Undergraduate Programs
| Certificate in Biblical Studies (C.B.S.) | Bachelor of Religious Studies (Bridge Program) |
| Certificate in Christian Ministry (C.C.M.) | Bachelor of Religious Studies (B.R.S.) |
Graduate Programs
| Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies (G.C.B.S.) | |
| Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) | Master of Divinity (M.Div.) |
Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (ONOS)
A proficient student is one who can navigate online courses, research effectively, think critically, and write professionally. Therefore, each student is required to work through a non-credit orientation course in the first nine (9) hours of their degree plan. The orientation provides instructions on navigating their student information dashboard, their online courses, and the EBSCO library. In addition, the course offers advice, insights, and tools to ensure all students are successful in their academic studies. The course is non-credit, but it must be passed before the student is permitted to take their first proctored examination, which occurs after the student completes the first nine (9) hours of the degree plan. The course consists of reading material, videos, and two short quizzes. All students must complete this orientation.
The Certificate in Biblical Studies (C.B.S.) The Certificate in Biblical Studies requires 21 semester hours of prescribed credits taken at NationsUniversity, plus two proctored comprehensive exams. Transfer credit cannot be substituted for these Certificate courses. In addition to recognizing a student’s accomplishment, the certificate also enables the University to evaluate the student’s potential for achieving a higher academic award.
Admission into the Certificate in Biblical Studies Program
Admission to the C.B.S. program requires the following:
Program Learning Outcomes
C.B.S. program outcomes are a reduced number of those belonging to the B.R.S. PLO’s to reflect reduced curriculum requirements.
Specific Course Requirements
Seven courses constitute the Certificate curriculum. These are named below and are normally taken in the order listed. These courses must be completed at NationsUniversity, even though the student may have taken similar courses elsewhere. No transfer credit is accepted for the C.B.S. course.
| ONOS | Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| BRS 100 | A Search for Spirituality |
| BRS 121 | The Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 122 | The Greek Scriptures |
| BRS 123 | Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 124 | Theology of the Greek Scriptures |
| BRS 125 | Exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 126 | Exegesis of the Greek Scriptures |
Additional Graduation Requirement
NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms; therefore, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) must be a minimum of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale on the credits used for the degree.
In addition to all course requirements listed above and the minimum C.G.P.A., the student must complete two proctored comprehensive exams. Arrangements for the proctored exams will be made with the student’s advisor.
All financial obligations must be satisfied two weeks prior to a NationsUniversity graduation date before a certificate can be conferred and before a transcript can be issued.
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs
The projected completion time for the C.B.S. degree is 1 year. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $1,825 if they complete the C.B.S. within 12 months or $2,725 if they extend their studies over 18 months. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional. Incarcerated students living within the United States are assessed only the $25 registration fee but are responsible for securing hard copy textbooks, which will run about $100 for the C.B.S.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are officially admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.
The Certificate in Christian Ministry (C.C.M.) follows after the Certificate in Biblical Studies and may be taken concurrently with the Bachelor of Religious Studies program. It may also be taken by students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies. The C.C.M. requires 12 semester hours of prescribed credits taken at NationsUniversity. These 12 hours are also applicable to the B.R.S. program courses but not to any graduate program. Transfer credit cannot be substituted for these Certificate courses.
Admission into the Certificate in Christian Ministry Program
Admission to the C.C.M. program requires the following:
Program Learning Outcomes
The Certificate curriculum is outlined below, with courses named in the recommended order. These courses must be completed at NU, even though the student may have taken similar courses elsewhere. No transfer credit may apply.
| HUM 220 | Ethics |
| BRS 443 | Foundations of Ministry (Prerequisite for BRS 450) |
| SOC 200 | Family |
| BRS 450 | The Pastoral Ministry |
Additional Graduation Requirement
NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms; therefore, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) must be a minimum of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale on the credits used for this certificate.
All financial obligations must be satisfied two weeks prior to a NationsUniversity graduation date before a certificate can be conferred and before a transcript can be issued.
