The Master of Arts in Religion offers a New Testament emphasis, and while being a strong academic degree, it will also equip the student for Pastoral Ministry. This is so as the academic offerings of BICU are designed with a practical market relevance to the instructional framework. The degree consists of 48 credit hours structured to be completed in two years. However, the student has a maximum of seven years to complete the program. The MA carries the option of a major research paper or a comprehensive exam as its final requirement.
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites for the MA in Religion (NT emphasis) are as follows:
A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Religion or a related area
A grade point average of at least 3.0 at the undergraduate level
Intermediate Greek I and II, or its equivalency with a minimum grade of “C.” The applicant may choose to sit a Greek entrance exam to fulfill this requirement.
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is a professional degree with a strong academic emphasis. This program serves to further equip practicing and potential pastors for Christian ministry and prepares them for post-graduate studies in ministry. The degree consists of 64 credits hours designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. However, the student has a maximum of seven years to complete the degree.
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites for this program are:
A bachelor’s degree in any field or
At least four (4) years of pastoral ministry or seven (7) to ten (10) years of being an ordained church elder/leader)
A portfolio or written, notarized attestation of ministry work accomplished during the above required years of ministry service
Beginning NT Greek and OT Hebrew are required however, students are allowed to fulfill this requirement using at least six (6) hours of their elective hours or they can choose to sit a Greek entrance exam to fulfill this requirement.
A grade point average of at least 2.50 at the undergraduate level
MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION AND CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
This MRCA offering is a 39-credit program. It is designed for those seeking advanced theological education combined with professional skills in church leadership and administration. The curriculum aims to equip students with both a deep understanding of Christian doctrine and practical tools for managing the complex operations of modern churches. Graduates will be prepared to serve as senior church leaders, administrators, or consultants, equipped with the knowledge to lead in various ministry contexts while ensuring healthy organizational practices, ethical decision-making, and sustainable growth.
PREREQUISITES FOR THE MRCA
Prerequisites for the MRCA are as follows:
A bachelor’s degree and transcript, preferably in Religion or Church Administration or a related area.
A grade point average of at least 2.67 at the undergraduate level
An undergraduate course in at least four (4) Religion courses or a combination of Religion courses and Church Administration courses. Where none of these courses are reflected on the transcript, students will be asked to complete four such courses before proceeding to the MRCA program.
The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MAC) is a 59-credit program designed for individuals pursuing professional chaplaincy roles in healthcare, military, correctional, corporate, or community-based settings. This program combines theological education with practical training in pastoral care, crisis response, and spiritual support. Students will develop essential skills in counseling, interfaith engagement, trauma-informed care, and ethical leadership. Graduates will be equipped to serve in diverse institutional contexts as compassionate and capable spiritual care providers.
PREREQUISITES FOR THE MAC
Prerequisites for the MAC are as follows:
A bachelor’s degree and transcript, preferably in Theology, Ministry, Counseling, or a related area.
A grade point average of at least 2.75 at the undergraduate level
At least one completed undergraduate or professional course in Theology, Pastoral Care, or Counseling. Where none are reflected on the transcript, students will be asked to complete preparatory courses before proceeding to the MAC program.
The Master of Arts in Religion & Politics is a fully online, faith‑integrated graduate degree of 60 credit hours, designed for completion in just 18 months of full‑time study. This interdisciplinary program empowers students to explore the dynamic interplay between theological principles and political phenomena, equipping graduates for leadership roles in religious institutions, political organizations, policy research, interfaith dialogue, or doctoral studies.
The curriculum is carefully structured into four components:
Core Requirements (24 credits): Covers advanced research methods, foundational theories, comparative political‐religious thought, ethics, and seminars in religion and politics.
Advanced Theological Studies (15 credits): Includes courses such as hermeneutics, contemporary theology, social justice, ecclesiology, and comparative world religions.
Advanced Political Studies (15 credits): Explores political philosophy, international relations, policy analysis, political communication, and comparative systems.
Capstone Experience (6 credits): Students choose between a thesis defense, an applied research project with portfolio presentation, or an extended field internship in a ministry, NGO, or political context.
Ideal for emerging professionals who seek to thoughtfully bridge the spheres of faith and public governance, this MA offers rigorous academic training blended with practical application and fieldwork.