MISSION STATEMENT

The missions of the Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies is to develop and prepare pastors and scholars in Religion, through instruction and fellowship to serve God, the church and society as commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of the Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies Graduate Programme are: to impart advanced biblical and theological knowledge that is relevant to Africa, grounded in the African realities, and to the world field. to provide opportunities for people who seek to broaden their scope and sharpen their tools for ministry in contemporary Africa and the world at large.

DEGREES OFFERED

The Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies offers the following graduate degrees (see previous section for undergraduate degrees): Master of Arts~Pastoral Theology. This is a graduate professional (Applied Theology) degree for the mature person in ministry.

RESEARCH PROJECT & REPORT:

A Research Project and Report are required for the MA~Pastoral Theology. This Research Project is an integrated work which comprises both biblical/theological analysis and practical application/or pastoral action in students’ areas of interest relevant to their present and future ministries. Master of Arts~Religion. This is a graduate academic degree that provides for one and one-half years of specialised study beyond the undergraduate degree level. It emphasizes general academia and research, and is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to further their graduate studies in religious studies. It also meets the needs of students who wish to engage in religious or secular endeavours that need religious background. Solusi University was approved to launch this programme by the International Board of Education as from 18 March 1999. THESIS: For the MA~Religion programme, a thesis is required so that students can demonstrate their ability to conduct research, and to express the results clearly and logically. Early in the programme students should select a broad area of interest for a thesis topic.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The degrees offered by the Department of Theology & Religious Studies give ample opportunities for graduates to be employed in and out of church settings. Pastors who serve the church are educated and prepared by the Department. Moreover, programmes in the Department also prepare students for various forms of community services such as teaching religion in schools, counselling, health services, legal, and social services.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For admission into any master’s programme applicants must have an undergraduate degree or its equivalent, usually with a major in religion or theology, and must provide evidence of ability to engage in post-graduate study through the medium of English language.

Applicants who seek to pursue the MA~Pastoral Theology need to have relevant experience to be assessed by the appropriate Committee, must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50, and must maintain a GPA of 3.00 to remain in the programme.

Applicants who pursue the MA~Religion must carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60 (on a four-point system) and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 while in the programme. The following are also requirements for admission:

• If the GPA is below, or close to, 2.50 for the MA~Pastoral Theology, applicants may be considered on a probationary basis lasting for two semesters. Applicants who do not have a degree in religion/theology may also be considered for either of the two programmes if the other admission criteria are met,
• and if applicants seek to enhance the content areas in order to teach religion in schools, or to do health, legal, or social work. There may be some bridging courses for those who enter under this special consideration. Proficiency in writing scholarly papers must be demonstrated by acceptable papers written for some classes at the undergraduate degree level. An adequate written statement defining the applicant’s specific purpose in seeking the degree must be submitted. Proficiency in biblical languages, such as Greek and Hebrew, is advantageous. However, applicants who do not have this proficiency may be admitted, and are required to take courses that enhance the proficiency in these languages, as determined by the area of emphasis. At least three letters of recommendation, or evaluation of applicants, are also required – with one being from the current employer, if applicable.

BRIDGING COURSES To ensure that students in the Master’s degree programme have the needed background, applicants whose undergraduate degrees are not in Theology or Religion will be required to do the following bridging courses:

Bridging courses ~ Masters degree                      Total 14                                                                       THST 404 A Survey of Christian Theology                                                                                               OTST 400 Introduction to the Old Testament                                                                                        NTST 400 Introduction to the New Testament                                                                                        CHIS 470 History of the SDA Church                                                                                                       OTST 451 Beginning Hebrew                                                                                                              NTST 451 Beginning Greek

The bridging course credits do not count towards the minimum credits required for graduation.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To graduate with a master’s degree students must successfully complete 36 to 48 semester credits, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (B average).