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs
The projected completion time for the C.C.M. degree is 1 year when taken concurrently with the Bachelor of Religious Studies program. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $1,825 if they complete the C.C.M. within 12 months or $2,725 if they extend their studies over 18 months. Since the C.C.M. is designed to run concurrently with the B.R.S., students paying toward the B.R.S. will not be charged any additional tuition for courses applied to both the B.R.S. and the C.C.M.
Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional. Incarcerated students living within the United States are assessed only the $25 registration fee but are responsible for securing hard copy textbooks, which will run about $100 for the C.C.M.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are officially admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.
The Bachelor of Religious Studies (B.R.S.) requires 120-semester hour credits. A minimum of thirty (30) of these must be taken with NU. A minimum of 60 credits shall be drawn from the category of religion, philosophy or worldview, counseling, and courses that address ministry, worship, biblical languages, and biblical exegesis. For calculation of religious studies credit, all courses taken at NU can be counted. The student will also complete a Bible knowledge test and a self-evaluated spiritual inventory at the beginning and end of the program.
Admission into the B.R.S. Program
Admission to the B.R.S. program requires the following:
*In the event a student cannot, for reasons beyond his/her control, submit official documentation of having secondary completion, the student may appeal to the Registrar.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Religious Studies program imparts a general foundation in the biblical and theological disciplines. Distinctively, the outcomes of the B.R.S. program are to prepare graduates who
Course Requirements
Requirements for the B.R.S. are divided into four sections (1) General Education, (2) Required Foundation Courses, (3) Additional Religious Courses, and (4) General Electives. The first section of course requirements is General Education. Transfer credit from other accredited universities is allowed for general education courses, or the general education may all be taken at NationsUniversity. A minimum of 30 General Education credits must be in the following disciplines: arts and humanities, communications, English, mathematics, natural science, and social science. Six (6) credits must be in English (comprehension and composition). At least four other categories other than English shall be represented, with a maximum of nine (9) credits in any of single category.
The second section of courses is the Required Foundation Courses. This section consists of 21 hours that must be completed at NationsUniversity. Students who have completed NU’s Certificate in Biblical Studies may apply all 21 hours of the C.B.S. to the Required Foundation Courses. The required foundation courses follow.
Required Courses
| ONOS | Online to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| BRS 100 | A Search for Spirituality |
| BRS 121 | The Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 122 | The Greek Scriptures |
| BRS 123 | Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 124 | Theology of the Greek Scriptures |
| BRS 125 | Exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures |
| BRS 126 | Exegesis of the Greek Scriptures |
The third section of courses is the Additional Religious Courses. This section consists of 39 hours of additional religious credits. Of these 39 hours of credit, 18 credit hours must be fulfilled with the following coursework that may be completed at NationsUniversity or be met by transfer credits specific to the following courses.
Additional Required Courses
| BRS 313 | The Church of the First Five Decades |
| BRS 431 or 432 | Exegesis Torah & Prophets or Exegesis Job, Ruth, & Chronicles |
| BRS 433 or 434 | New Testament Exegesis I, II |
| BRS 443 | Ministry |
| BRS 444 | Worship |
| One of the following three: | |
| Hum 230 | Worldview |
| BRS 401 | Comparative Religion: Eastern |
| BRS 424 | Comparative Religion: Abrahamic Faiths |
The remaining 21 credit hours of coursework may be fulfilled with any religious coursework from NationsUniversity or by transfer credit from another accredited institution.
The fourth section is General Electives and is comprised of 30 credit hours of any coursework. The hours may be fulfilled using courses from NationsUniversity or by transfer credit from another accredited institution.
Additional Graduation Requirements
NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms; therefore, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) must be a minimum of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale on the credits used for the degree.
In addition to all course requirements listed above and the minimum C.G.P.A., the student must complete four proctored comprehensive exams. Arrangements for the proctored exams will be made with the student’s advisor.
All financial obligations must be satisfied two weeks prior to a NationsUniversity graduation date before a degree can be conferred and before a transcript can be issued.
