Associate of Theology Degree
Intent
It is the intent of this program to facilitate individuals in their personal spiritual growth, by designing a comprehensive ministerial degree program that includes components of comparative religion, spiritual and holistic healing models, spiritual counseling techniques, and techniques for ongoing spiritual growth. Most individuals participating in the program are studying to become UCM ministers; however, students who are not ready to become ministers, but are interested in a degree are welcome.Course Study
A01 - 13 hours
The Power of Myth, with Bill Moyers, Joseph Campbell (ISBN 0-385-41886-8)
A02 - 13 hours
The Once and Future Goddess, Elinor W. Gadon (ISBN 0-06-250354-5)
A03 - 13 hours
The Illustrated World's Religions A Guide to our Wisdom Traditions, Huston Smith (ISBN 0-06-067440-7)
A04 - 13 hours
The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity, Catherine Ponder (ISBN 0-87516-5516)
A05 - 13 hours
Hands of Light, Barbara Ann Brennan (ISBN 0-553-34539-7)
A06 - 13 hours
Mind, Body, Spirit Connecting With Your Creative Self, Mary Graheny & Diane Halperin (ISBN1-55874-039-2)
A07 - 13 hours
A Spirituality Named Compassion, Matthew Fox (ISBN 0-06-254871-9)
A08 - 13 hours
Love, Medicine, and Miracles, Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. (ISBN 0-06-091983-3)
A09 - 13 hours
A New Text of Spiritual Philosophy and Religion, B.J. Fitzgerald, ordered from UCM at the time of registration. (This book constitutes your final exam)
Thesis
The student thesis is a 30-hour project to be completed before the final exam. This thesis will be typed and double-spaced and will be given a pass or fail grade. Subject matter will be chosen by each student and approved by UCM. We recommend the student choose a topic that is personal to them, "death and dying", an holistic health model or some type of spiritual ritual.
Additional Requirements
Each student is required to take some form of speech class such as drama or speech through adult education or his/her local college, or participate in a local theater group. Presentation is a part of the ministry. Speech and presentation are integral parts of the class work, and we want our remote students to feel equally comfortable with public speaking at graduation time. A copy of the grade transcript or a letter from the organization providing the class work is required to pass the UCM program.
Final Exam and Paperwork
All tests (true & false, and essay) completing Modules 1 - 8, as well as your thesis, must be completed before taking the final exam. This is an open book exam, developed from "A New Text of Spiritual Philosophy and Religion", by B.J. Fitzgerald.
The final exam is graded by the UCM board, and must be passed to apply to UCM for your Licentiate Minister, Associate of Theology Degree. This is an open book exam and completes the Ninth module.
Failure to pass this exam will require an additional six months of study before retaking the exam. If the student has questions while working on the exam, call UCM education department. There are no intentionally vague questions. Because the text were written at a time when the use of language was different than today's usage, some confusion may arise. Instructors are there to help.
Questions regarding the above information should be directed to UCM Headquarters at (408) 370-6519 or emailed to staff@u-c-m.org.