Master of Religious Studies
The Master of Religious Studies (M.R.S.) is a first level, non-professional degree and represents a minimum of one-year of study. The primary objective of the M.R.S. program is to provide an orientation to religious studies, with a major interest in the Christian faith. The program builds on either the B.R.S. or on foundational courses required for students not holding the B.R.S. from NationsUniversity. Because NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms, students work at their own pace. Courses are completed one at a time.
Degree requirements are satisfied through the accumulation of 42 credits (36 for B.R.S. graduates of NationsUniversity) and a set of analytical essays. The essays carry no credit, but they are required. The essays provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to pull together the substance of his/her studies into a meaningful synthesis.
Students may complete the M.R.S. with or without access to the Internet and textbooks. Those who elect courses that do not contain Internet links to online material and those who do not have access to textbooks have a very limited range of course options. But the degree can be completed with only university-supplied materials.
Students who do not enter the M.R.S. with the B.R.S. degree from NationsUniversity must complete the full 42 credit curriculum. The program is open to students who hold a three-year Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent), or a bachelor's or higher degree in any discipline.
The initial courses provide evidence that the student has a basic understanding of the biblical text, the theological message of the Bible, and exegetical methodology needed to complete the master's program. These courses should be a healthy review for those who are acquainted with biblical study. They may be more challenging for those who are less acquainted with the Bible, but they are not overwhelming for the beginner. These courses should not be viewed as an obstacle, but as preparation for a delightful journey. These "foundation" courses are followed by a capstone course, titled Critical Analysis in Biblical Studies. The course builds onto the foundation courses and is completed through a series of essays calculated to measure the student's ability to think critically about modern topics in view of the ancient text of scripture.
Admission prerequisites. A student is eligible to enroll in the M.R.S. program if he/she holds a standard bachelor's degree of no less than 120 semester credits or its equivalent. The degree may be in any discipline. If the student presents a three-year Bachelor of Theology or similar degree or diploma, the student may be admitted to the master's program only after completing the 30 General Education credits required for the B.R.S.
Formal admission. Formal admission to the M.R.S. is automatic for students who hold the B.R.S. from NationsUniversity with a 3.00 G.P.A. B.R.S. graduates with a G.P.A. lower than 3.00 will be reviewed, but they are not guaranteed admission.
Those who do not hold the B.R.S. from NU may register and begin work immediately with MRS 622. Formal acceptance into the M.R.S. program will come after a review of the applicant's formal credentials. It is to the student's advantage that proof of the bachelor's degree be submitted immediately after registration. Until formal admission is granted, the student shall be considered a "certificate" student. A certificate student is qualified for a non-degree award only. Once formal admission is granted, the student is assigned to the M.R.S. curriculum. Courses which have been completed from this curriculum will count toward the M.R.S. degree.
M.R.S. degree requirements
MRS 622 A Search for Spirituality*
MRS 001 The Hebrew Scriptures**
MRS 006 The Greek Scriptures**
M 3 Systematic Theology
M 4 Biblical Hermeneutics
MRS 540 The Church to 120 C.E.
M 11 Critical Analysis in Biblical Studies
Electives (21 credits)***
The degree will be completed with a series of essays
*BRS graduates from NU who have credit for BRS 16.6 must substitute a course of their choice.
**BRS graduates from NU are granted advanced standing and are exempt from MRS 001 and 006.
***Electives may be drawn from across the graduate curriculum, but a maximum of 12 credits will be allowed from any group of courses belonging to a given category--Biblical Backgrounds (MRS 100s), The Hebrew Scriptures (MRS 200s), The Greek Scriptures (MRS 300s), Church History (MRS 400s), Theology (MRS 500s), Ministry (MRS 600s or M 7 and higher), Comparative Religion (MRS 700s). Required courses are not included in this maximum.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 6 semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward the M.R.S., provided the credits are from an accredited institution and have not been applied toward another degree. No credit will be applied toward the M.R.S. that has been used for another graduate degree issued by NationsUniversity.
Click here for a SPECIAL NOTE TO STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE GRADUATE PROGRAM PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 2009.
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