Curricular Requirements & Courses Offered 

• Introductory courses: Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, and Research Methods (7 credit hours)

• Theological foundations: Systematic Theology, Contemporary Ecclesiology, and the Theology of Ministry (9 credit hours)

• Ministerial skills: Pastoral Counseling, Foundations of Religious Education, and Issues in Religion and Culture (9 credit hours)

• Practicum in ministry: (3 credit hours)

• Formation seminar: oportunities for pastoral skills development and spiritual formation (0 credit hours)

REL 500 Research Methods and Theological Foundations

Writing and research as ways of exploring and learning. An orientation to techniques of research and writing in religious studies, generations of bibliography, library use, mechanics of academic style, research cycle and communication tactics. (1 credit hour)

REL 501 Studies in Old and New Testament

An introduction to scholarly issues concerning the historical context, history of composition, and pastoral application of the Old and New Testament. (3 credit hours)

REL 502 Studies in Theology

A survey of the methods, issues, and patterns of questioning typical of theological inquiry. (3 credit hours)

REL 522 Christology

An introduction to systematic reflection on the mystery of Jesus the Christ. The course will be divided into three parts: Biblical Christology, Classical (Patristic, Doctrinal, and Medieval) Christology, and Contemporary Christology. (3 credit hours)

REL 530 Theological Ethics

A critical examination of ethical issues such as natural law, human freedom, conscience, authority and the moral and rational capacity. (3 credits)

REL 545 Human Develoment in Theological Perspective

Explores several different approaches to human development, including faith and moral development as well as the process of socialization and the social roots of knowledge as these influence the fields of religious education and theology. (3 credit hours)

REL 551 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

Foundations of theological models, methodology and practice crucial to pastoral counseling. Special attention to counseling theory and related pastoral issues with emphasis on theological reflections and evaluative methods. (3 credits)

REL 558 Practicum

A field-based experience involving demonstrated competence in ministry. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)(3 credit hours)

REL 569 Liturgical Pastoral Theology

An advanced course in liturgical theology designed to study the nature of liturgy and how it is experienced today in light of historical and theological tradition. Special emphasis is given to the roots of the liturgical movement and ecumenism in the 20th century and their impact on contemporary worship.