Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am signed up for a 60 credit degree program; do I have to remain in that program?
A. No. your program will change to a 36 credit hour degree program.

Q. I have over 36 credit hours currently on my transcript.  Does that mean I am now eligible to graduate?
A. Not necessarily.  In order to graduate in the new system, you will need to take all the core courses within that system (see Calendar entry above).  If you are in the MA (Theology), you will have to write a thesis. If you are in the MA in SDMP, you will have to complete your practicum training. Also, you will need to make sure that you have the proper number of credit-hours in your area of specialization. Your advisor will help you with this by creating a planning guide with you.

Q. I started my MA (Theology) in 2006. Do I still have to write a thesis?
A. No. You do not have to write a thesis, but you would have to finish the “old” degree program (60 credit hours).  Please speak to your advisor about which would be the most beneficial.

Q. I have taken Survey of Church History I.  Does it count as 7201 (Survey of Christian History)?
A. Yes.

Q.  I have taken Survey of Church History II. Does it count as 7201 (Survey of Christian History)? 
A. Yes.

Q. What if I have take both Survey of Church History I and II?
A. You can apply one of these credits to cover Survey of Christian History (7201), and you may use your other Survey of Church History credit to cover your elective requirement if your area of concentration is Historical Theology/Christian History.

Q. What is “Dialogue Theology?”
A. Dialogue Theology is the art and discipline of bringing Christian faith and theology into conversation with other religious and worldviews. It examines the Christian faith in a pluralistic and secular culture. 

Q. What is the difference between “Dialogue Theology” and “Topics in Dialogue Theology”?
A. Dialogue Theology is a core course that is required of all students and introduces them to Christian theology in dialogue with other faiths. Topics in Dialogue Theology is an upper-level course that explores certain themes in Dialogue Theology; for example, “Theology and Ecology,” “Christianity and Judaism,” and “Faith and Science.”

Q. When will Dialogue Theology be offered?
A. Dialogue Theology will be offered in the fall of 2012.

Q. When will Indigenous-Christian Encounters be offered?
A.  Indigenous-Christian Encounters will be offered in the fall of 2013.

Q. I took 7262 – “Indigenous Wisdom”—in the spring of 2012. Does it count as Indigenous- Christian Encounters (7203)?
A: Yes.

Q. I took 7277 – “Can You Hear the Drum?”—Does it count as Indigenous- Christian Encounters (7203)?
A. Yes.

Q. I took 7277 – “Doing Theology in a Fair Country.” Does it count as Indigenous- Christian Encounters (7203)?
A. Yes.

Q. Do I need to speak to my advisor immediately?
A. No. It can wait until the end of the summer when advisors will be back from their summer holidays.

Q. Is it possible to speak with an advisor prior to that?
A. Yes. Chris Wells will be available at reduced hours (e-mail or call first to set up an appointment!) during the month of July.

Q. My advisor is on leave this year. What should I do?
A. Chris Wells is designated as the advisor when faculty members are on leave.