Master of Christian Studies (MCS)

(60 credit hours)

The Master of Christian Studies program reflects the heart of Regent’s mission, by focusing on the education, nurture and equipping of Christians to live and work as servant leaders. The MCS provides graduate theological education for men and women who anticipate working in societal professions or in certain types of remunerated ministries. It is also the recommended degree for those anticipating further graduate studies in preparation for an academic career. Opportunity is given to explore the integration of faith and life by developing skills for interpreting Scripture, by completing courses in each of the theological disciplines and by focusing in depth on a chosen area of concentration (please refer to pp. 33ff for a list of available concentrations). The MCS includes an introduction to biblical languages, with the possibility of further language study if desired or if needed for a chosen concentration.

Students will require good research skills and a high level of commitment to independent study. The flexibility of the MCS in allowing students to choose their own focus is well suited to those who bring with them specific life questions from previous work or education. A minimum of two years is needed to complete the program. While it is possible to complete the degree in two years, many students choose to take longer; in practice, two-thirds of MCS students complete in three years or less. Graduates of the MCS program go on to a wide variety of pursuits, including resuming previous careers or following newly discovered interests, undertaking further education or entering full-time Christian service.

A major project is required to complete the program. Options include a comprehensive examination, a thesis or an integrative project in the arts and theology. Additional information on the major projects can be found on Regent’s website.

• The 3-credit comprehensive examination tests the breadth of a student’s knowledge within a concentration, and includes both a written and an oral component. Taken within a given term, students prepare by reading a representative selection of material (normally between 3,000 and 4,000 pages) chosen by a professor from the concentration discipline. This option allows students to take the broadest range of courses at Regent.
• The 12-credit thesis is a substantial piece of independent research on a specific, focused subject, involving both critical analysis and theological reflection. The thesis, normally 100 to 150 pages, requires considerable vigour and time; few students are able to complete a thesis in one term. It is ideal for students whose specific area of interest is highly defined. The College will endeavour to facilitate thesis supervision in the area of choice; however, admission to the program does not guarantee this.
• The integrative project in the arts and theology provides an opportunity for students who have experience in the arts to create and present an original work of art (e.g., a novel, paintings, the writing and performance of music or a play) and to reflect on it theologically. This option is normally chosen by students completing a concentration in Christianity and the Arts, and may be taken for either 6 or 12 credit hours depending on the size of the project. The project will be accompanied by a critical essay of 20 to 30 pages engaging in theological and aesthetic reflection on the medium and tradition in which the integrative project in the arts and theology is done.

MCS students will choose one area of concentration. The MCS degree will be awarded for the successful completion of 60 credit hours of study with a grade point average of 3.0 (= B) or better. The requirements of the MCS program are as follows:

 

Required Foundations:	Credit Hours
Old Testament Foundations	3
New Testament Foundations	3
Christian Thought & Culture I	3
Christian Thought & Culture II	3

Required Courses for all Concentrations:

Biblical Languages (for most concentrations) 3

(12 credits for OT, NT, Biblical Studies and Theology concentrations)

(27 credits for Biblical Language concentration) Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation 3 History of Christianity I or II 3 Systematic Theology A, B, C or Overview 3

Concentration Requirements/Electives & Free Electives: 36

Total 60 Each of the concentrations involves

1. A 700-level seminar in the same discipline as the concentration (except for the Biblical Language concentration); and
2. A major project (see note 2 below); In addition, depending on the concentration and the major project chosen, there may be:
3. Required courses;
4. Concentration electives (courses within the area of the concentration); and
5. Free electives (courses taken from any discipline) as required to complete the 60 credit hours of the MCS program.

Notes:

1. Available concentrations are listed here. For further information on concentrations please refer to Regent’s website.
2. Major Project: Toward the end of their program, MCS students complete a major project—a comprehensive exam (3 credits), a thesis (12 credits), or an integrative project in the arts and theology (6 or 12 credits; for those in the Christianity and Arts concentration). With the approval of the supervisor, the comprehensive exam may take the form of a major paper.
3. For further information concerning the MCS program see the Academics section.