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs
The projected completion time for the B.R.S. degree is 4 years. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. Allowing for a modest increase in tuition, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $8,125 if they present no transfer credit and complete the B.R.S. within 48 months or $13,750 if they extend their studies over 72 months. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format, without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are officially admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.
Transfer Credits
Ninety (90) credits maximum can be accepted from an accredited institution. Transfer credits are only granted from official transcript evaluations. Official transcripts are those sent directly from the issuing institution and not by way of the student. Only in special circumstances and from certain countries, are authenticated documents valid.
Bachelor of Religious Studies Bridge Program (B.R.S. Bridge)
For qualified students, whose plans include graduate studies, NationsUniversity offers a “Bridge” program that allows students to earn twelve (12)hours of graduate credit while completing their undergraduate degree. The twelve graduate hours earned will satisfy twelve of the 120 hours for the B.R.S. and be applied to the thirty-six (36) hours required for the Master of Theological Studies. The Program Learning Outcomes of the B.R.S. Bridge are the same as the B.R.S.
Students who elect to participate in the B.R.S. Bridge are not eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies (G.C.B.S.) upon completion of thetwelve hours of graduate courses. The simultaneous application of these hours to the B.R.S. and the M.T.S. prevents the use of these hours for any other academic programs or awards prior to the M.T.S.
Admission into the B.R.S. Bridge Program
Movement between traditional B.R.S. and B.R.S. with Bridge Option
A student must choose either the traditional B.R.S. program or B.R.S. with Bridge Option prior to or immediately after completing the Proctored Comprehensive Exam #2. Once a student applies to the traditional B.R.S. program, the student may not, at a later date, decide to exercise the Bridge Option. The B.R.S. Bridge uses different courses to meet program outcomes and requires the student to take the two Graduate Qualifying Exam instead of the third and fourth undergraduate proctored comprehensive exam as evidence of successful mastery of material. Students in the traditional B.R.S. program will not have had the necessary coursework.
Students, after being admitted into the B.R.S. with Bridge Option, may choose to discontinue the pursuit of the graduate courses. Any graduate course completed with a grade of 70 or higher will count towards the student’s award of the B.R.S. and toward any future graduate work beyond the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies.
Requirements for Graduation
Students admitted into the B.R.S. Bridge must meet the following requirements for graduation and be eligible to apply the fifteen hours of graduate credit to a subsequent master’s degree.
1. Complete 120 hours as detailed below.
2. Complete 60 hours of religious courses at NationsUniversity.
3. Earn a CGPA of 2.0 for all coursework.
4. Pass two undergraduate proctored comprehensive exams (PCEs).
5. Pass two proctored Graduate Qualifying Exams.
In addition to academic requirements, all financial obligations to the university must be fulfilled prior to the graduation deadline.
Transition to Master of Theological Studies
Students who complete the graduation requirements above are not automatically admitted into the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.). In order to be eligible for continued studies beyond the bachelor’s level, a student must have an earned CGPA of 3.0 on all coursework, including graduate studies. This requirement is to ensure consistency with NationsUniversity’s admission requirements for the M.T.S.
Course Requirements
Requirements for the B.R.S. Bridge are divided into five sections: (1) Required Core Courses, (2) General Education, (3) Additional Religious Studies, (4) Required Bridge Courses, and (5) General Electives. Prior to beginning the Required Bridge Courses identified below, a student must complete the 21 hours of Required Core Courses, 30 hours of General Education, and 21 hours of Additional Religious Studies. General Electives may be taken concurrently with Bridge courses.
Required Core Courses (21 hours)
ONOS Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Studies (non-credit)
BRS 100 A Search for Spirituality
BRS 121 The Hebrew Scriptures
BRS 122 The Greek Scriptures
—-Proctored Comprehensive Exam #1—-
BRS 123 Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures
BRS 124 Theology of the Greek Scriptures
BRS 125 Exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures
BRS 126 Exegesis of the Greek Scriptures
—-Proctored Comprehensive Exam #2—-
General Education (30 Hours)
(Must include 2 English courses and 1 Worldview)
Additional Religious Studies (18 hours)
BRS 216 New Testament Backgrounds I OR
BRS 217 New Testament Backgrounds II
BRS 313 The Church of the First Five Decades
BRS 323 Theology in Law, Wisdom, and Psalms
BRS 431 Exegesis: Torah and Prophets OR
BRS 432 Exegesis: Job, Ruth, and Chronicles
BRS 433 New Testament Exegesis I OR
BRS 434 New Testament Exegesis II
BRS 443 Ministry
BRS 444 Worship
General Electives (30 hours)
Any 10 courses in any subject area.
