Choosing the Program That’s Right for You

Regent College recognizes the importance of selecting a program that best suits the student’s personal situation, educational needs and vocational goals. The following information is provided to assist students in assessing which program is most appropriate.

Diploma in Christian Studies (DipCS)

The Diploma in Christian Studies is a graduate theological program designed to give students a basic understanding of the Christian faith, and provide them with the tools for an ongoing life of Christian study, meditation and practical service. Central to the DipCS is a vision for the integration of faith and life, that is, the need to bring the insights of faith to bear on personal, social and cultural issues.

The DipCS is a highly flexible program. The large number of elective courses gives students the opportunity to take classes in line with their own interests. Since it can be completed in one year, the DipCS program is ideal for students taking a sabbatical leave to reflect on their vocation or ministry. Conversely, because there is no time limit for completing the program, the DipCS is also ideal for those who want to pursue a course of studies alongside their regular activities over an extended period. All credits taken towards the DipCS can be carried into one of the degree programs, should students decide to continue their studies in greater depth.

Specific requirements for the DipCS program can be found beginning here.

Master of Christian Studies (MCS)

The Master of Christian Studies program reflects the heart of Regent’s mission, by focusing on the education, nurture and equipping of Christians to live and work as servant leaders. The MCS provides graduate theological education for men and women who anticipate working in societal professions or in certain types of remunerated ministries. It is also the recommended degree for those anticipating further graduate studies in preparation for an academic career. Opportunity is given to explore the integration of faith and life by developing skills for interpreting Scripture, by completing courses in each of the theological disciplines and by focusing in depth on a chosen area of concentration (please click here for a list of available concentrations). The MCS includes an introduction to biblical languages, with the possibility of further language study if desired or if needed for a chosen concentration.

Students will require good research skills and a high level of commitment to independent study. The flexibility of the MCS in allowing students to choose their own focus is well suited to those who bring with them specific life questions from previous work or education. A minimum of two years is needed to complete the program. While it is possible to complete the degree in two years, many students choose to take longer; in practice, two-thirds of MCS students complete in three years or less. Graduates of the MCS program go on to a wide variety of pursuits, including resuming previous careers or following newly discovered interests, undertaking further education or entering full-time Christian service.

A major project is required to complete the program. Options include a comprehensive examination, a thesis or an arts thesis project. Additional information on the major projects can be found in the Academic Catalogue.
The 3-credit comprehensive examination tests the breadth of a student’s knowledge within a concentration, and includes both a written and an oral component. Taken within a given term, students prepare by reading a representative selection of material (normally between 3,000 and 4,000 pages) chosen by a professor from the concentration discipline. This option allows students to take the broadest range of courses at Regent.
The 12-credit thesis is a substantial piece of independent research on a specific, focused subject, involving both critical analysis and theological reflection. The thesis, normally 100 to 150 pages, requires considerable vigour and time; few students are able to complete a thesis in one term. It is ideal for students whose specific area of interest is highly defined. The College will endeavour to facilitate thesis supervision in the area of choice; however, admission to the program does not guarantee this.
The arts thesis project provides an opportunity for students who have experience in the arts to create and present an original work of art (e.g., a novel, paintings, the writing and performance of music or a play) and to reflect on it theologically. This option is normally chosen by students completing a concentration in Christianity and the Arts, and may be taken for either 6 or 12 credit hours depending on the size of the project. The project will be accompanied by a critical essay of 20 to 30 pages engaging in theological and aesthetic reflection on the medium and tradition in which the arts thesis project is done.

Specific requirements for the MCS Program can be found beginning here.

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

As part of Regent’s mission to equip women and men to live, work and minister in their varied vocations in ways honouring to God, the Master of Divinity program is designed with the vocational pastor, missionary, church worker and para-church worker in view. One of the distinctive features of Regent’s MDiv program is our long-held conviction that before students ask the question, What does it mean to be a minister? they must first ask, What does it mean to be a human being in relationship with Jesus Christ in our time? Thus, the MDiv curriculum is shaped so that the formation of the Christian person precedes and underlies the more particular formation of the Christian leader. Consequently, MDiv students begin their program with the four foundational courses (see below) in which students reflect on the entire history of the people of God—in the Bible and throughout the history of the Church—in order to understand more clearly how we are actors in the same story.

In addition, the MDiv curriculum focuses on the knowledge, skills and perspectives that are essential for ministry: biblical interpretation, theological understanding, historical awareness, practical training and the ability to integrate faith with life in the world. A working knowledge of at least one of the biblical languages is required. Elective options also give students the opportunity to pursue specific interests, and students may complete a concentration in a specific area if they wish. A minimum of three years is needed to complete the MDiv program. While it is possible to complete the degree in three years, many students choose to take longer; in practice, two-thirds of MDiv students complete in four years or less.

Specific requirements for the MDiv program can be found beginning here.

Master of Theology (ThM)

The Master of Theology is the highest academic degree awarded by Regent College, requiring a previous MCS degree (or equivalent) or an MDiv degree, with a GPA of 3.5 for admission. The minimum number of credit hours required to complete the ThM is 30. The Master of Theology program is thesis-based, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to theological studies through the development of competence in theological research and writing. The ThM also serves to provide further time for students to continue focused study in a particular area of interest, and may be a useful academic supplement to a vocational degree, providing additional preparation for doctoral studies.

Specific requirements for the ThM program can be found beginning here.