The Master of Arts in Religion and Politics consists of 60 credit hours and is designed to be completed in 18 months of full-time study. This graduate program builds upon undergraduate foundations to prepare students for advanced leadership roles in religious institutions, political organizations, policy analysis, interfaith dialogue, or doctoral study in Religion, Political Science, or related fields.
The program emphasizes critical analysis of the intersection between religious thought and political action, equipping students with advanced research capabilities, theological depth, and a sophisticated understanding of political systems and processes. Students are required to engage in supervised field experience through internships, research projects, or ministry placements that demonstrate practical application of their studies.
Credit Distribution:
Core Requirements: 24 credits
Advanced Theological Studies: 15 credits
Advanced Political Studies: 15 credits
Capstone Experience: 6 credits
PREREQUISITES
The following prerequisites are required for matriculation into the Master of Arts in Religion and Politics:
Bachelor's Degree: An accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Preferred majors include Religion, Political Science, International Relations, Philosophy, History, or related fields.
Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must have completed undergraduate coursework in or equivalent to:
Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
Introduction to Religion or Philosophy (3 credits)
Research Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)
At least 6 credits in either Religious Studies or Political Science
Language Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English through TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 80 internet-based) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) for international students.
Prerequisites for Students Without Religion/Politics Background: Students lacking adequate undergraduate preparation may be required to complete up to 12 credits of foundational coursework before full matriculation.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE M.A. IN RELIGION & POLITICS
The application package consists of the following items to be completed and submitted online at mybicu.org:
Completed Application Form with personal statement (500-750 words) describing academic interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing this program.
Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, sent directly to BICU at: 9750 Apollo Drive, Suite B #124, Largo, Maryland 20774 or electronically via info@mybicu.org. International students must use World Education Services (WES) for transcript evaluation.
Non-refundable Processing Fee of $75.00
Three Letters of Recommendation from:
Academic references (professors or academic advisors)
Professional references (employers, ministry leaders, or community leaders)
Character references (pastors, community leaders, or mentors). Letters should address the applicant's academic ability, leadership potential, and suitability for graduate study.
Writing Sample: A 10-15 page academic paper demonstrating research and analytical skills, preferably related to religion, politics, or their intersection.
Graduate Entrance Interview with designated BICU officials conducted through online portal. All interviews will be recorded and archived.
Current Resume/CV detailing educational background, work experience, volunteer activities, and relevant achievements.
CORE REQUIREMENTS (24 Credits)
RELP 500 - Advanced Research Methods in Religion and Politics (3) RELP 510 - Theoretical Foundations of Religion and Politics (3) RELP 520 - Comparative Religious Political Thought (3) RELP 530 - Contemporary Issues in Church and State (3) RELP 540 - Interfaith Dialogue and Political Engagement (3) RELP 550 - Ethics in Religious and Political Leadership (3) RELP 560 - Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Social Research (3) RELP 570 - Seminar in Religion and Politics (3)
ADVANCED THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (15 Credits)
THEO 600 - Advanced Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation (3) THEO 610 - Contemporary Theological Movements (3) THEO 620 - Theology and Social Justice (3) THEO 630 - Comparative Theology and World Religions (3) THEO 640 - Advanced Ecclesiology and Church Leadership (3)
ADVANCED POLITICAL STUDIES (15 Credits)
PLSC 600 - Advanced Political Theory and Philosophy (3) PLSC 610 - Religion and International Relations (3) PLSC 620 - Policy Analysis and Political Decision-Making (3) PLSC 630 - Comparative Political Systems and Religion (3) PLSC 640 - Political Communication and Religious Rhetoric (3)
CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (6 Credits)
Students must choose ONE of the following options:
Option A: Thesis Track
RELP 690 - Master's Thesis Research (3)
RELP 695 - Master's Thesis Defense (3)
Option B: Applied Research Project
RELP 680 - Applied Research Project (3)
RELP 685 - Professional Portfolio and Presentation (3)
Option C: Extended Internship
RELP 675 - Graduate Internship in Religion and Politics (6) Supervised field experience in religious organization, political institution, NGO, or policy research center
YEAR 1
Autumn Semester Year 1
RELP 500 - Advanced Research Methods in Religion and Politics (3)
RELP 510 - Theoretical Foundations of Religion and Politics (3)
THEO 600 - Advanced Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation (3)
PLSC 600 - Advanced Political Theory and Philosophy (3)
Spring Semester Year 1
RELP 520 - Comparative Religious Political Thought (3)
RELP 530 - Contemporary Issues in Church and State (3)
THEO 610 - Contemporary Theological Movements (3)
PLSC 610 - Religion and International Relations (3)
Summer Year 1 (May - July)
RELP 540 - Interfaith Dialogue and Political Engagement (3)
THEO 620 - Theology and Social Justice (3)
PLSC 620 - Policy Analysis and Political Decision-Making (3)
YEAR 2
Autumn Semester Year 2
RELP 550 - Ethics in Religious and Political Leadership (3)
RELP 560 - Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Social Research (3)
THEO 630 - Comparative Theology and World Religions (3)
PLSC 630 - Comparative Political Systems and Religion (3)
Spring Semester Year 2
RELP 570 - Seminar in Religion and Politics (3)
THEO 640 - Advanced Ecclesiology and Church Leadership (3)
PLSC 640 - Political Communication and Religious Rhetoric (3)
