It is desirable that students seeking to enroll in the master’s program should have six undergraduate courses in theology or religious studies. Since few undergraduates actually major in these fields, the department offers introductory courses in biblical studies (RL 400) and systematic theology (RL 430) to acquaint students with the basic themes and methods in those areas. The department also offers a non‑credit course in research methods (RL 490). RL 490 is required of all students. RL 400 and 430 are prerequisites for other courses in those areas; they may be waived for students who have taken similar courses at other institutions.

General Degree Requirements

1. 30 graduate semester hours of study
   
2. RL 490, Research Methods in Religious Studies, ordinarily taken during the first year of enrollment (taught each fall)
   
3. RL 400, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (taught each fall); RL 430, Introduction to Systematic Theology (taught each spring); One course in Religious Ethics
   
4. At least 15 semester hours of 500‑level courses
   
5. A comprehensive examination
   
6. For students in Plan A (see page 12):
   

• successful completion of a foreign language examination demonstrating a reading knowledge of a classical or modern language consistent with the student’s plan of stud
• the completion of a master’s thesis (RL 599), for six semester hours of course credit
  

7. For students in Plan B (see page 12): the completion of a research essay
   

Note: Students accepted under the requirements for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies listed in previous Graduate School bulletins normally should fulfill those requirements, but they may petition for permission to follow the requirements introduced in this Bulletin instead.

Course of Studies
Ordinarily graduate courses are three semester hours; no more than nine semester hours toward the degree may be taken in one‑credit or two‑credit courses. No more than six semester hours or the equivalent of two comparable John Carroll University courses may be transferred from another graduate institution.  Initial acceptance of students is made under Plan B, the non-thesis option.  Authorization of Plan A, the thesis option (see page 12), is contingent upon the completion of at least one 500‑level course, the successful completion of the foreign language exam, request of the student, and the approval of the department chair and the Graduate Dean.  A change from Plan B to Plan A is accomplished by academic petition.

Since the Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies is designed to provide students with the necessary background for diverse careers and ministries or for further graduate or professional study, the student and advisor will work out a program of study best suited to individual needs and goals.  This program may include a concentration in a particular area.