests and needs. It has an interdisciplinary component requiring students to take religion courses in other departments such as English and History. Since some of the courses count towards more than one major, the interdisciplinary element allows for students in this concentration to minor or even double major in another department .

The religious studies concentration is excellent preparation for seminary, graduate school, or to provide biblical and theological background for ministries that students may enter without a graduate degree. It is also valuable for those desiring a broad and engaging liberal arts degree.

The program consists of 36 hours. Required courses: Old Testament I-II; New Testament I-II; Biblical Interpretation; Systematic Theology I-III; and History of Christianity. Students select nine hours in at least two departments from: Religions of the World; Contemporary Religious Thought; Religion and Scientific Thought; Philosophy of Religion; Early Modern Europe; History of Christianity in America; Medieval Europe; Christian Classics; C. S. Lewis; and Religion and Behavioral Sciences.

Concentration in Biblical Studies

If you would like to be able:
To develop a better understanding of the Bible and of religious thought
To develop the skills necessary for interpretation of the Bible
To deepen your faith in God
To prepare for a more effective service to Christ

then, perhaps you should take a look at a Bible & Religion major with a concentration in biblical studies.

Students in the Bible & Religion major at Huntington University choose one of two concentrations: biblical studies or religious studies. Though both concentrations provide a solid foundation in scripture, they each have a different area of focus.

The biblical studies concentration may be used as a terminal degree, preparing students for employment in church and parachurch agencies by achieving a level of biblical literacy that will enable them to be active in lay church leadership and teaching ministries. As an initial degree, the biblical studies concentration prepares students for seminary training or for graduate work in theology and related disciplines.

Students majoring in the biblical studies concentration are provided the option of including a semester of study in Israel at Jerusalem University College (formerly The Institute of Holy Land Studies) in either their junior or senior year. By taking an approved list courses at the Institute, they can receive credit for 15-16 semester hours toward their Bachelor of Arts degree and will also be given credit for one of the three required January term experiences.

The biblical studies program consists of 36 hours. Required courses: Old Testament I, Old Testament II, New Testament I, New Testament II, and Biblical Interpretation; three hours from Religions of the World, Contemporary Religious Thought, Religion and Scientific Thought, and Philosophy of Religion; nine hours from The Pentateuch, Old Testament Poetic Literature, Old Testament Historical Literature, Old Testament Prophetic Literature, Gospels, Epistles, New Testament History & Prophecy, and Intermediate Greek II; and nine additional hours of elective chosen from BR courses.