Bachelor 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, we also welcome students who are not ready to become ministers, but are interested in a theology degree
Course Study
B01 - 25 hours
Eerdman's Handbook to the World Religions (ISBN 0-8028-0853-0)
B02 - 25 hours
The World of Myth, An Anthology, David Adams Leming (ISBN 0-19-507475-0).
B03 - 25 hours
A Spiritual Strategy for Counseling and Psychotherapy, P. Scott Richards and Allen E. Bergin (ISBN 1-55798-434-4).
B04 - 25 hours
Creative Visualization, Shakti Gawain (ISBN 0-55327-044-3).
B05 - 25 hours
The Path of Transformation, How healing ourselves can change the world, Shakti Gawain (ISBN 1-882591-15-1).
B06 - 25 hours
The Art of Ritual, A Guide to Creating and Performing Your Own Ceremonies for Growth and Change, Renee Beck & Sydney Barbara Metrick (ISBN 0-89087-582-0).
B07 - 25 hours
Ritual, Power, Healing and Community, Malidoma Patrice Some (ISBN 0-14-01.9558-0).
B08 - 25 hours
The Dying Time. Practical Wisdom for the Dying and Their Caregivers, Joan Furman, M.S.N., R.N., and David McNabb (ISBN 0609-80003-5).
B09 - 25 hours
Ministers Guide and Service Book, B.J. Fitzgerald. Provided to student by UCM at time of registration. This book constitutes your final exam.
Thesis
The student's Thesis is a 60-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. The thesis consists of choosing a religion, culture, or other time period and researching a baptism/naming ceremony, wedding and funeral/memorial service. Describe each ceremony including its origins, symbology, and the meaning of the specific symbols within the ceremony. Pay close attention to symbols or rituals used in all three ceremonies and describe why they are used. Each ceremony will account for 20 hours toward the 60-hour project.
Additional Requirements
Each student is required to take an additional independent course at a community college, University, or other church, that covers counseling (counts for 20 hours), and a CPR certification course (counts for 8 hours). The student will be required to provide proof of this class via transcripts, grades, or proof of completion letter from the organization or instructor.
Some proof of completion must be submitted before the student graduates from this program.
Final Exam
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 "Minister's Guide and Service Book" by B.J. Fitzgerald.
The final exam is graded by the UCM board, and must be passed to apply to UCM for your Ordained Minister, Bachelor 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.