Required Bridge Courses (21 hours)
(Graduate courses indicated with asterisk.)
BRS 312 Church History since 1500
M 1Critical Introduction to Old Testament*
M 2 Critical Introduction to New Testament*
—–Graduate Qualifying Exam #1—-
BRS 401 Comparative Religion: Eastern OR
BRS 424 Comparative Religion: Abrahamic Faiths
M 3 Biblical Theology*
M 4 Biblical Hermeneutics*
—–Graduate Qualifying Exam #2—-
Total Credits: 120 Credits
Applied to M.T.S.: 15 Credits
Time Allowance and Estimated Costs
Time allowance and estimated costs are the same for the B.R.S. Bridge as the traditional B.R.S.
The B.R.S. Transfer Bridge is designed to meet the needs of non-traditional students who have completed at least 90 semester credits towards an undergraduate degree at another institution but who have not graduated with a four-year degree previously. The B.R.S. Transfer Bridge allows these students to begin work simultaneously on a four-year, accredited undergraduate degree and a master’s degree.
Admission into the B.R.S. Transfer Bridge
1. Must have completed a minimum of 90 semester credits at appropriately accredited institution(s). Only 90 hours, or 75% of degree requirements, will be transferred into the degree plan per NationsUniversity policy.
2. Ninety hours must include 30 semester credits of General Education courses, including six (6) credits of English.
3. Ninety hours must include 30 semester credits in religious coursework.
4. Must have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher on all religious coursework.
5. Must have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher on all previous coursework.
6. Must successfully complete MRS 622 with a grade of “B” or higher.
Requirements for Graduation
Students admitted into the B.R.S. Transfer Bridge must meet the following requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Religious Studies.
1. Complete 30 hours as detailed below.
2. Earn a CGPA of 2.0 for all coursework.
3. Pass two proctored Graduate Qualifying Exams.
Transition to Master of Theological Studies
Students who complete the graduation requirements above are not automatically admitted into the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.). In order to be eligible for continued studies beyond the bachelor’s level, a student must have an earned CGPA of 3.0 on all coursework, including graduate studies. This requirement is to ensure consistency with NationsUniversity’s admission requirements for the M.T.S.
Course and exam requirements
All work must be completed in the order below. (Graduate courses are marked with an asterisk.)
ONOS Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit)
MRS 622 Encountering Biblical Spirituality*
SSC 205 Ancient Near East
M 1 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament*
BRS 217 New Testament Backgrounds and Culture
M 2 Critical Introduction to the New Testament*
——-(Proctored) Graduate Qualifying Exam #1——
BRS 313 Church of the First Five Decades
M 3 Biblical Theology*
BRS 431 Old Testament Exegesis
BRS 433 New Testament Exegesis
M 4 Biblical Hermeneutics*
——-(Proctored) Graduate Qualifying Exam #2—–
Time Allowance and Estimated Costs
Time allowance and estimated costs are the same for the B.R.S. Transfer Bridge as the traditional B.R.S. minus applicable transfer credits.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credits can only be accepted from an accredited institution. Transfer credits are only granted from official transcript evaluations. Official transcripts are those sent directly from the issuing institution and not by way of the student. Only in special circumstances from certain countries are authenticated documents accepted as validl.
