Program Requirements
The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.); Non-Thesis is a course-based program that emphasizes intensive and scholarly learning opportunities. The program focuses on skills in literature review, information synthesis, and resourceful thinking. The program is approved by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
ATS Accreditation:
The S.T.M. program is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada.
The normal requirement is two years (of two terms each) of full-time study, but the degree may, by permission, be taken on a part-time basis.
Note: Ordination requirements for S.T.M. graduates will normally involve a further year of professional pastoral studies (the In-Ministry Year) provided by the Montreal School of Theology, which is affiliated with the School of Religious Studies.
Required Courses (15 credits)
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RELG 645 Methods in Religious Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion, including: historical studies/textual hermeneutics; ritual/performance studies; and religion and modernity.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nelson, Samuel (Fall)
Note: Restricted to M.A. students in Religious Studies, except with permission of the instructor.
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RELG 646 Research Project 1 (6 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An analysis of the research approaches of certain designated interdisciplinary fields of study. These independent studies are structured to provide students with the necessary research skills in their adopted interdisciplinary studies and will be presented in the form of a project to be determined by the student and Area studies professor.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kirby, W J Torrance (Fall)
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RELG 647 Research Project 2 (6 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An analysis of the research approaches of certain designated interdisciplinary fields of study. These independent studies are structured to provide students with the necessary research skills in their adopted interdisciplinary studies and will be presented in the form of a project to be determined by the student and Area studies professor.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Oegema, Gerbern (Fall)
Complementary Courses (30 credits)
12 credits from Area Studies listed below.
Area Studies:
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RELG 644 Biblical Theology (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of biblical theology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction(s):Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 520.
Fall and Winter
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RELG 648 Church History (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of church history.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Kirby, W J Torrance; Zink, Jesse (Fall) Kirby, W J Torrance (Winter)
Restriction(s): Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 530.
Fall and Winter
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RELG 652 Christian Theology (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of Christian theology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction(s): Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 531.
Fall and Winter
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RELG 653 Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of philosophy of religion.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction(s): Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 540.
Fall and Winter
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RELG 656 Theological Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of theological ethics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restriction(s): Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 541.
Fall and Winter
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RELG 663 Comparative Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Tutorials and guided reading in the field of comparative religion.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Atansi, Chukwuemeka (Fall)
Restriction(s): Only open to students in the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis program. Not open to students who have taken RELG 550.
18 credits at the 500 level or higher. Course selection approval is required by the Chair of the Religious Studies Graduate Committee.
Students who take the S.T.M.; Non-Thesis as part of their ordination requirements are to choose their courses in consultation with the Principal of the Theological College with which they are associated.
Related courses, at the 500 level or higher, are also available in other departments and must be chosen in consultation with the S.T.M; Non-Thesis adviser.
