Academic Catalog 2010-2011 - Union Presbyterian Seminary

Elective Courses (12 credits)(including at least one elective in Preaching and/or Worship)Union Presbyterian Seminary Academic Catalog 2010-2011PROGRAMSPortfolio-based assessment process (Required for graduation; earns no credits.)Total40 creditsMaster of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.Div./M.A.C.E.) at CharlotteThe M.Div./M.A.C.E. degree program is also available through the Charlotte campus. Degree requirements inthe Charlotte and Richmond academic programs are the same. The Charlotte program is designed for part-time,non-residential students who ordinarily attend classes on Friday and/ or Saturday.ADVANCED DEGREESMaster of Theology (Th.M.)The primary purpose of the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree program is to offer advanced theological studyfor leaders in the global church, and to provide appropriate preparation for study in a Doctor of Philosophydegree program.Goals1. Our graduates have an advanced understanding of a focused area or discipline in the context of generaltheological study.2. Our graduates have the capacity to use research methods and resources in their academic discipline andto engage in advanced theological reflection.Union Presbyterian Seminary currently offers the Th.M. with concentrations in the following fields: Biblical Studies(Old Testament or New Testament); History of Christianity; Theology and Ethics; and Christian Eduction.Th.M. studies are coordinated by the associate dean for academic programs and the academic programs committeeof the faculty.AdmissionThe M.Div. degree or its equivalent, earned at an ATS-accredited institution, or at an institution offering graduatelevel work accredited by one of the nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States, oran equivalent educational credential from another country, is prerequisite for admission into the Th.M. program.CreditsEach candidate for the Th.M. degree must successfully complete the equivalent of 10 course credits in residence,including preparation of a research paper or other acceptable thesis project on an approved topic of special interest.At least one course credit, but ordinarily no more than three, may be acquired through a combination of directedstudy courses related to the candidate’s research project and the project itself. Additional courses are selected,with the approval of the student’s advisor, from appropriate basic-degree electives and from graduate seminars.AdvisingStudents design specific programs of study to meet degree requirements, in consultation with their faculty advisor.Research PaperA candidate’s Th.M. research paper, or previously approved equivalent, must be submitted by May 15 anddeemed successful by the faculty supervisor and a second reader appointed by the candidate’s department, andan oral examination must be successfully completed before the end of the term preceding the graduation ceremonyat which the degree is to be awarded. A draft or a substantial portion of the project must be submitted for preliminary2-12