The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies is a 15-credit graduate level certificate designed to provide a more in-depth study of the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures for individuals who have developed a basic understanding through undergraduate studies or personal enrichment. Building on this foundation and a student’s previously demonstrated academic successes, the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies challenges students to use critical thinking skills and personal devotion to expand their rudimentary understanding of biblical stories and texts. Students in the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies will learn to connect the biblical texts with the world around them to make better spiritual, ethical, and life decisions.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies
Admission to the G.C.B.S. program will require the following:
Program Learning Outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies program imparts a general foundation in the biblical and theological disciplines. Distinctively, the outcomes of the G.C.B.S. program are to prepare graduates who,
Course Requirements
The G.C.B.S. consists of five courses. The first course, MRS 622, lays the spiritual foundation and goals of biblical studies and establishes a framework for those studies as well. The combination of M 1 and M 2 provide students with in-depth knowledge of the Bible and introduces them to the critical thinking skills needed to study the Bible. M 3 and M 4 then provide students a systematic study of major themes and additional skills needed to teach others. These higher-level skills will allow students to study the Bible effectively in the classroom context, to mature spiritually, and to teach biblical texts and truths to others.
| ONOS | Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| MRS 622E | Encountering Biblical Spirituality |
| M 1 | Critical Introduction to the Old Testament |
| M 2 | Critical Introduction to the New Testament |
| M 3 | Biblical Theology |
| M 4 | Biblical Hermeneutics |
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies may apply those 15 hours towards the foundation courses found in the M.T.S. or M.Div. Completion of the G.C.B.S. does not imply acceptance into a graduate program. A separate application process is required.
Additional Graduation Requirements
NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms; therefore, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final cumulative grade point average must be a minimum of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale on the credits used for the degree.
In addition to the minimum C.G.P.A. requirement, all students must successfully pass two proctored comprehensive exams administered after M 2 and M 4.
All financial obligations must be satisfied two weeks prior to a NationsUniversity graduation date before a certificate can be conferred and before a transcript can be issued.
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs
The projected completion time for the G.C.B.S. degree is 1 year. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $1,825 if they complete the G.C.B.S. within 12 months or $2,725 if they extend their studies over 18 months. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional. Incarcerated students living within the United States are assessed only the $25 registration fee but are responsible for securing hard copy textbooks, which will run about $500 for the G.C.B.S.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are formally admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.
Transfer Credits
No transfer credit into the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies is permitted.
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a 36-hour general academic graduate degree providing a serious study that covers Scripture, historical and systematic theology, comparative theology and ethics. Theology in this instance is understood to encompass both critical religious study–primarily of the Christian religion–and its practice. As such courses may contain theoretical and spiritual formation components. Many students choose the M.T.S. solely as a way to increase their knowledge of Christianity as well as to bring that knowledge to their families, careers, or individual lives. The program builds on either the B.R.S. or on undergraduate degree programs earned elsewhere. The degree is generally completed in two years.
Admission to the Master of Theological Studies
Admission to the M.T.S. program will require the following:
Prior to acceptance into the M.T.S., the student’s writing ability will be assessed by way of a review of performance on the essays developed in the foundation courses. If the student is weak in writing skills, a decision on admission may be delayed until he/she has completed M 17 Research and Writing, which includes more extensive writing.
If the student presents a three-year Bachelor of Theology or a similar degree or diploma, the student may be admitted to the master’s program only after completing 30 credits of leveling work identified by the Office of the Registrar. However, in this instance, a bachelor’s degree will not be awarded, as the credits are considered “leveling” work.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program imparts a general foundation in the biblical and theological disciplines. Distinctively, the outcomes of the M.T.S. program are to prepare graduates who,
Course Requirements
The spiritual dimension and development courses bracket the program but are operative throughout. The advanced courses M 1 through M 4 provide evidence that the student has a comprehensive understanding of the biblical text, the theological message of the Bible, and exegetical methodology needed to complete the master’s program. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies may apply those 15 hours towards these Foundation courses. Foundation courses must be taken in the order listed below. Specialty courses are electives and may be drawn from any course numbered MRS 100-500, 700 in any order. However, MRS 633 Being Christian in a Secular Environment must be taken in the last 9 hours of the program.
