THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION CENTER
PURPOSE
To produce mature men and women of Christian faith who know what they believe, why they believe it, and are able to demonstrate and share that faith effectively with others in both their personal and professional lives (cf. Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Theological Education Center exist for the purpose of providing motivational guidance to individuals who desire to grow in their understanding of the Scripture, Biblical theology, systematic theology, practical Christian living, homiletics, pastoral administration, hermeneutics, Christian counseling, Christian education, evangelism, Christian philosophy, Christian missions, and church growth through exernal studies.
Lacking degree prerequisites may be earned through certificate and diploma programs. These would include:
The Certificate of Ministry (First Year of College);
The Associate of Ministry (Second Year of College);
The Graduate of Ministry (Third Year of College).
Students may choose a concentration for degree work. In the bachelor's and master's area a student may major in ministry, religious education, or theology.
Bachelor studies may be completed as follows:
The Bachelor of Divinity degree reflects the ministry concentration.
The Bachelor of Religious Education degree reflects the Christian education concentration.
The Bachelor of Theology degree reflects the theology concentration.
The master's program reflects the same concentrations.
The Master of Ministry degree and the Master of Divinity reflect the ministry concentration.
The Master of Religious Education degree reflects the Christian education concentration.
The Master of Theology degree reflects the theology concentration.
The Master of Sacred Literature (Thesis Only) reflects the area of research
Doctoral studies may be completed in the following:
The Doctor of Religious Studies and the Doctor of Ministry degrees reflect the ministry concentration.
The Doctor of Religious Education degree reflects the Christian education concentration.
The Doctor of Theology degree reflects the theology emphasis.
The Doctor of Sacred Literature (Dissertation Only) reflects the area of research.
Students who successfully complete the required courses of study will be awarded the appropriate degree.
SCHOLARLY PERSONNEL EQUALS ACADEMIC QUALITY
The institutional heart of higher education is the faculty servicing the students. TEC by intitutional design utilizes faculty members with degrees from accredited institutions. Thus, these faculty have received training for their teaching professions from academically recognized schools. Their accredited degrees are the good soil from which TEC studies grow.
TEC faculty members serve on a contract basis as needed for discipline specific assignments. This allows TEC as a small school to manage cost and thus keep student expenses low. Faculty members with degrees from Columbia University, the University of North Florida, Bryan College, Stetson University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Luther Rice Seminary and University, the University of Southern California, the Fielding Institute, Tennessee Temple University, and Union Institute and University have completed contract assignments with TEC. By institutional policy, the Theological Education Center contracts only with faculty members holding degrees from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.
STANDARDS OF COMPLETION
It is also understood that many will want to take courses for personal growth rather than pursue a degree track. These students will feel very comfortable with TEC courses. Church lay leaders will gain much from the study discipline provided.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
THE CERTIFICATE OF MINISTRY
Prerequisite: High School Diploma or Equivalent
TEC Requirements: 32 Semester Credit Hours
THE ASSOCIATE OF MINISTRY
Prerequisite: Certificate of Ministry or 32 transfer hours
TEC Requirements: 32 Semester Credit Hours
THE GRADUATE OF MINISTRY
Prerequisite: Associate of Ministry or 64 transfer credits
TEC Requirements: 32 Semester Credit Hours
BACHELOR OF DIVINITY, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, OR THEOLOGY
Prerequisites: Graduate of Ministry or 96 transfer credits
TEC Requirements: 32 Semester Credit Hours
MASTER OF MINISTRY, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, OR THEOLOGY
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree
TEC Requirements: 32 Semester Credit Hours
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Prerequisites: Earned Master's Degree or 32 transfer graduate hours
TEC Requirement: 32 Semester Credit Hours
MASTER OF SACRED LITERATURE (Thesis Only)
Prerequisite: Earned Bachelor's Degree
TEC Requirement: Scholarly Thesis
There are no courses in the Master of Sacred Literature Degree curriculum. The degree of Master of Sacred Literature is awarded on the basis of the successful submission of a scholarly thesis. The thesis should give evidence of the candidate's ability to carry out research; that the candidate has shown originality and independence; and that the candidate has made a contribution to knowledge in the particular field.
DOCTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES OR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Prerequisites: Earned Master's Degree
TEC Requirements: 40 Semester Credit Hours
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
Prerequisites: Master of Divinity Degree
TEC Requirements: 40 Semester Credit Hours
DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY
Prerequisite: Master of Divinity Degree or a Master of Theology Degree
TEC Requirement: 43 Semester Credit Hours
DOCTOR OF SACRED LITERATURE (Dissertation Only)
Prerequisite: Earned Master's Degree
TEC Requirement: Scholarly Dissertation