Master of Religious Education

Program Overview

The purpose of the Master of Religious Education is to equip and motivate students to become competent
leaders in the educational ministries of churches. Studies in this program guide and encourage students to
develop in educated performances of their ministry. Graduates of Master of Religious Education are able to serve the Christian community as directors or coordinators of religious education, congregations, diocesan offices, or as teachers of religion in faith-based institutions.

Standard of Student Achievement and Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student must

1. Complete a minimum of 64 quarter units or 640 hours of the following coursework with a cumulative
2. Successfully complete the degree requirements within the allowed program length.

Successful graduates of the program will be awarded a degree in Master of Religious Education.

Program Length

Students are usually expected to complete the program in 2 years. The maximum time frame allowed for students to complete a program is 150% of the normal program length, namely 3 years for the Master’s programs. An extension may be granted for special circumstances.

Course Descriptions

MED101     Philosophy of Christian Education                   4 units

This course contains a history of educational philosophy, both in Biblical and secular, biblical integration, philosophy of teaching methods, classroom discipline, and curriculum development.

MED102     Ministry to Special Children and Adults         4 units

This curriculum will provide students to prepare to become an advance teacher. It is designed to communicate with both teens and adults to be connected with many ability levels participating in a special needs program.

MED103     Church Discipline                   4 units

This course will study on church growth and aspects of Christian discipleship.

MED104     Effective Teaching                   4 units

A study of diverse teaching strategies and the learning paradigms on which they are based. Also this course includes an analysis of special problems encountered by the professoriate.

MED105     Small Group Ministries                   4 units

The examination and practice of communication skills in small-group setting with emphasis on exercises that enhance those skills. It is to help the student understand the biblical and theological principles of small groups, interpersonal relationships and small group dynamics.

MED106     Adult Education                   4 units

This course is to advance the understanding of the basic principles behind motivating adults to learn Christianity.

MED107     Teaching Techniques                   4 units

In this course, students will participate in practicing skills on teaching techniques and methods, Biblically and secularly. It will provide studies in strategies for collaboration of Bible and other teaching method, differentiating instruction through technology and enhancing teaching quality in classrooms.

MED108     Seminar: Christian Education                   4 units

Participants in the seminar will explore Biblical mandates for an adequate response to the context, demographics of aging and the affect on congregational life, ministry to children, adults, and senior adults.

MED109     Camp Leadership II                   4 units

Students will have opportunities to increase their skills and abilities, deepen their knowledge and application of Scripture, and gain variety of leadership experiences. Students will be trained for future leadership service in their churches, camps, and communities.

MED110     Principles of Teaching and Learning     4 units

This course will allow students to develop principles of approaches to teaching, learning, and creating classroom environments, and to engage in planning and teaching in different curricular and learning environments.

MED111     Curriculum Development                   4 units

This course provides a study of the factors and influences that have affected the development of the curriculum in higher education. Trends, issues, problems, and variation in Christian education programs are studied.

MED112     Development of Children                   4 units

This course is designed for students in emphasis placed on the analysis of historical and contemporary philosophies and models of early childhood education, exploration of the variety and scope of programs in the community, examination ofcareer options and career preparation in the field of child development.

MED113     Educational Leadership and Administration                   4 units

This course examines the context of change as it impacts society and its educations in church and school; determines leadership qualities and skills necessary for creating successful and enduring change in church and school.

MED114     Teaching of Christ                   4 units

This course will review the life and teachings of Jesus by first introducing and reading the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), then studying through the basic story of Jesus’ life, surveying his teachings and reviewing his actions.

MED 115    Methods of Christian Education                   4 units

A study of the Biblical and historical backgrounds of Christian Education to the present. This course will help students develop understanding and behavior, various teaching methods and teaching aids are among the topics.

MED116     Ministry Practice                   4 units

This course moves students towards general pastoral competency in conducting funerals, weddings, baptisms, ordination, and weekly worship planning and execution.

MED117     Spiritual Formation                   4 units

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with biblical foundation of spiritual discipline and contemporary approaches to discipleship training so that they can become spirit-filled disciples of Jesus and effective discipleship training minister. The emphasis is on the practical approaches to ongoing discipleship in a small group context of the churches today.

MED118     Leadership & Administration                   4 units

This course provides an overview of leadership theories using power, position and servant hood as integrating themes to examine a variety of leadership perspectives. Leadership theories will be critiqued in the light of biblical values and perspectives using these themes as an integrating framework. Students will examine roles of leaders and followers interacting in a given the situation and shaped by the culture, uses of different influences means and formation of values for leadership.

MED119     Advanced Children and Youth Education                   4 units

This course focuses on curriculum development, implementation and evaluation based on child development, learning theory, educational research and practice. Mathematics, environmental education, science and social studies for young children are covered. Children’s literature and language arts are integrated into the examination of those curriculum areas as supportive activities. Students will be taught the study of program, curriculum and instructional approaches that contribute to the preparation of young children.

MED120          Law and Ethics in Christian Counseling                              4 units

This course is designed to teach students the process of ethical and legal decision making in the practice of Christian counseling. Topics covered include potential liabilities, practice management, emotional and spiritual concerns of the practicing Christian counselor. Students will gain experiential understanding regarding ethical responses related to boundary issues, moral issues, dual relationships, confidentiality, financial matters, termination process, case notes, and duty to report and warn.