Foundations
| ONOS | Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| MRS 622 | Experiencing Biblical Spirituality |
| M 1 | Critical Introduction to the Old Testament |
| M 2 | Critical Introduction to the New Testament |
| M 3 | Biblical Theology |
| M 4 | Biblical Hermeneutics |
| M 17 | Research and Writing |
Specialty Courses
One course from the MRS 100s
One course from the MRS 400s or 500s
One course from the MRS 700s
Two electives chosen from MRS 100-500s, 700s
MRS 633 Being Christian in a Secular Environment (Must be taken in the last 9 hours of the program)
Additional Graduation Requirements
NU is a distance learning institution and operates without defined semesters or terms; therefore, students work at their own pace. Courses are normally completed one at a time, but a student is not prohibited from enrolling in multiple courses simultaneously. Credit is calculated according to the semester system. The final cumulative grade point average must be a minimum of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the credits used for the degree.
In addition to the minimum cumulative G.P.A. requirement, students in the M.T.S. program must complete one proctored comprehensive exam at the end of the program of study prior to the capstone essays. Arrangements for the proctored exam will be made with the student’s advisor.
The final academic requirement for graduation with the M.T.S. is the completion of a series of capstone essays. Capstone essays require the student to demonstrate mastery of all M.T.S. Program Learning Outcomes. Arrangements for these essays will be made with the student’s advisor upon completion of the proctored comprehensive exam.All financial obligations must be satisfied two weeks prior to a NationsUniversity graduation date before a degree can be conferred and before a transcript can be issued.
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs.
The projected completion time for the M.T.S. degree is 24 months of full-time uninterrupted study. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $3,625 if they complete the M.T.S. with 24 months. Allowing for a modest increase in tuition after 24 months, students who extend their studies to 36 months may expect to pay $5,875. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format, without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are formally admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. These students may be required to complete their degree under the current requirements. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the plan of study assigned to the student and may be found in older editions of the NU Catalog.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of six (6) semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward the M.T.S., provided the credits are (1) religious in nature, (2) come from an accredited institution, and (3) have not been applied toward another degree.
Graduate Admission Leveling
If the student presents a three-year Bachelor of Theology or similar degree or diploma from an accredited or nationally approved institution, the student may be admitted to the master’s program only after completing required undergraduate leveling credits to be determined by the Registrar and/or Director of Academic Affairs.
Curriculum
Once formal admission is granted, the student is assigned to the M.T.S. curriculum. Courses that have been completed from this curriculum will count toward the M.T.S. degree. Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are formally admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. Transference to a new plan means that all requirements in this plan must be fulfilled.
For students wishing to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree after the completion of the M.T.S., NationsUniversity makes an optional master’s thesis available. The optional thesis allows students to demonstrate their research and writing skills at the post-graduate level and meet the requirement for admission into many Ph.D. programs. The thesis is to be a research-based inquiry into the biblical and theoretical foundations underpinning various theological views and practices throughout the world and throughout history. The thesis is not a ministry project with analysis and reporting. Students wishing to do research in practical ministry should consider pursuing the Master of Divinity.
Students electing the optional thesis must secure a Committee Chair and a Thesis Advisor. Unless otherwise arranged, the professor of record for MRS 800 and MRS 810 will serve as the Committee Chair. A student may select a third member of their committee, or one will be assigned. The Thesis Advisor must be qualified by both credentials and experience or expertise.
The thesis is a total of six hours of graduate credit divided between two courses, MRS 800 Thesis Development and Proposal and MRS 810 Thesis Completion and Defense. Each of these courses is described below. Since these courses are beyond the requirements of the M.T.S., students are responsible for the additional costs associated with the courses, including tuition, books, and research resources. Normal discounts will apply to designated student categories.
Eligibility: Students must have completed all coursework for the M.T.S., including M 17, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, the student must select a topic suitable for a graduate-level research project and be able to secure a Thesis Advisor from among the NationsUniversity Faculty with both the credentials and expertise and/or experience in the chosen area.
Additional Time and Costs: It is expected that a student will be able to complete all six credits within a 12-month period beyond the completion of the M.T.S. coursework. As such, the expected tuition cost for the additional thesis option is $1,800. Books and resources are provided free of charge to online students through NationsUniversity’s EBSCO library.
