Master of Religious Education


The primary purpose of the Master of Religious Education is to equip and motivate students to become competent leaders in the educational ministries of churches. This degree is the foundational degree for one preparing for ministry in Religious Education. Objectives of the program seek to encourage the student to develop skills for the performance of ministry and to strive for personal excellence in pursuing a ministry in Religious Education.

Graduates of Master of Religious Education are able to serve the Christian community as directors or coordinators of religious education, Christian education, or faith formation in Catholic and Protestant parishes, congregations, or diocesan offices; or as teachers of religion in faith-based elementary schools and high schools

Degree Requirements

Successfully complete 72 quarter units of the following coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale:

  •  Successfully complete 36 quarter units of Religious Education concentrated core courses
  • Successfully complete 8 quarter units of the Thesis
  • Project. Successfully complete 28 quarter units of unrestricted electives or alternative electives.
  • Successfully complete the degree requirements within the time limit.

Time Limit

The M.A. in Religious Education program must be completed within 3 years from the time the student commenced the first course, as a regular student. This time limit, at the option of the university, may be extended due to special extenuating circumstances.

Master of Religious Education Suggested Core Classes

BBL 501 Biblical Theology (4 quarter units)

Overview of the covenantal structure of the whole of biblical revelation, centering on concepts of kingdom, covenant and Mediator.

CED 501 History of Christian Education (4 quarter units)

Brief history and importance of Christian education in the local church; organization of the church’s educational program; planning and development; leadership recruitment and training; staff relationships.

CED 503 Philosophy of Christian Education (4 quarter units)

An examination of the biblical and theological foundations of Christian education; development of a personal philosophy of Christian education which is both biblical and practical.

CED 505 Children’s Ministries in the Local Church (4 quarter units)

The Christian educational ministry of the church is presented on the basis of a biblical perspective. Practical programmatic issues of curriculum and instruction such as Sunday school, vacation Bible school, adult Bible classes, youth ministry, curriculum planning, and teacher training are also addressed.

CED 509 Field Education – Teaching Techniques (4 quarter units)

Preparation and presentation of various styles of lessons such as: visual aid’s drama, puppets, news reports, pantomime, quizzes, puzzles and games.

CED 511 Childhood Education (Children and Adults) (4 quarter units)

Methods of ministry to handicapped or uniquely gifted people; professional advice provided; methods for reaching those in the community with special needs.

CED 513 Youth Ministries in the Local Church (4 quarter units)

A study of attitudes and need of modern youth; methods of reaching, teaching, and challenging young people.

CED 515 Methods and Materials for the Sunday School (4 quarter units)

Analysis of curriculum and related materials of the major publishing house as to doctrinal positions and practical usefulness in the church’s educational program.

CHD 501 History of Christian Doctrines (4 quarter units)

An historical survey of the development of selected major doctrines from the first century to the present.

CHD 601 The Life of Christ (4 quarter units)

A study of Christ’s earthly life using a harmony of the Gospels.

ETH 501 Christian Ethics (4 quarter units)

Structure and content of Christian Ethics; goal, motive and norm of the Christian life; analysis of ethical issues of authority, life, sexuality, property and truthfulness.

PTR 615 Seminar III: Worship and Liturgy (4 quarter units)

A Seminar considering worship theory and study of technique of liturgy for all occasion of church calendar.