Students who elect the thesis option may substitute the thesis for the M.T.S. Capstone. However, students who do not complete both courses below will still be required to complete the M.T.S. Capstone.
NationsUniversity’s Master of Divinity program seeks to train Christian leaders in the areas of applied Christian living and ministry. The University’s Master of Divinity program is an 84-credit hour program designed as a first professional degree in ministry. Therefore, NationsUniversity M.Div. graduates are best prepared for the professional practice of ministry but are equally prepared for to continue their studies in pursuit of an advanced professional degree, e.g., Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.). However, candidates planning to undertake doctoral studies in the academic tracts of religion, theology, biblical languages, philosophy, apologetics, or church history should consider if NU’s Master of Theological Studies will better serve their education goals. NationsUniversity M.Div. graduates are educationally prepared for possible careers as a minister, Bible teacher, chaplain, or other church/spiritual leader.
The M.Div. program features four components: (1) a general foundation for the work of ministry, (2) in-depth academic training, (3) field-based experience, and (4) a final professional paper. The NationsUniversity curriculum is structured to help distance-learning students acquire field experience in their own location, which is normally different and far removed from the U.S. field of ministry. Field-based courses which require a local supervisor are designated Supervised Ministry Experiences, or S.M.E. courses, and are indicated as such in the requirements that follow.
The curriculum is not organized around a question or theme peculiar to a given culture but is more universal in scope. Issues, which are current in the American context, may not be the particular issues which NationsUniversity is equipping its students to face. The issues of most concern to the personnel at NationsUniversity are those which are defined by the New Testament. While they include some of the same cultural items, they also include broader, global concerns, such as (1) the deity of Jesus in a pantheistic or post-modern world, (2) the pursuit of historical, biblical spirituality, and (3) living as a Christian in an environment dominated by non-Christian and atheistic ideologies.
Admission to the Master of Divinity
1. Submission of an official transcript that indicates the completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in the discipline of religion, theology, or ministry from an accredited or nationally approved institution with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.*
a. Bachelor’s degree must represent 120 semester credits.
b. Bachelor’s degree must include 30 semester credits of General Education
2. Completion of 15 credits of graduate Foundations courses (MRS 622, M 1, M 2, M 3, and M 4) or the G.C.B.S. with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
3. Passing two (2) qualifying examinations.
4. Having no financial obligations to the University.
5. Submission of a TOEFL score of 550 or above or acceptable substitute (80 iBT, 6.5 IELPS, 58 PTE) by students whose native language is not English or who have not completed a previous degree taught completely in English.
*In the event a student cannot, for reasons beyond his/her control, submit official documentation of having completed the bachelor’s degree, he/she may appeal to the Registrar and state the reasons. The Registrar will review the appeal and make a judgment as to how the requirement for documentation may be satisfied.
Students who do not hold the B.R.S. from NationsUniversity may begin work with MRS 622 immediately after their application is accepted. However, official admission is not granted until all requirements above have been met. Students holding the NationsUniversity B.R.S. should consult with their advisor before beginning any courses.
Students who complete the Master of Theological Studies at NationsUniversity with a 3.0 or higher GPA will have met the academic requirements above. Applicants who do not hold an accredited or nationally approved undergraduate or graduate degree in the identified disciplines may apply to the M.T.S. program to meet these requirements. Thirty (30) credits earned as part of the 36-credit M.T.S. program may be applied to the M.Div. program. Upon completion of the M.T.S., students interested in the M.Div. must notify their advisor. The student’s academic record will be reviewed before formal admission to the M.Div. program is approved and the student enrolls in courses.
Upon formal admission into the M.Div. program, students will be asked to provide a letter of cooperation from a local congregation or ministry. Students must have a local supervisor and a local cooperating congregation in order to enroll in Supervised Ministry Experiences (SMEs) and Final Project courses. The letter(s) must be received by the student’s advisor before the completion of four courses (12 credits) in the M.Div. program.
Program Learning Outcomes
The outcomes of the M.Div. program are to prepare graduates to,
1. Demonstrate mastery of the advanced skills necessary for instructing and developing faith in themselves and others.
2. Apply current, research-based models of ministry with a recognition of the church’s presence in diverse settings.
3. Have explored major historical developments of the Christian church, including both doctrines and practices.
4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the spiritual and personal traits necessary for ministry.
Course Requirements
The spiritual dimension and development courses bracket the program but are operative throughout. Courses M 1 through M 4, along with the corresponding proctored qualifying exams, provide evidence that the student has a comprehensive understanding of the biblical text, the theological message of the Bible, and exegetical methodology needed to complete the master’s program. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies may apply those 15 hours towards these Foundation courses. Foundation courses must be taken in the order listed below. Electives may be drawn in any order from any course numbered MRS 100-500, 700 after completion of the Foundation Courses.
Ministry courses may only be taken after the student has completed the Foundations courses. It is recommended that at least 21 hours of electives be completed before beginning Ministry courses to provide sufficient theological foundations for effective ministry.
After completion of all coursework and a proctored comprehensive examination, students must enroll in MFI 5 Church and Society and M 14 M.Div. Final Project. MFI 5 will direct the students in researching issues related to ministry in contemporary society and assist them in developing a proposal for their final project. M 14 will then direct the students in their implementation, evaluation, and reporting of their project findings. In these courses, students will produce one final professional paper that demonstrates the student’s cumulative educational experience and its applicability to ministry.
Required Courses
The 84 semester credits required for the M.Div. must be distributed in the following manner:
| ONOS | Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit) |
| MRS 622 | Experiencing Biblical Spirituality |
| M 1 | Critical Introduction to the Old Testament |
| M 2 | Critical Introduction to the New Testament |
| M 3 | Biblical Theology |
| M 4 | Biblical Hermeneutics |
| M 11 | Critical Analysis in Biblical Studies |
| M 17 | Research and Writing |
| M 633 | Being Christian in a Secular Environment |
*Students having taken BRS 16.6 or BRS 100 at the undergraduate level should substitute an elective for MRS 622.
| M 12 | Ministry (S.M.E.) |
| M 13 | Worship (S.M.E.) |
| Choose two | |
| M 15 | Communicating the Gospel |
| M 16 | Family Counsel |
| M 20 | Introduction to Pastoral Care |
| M 606 | Missions |
| MRS 100s | Biblical Backgrounds |
| MRS 200s | Hebrew Scriptures |
| MRS 300s | Greek Scriptures |
| MRS 400s | Church History |
| MRS 500s | Theology |
| MRS 700s | Comparative Religions |
| MFI 5 | Church and Society |
| M 14 | M.Div. Service Project (S.M.E.) |
Additional Graduation Requirements
Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs
The M.Div. program includes spirituality, biblical content, meaning, exegesis, and ministerial activity. The projected completion time is forty-eight months of full-time uninterrupted study. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. Allowing for a modest increase in tuition, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $8,125 if they present no transfer credit and complete the M.Div. within 48 months or $13,750 if they extend their studies over 72 months. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format, without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional.
Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are officially admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.
Transfer Credits
Students who enter the M.Div. with graduate credit and/or graduate degrees in religious or related studies from an accredited institution, may transfer up to 30 semester credits toward the M.Div. Students who have completed other graduate degrees at NU are accorded the same privilege, meaning that 30 credits from the NationsU M.T.S. degree may transfer into the M.Div.
Application for Chaplaincy Certification Program
NationsUniversity does not offer ACPE-accredited courses in professional chaplaincy or award CPE units. However, students obtaining an M.Div. from NationsUniversity may apply to an ACPE-accredited Chaplaincy training program. For more information on Chaplaincy certification, to find ACPE-accredited programs, or to inquire about CPE equivalency, you may contact the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. https://bcci.professionalchaplains.org.
Those students interested in military chaplaincy with Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, and Restoration Movement churches must take MRS 491 Independent Study in the Stone-Campbell Movement. Completion of this course and the M.Div. program does not guarantee endorsement but will provide the necessary coursework to apply for endorsement. The final decision to endorse a candidate is completely within the purview of the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission (www.cec-chap.org).
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