Master of Theology Degree

Intent

It is the intent of this program to facilitate individuals in their personal spiritual growth, allowing them to gain a more in-depth understanding of the spiritual practices of people all over our globe. We believe that much of the human difficulties around the world stem from a lack of cultural and religious understanding, compassion and tolerance amongst the various populations. We hope this program will encourage dialogue and understanding. Most individuals participating in the Remote Degree program have become UCM ministers; however, we welcome also students who are interested only in a theology degree.

Course Study

C01 - 35 hours
The History of God, Karen Armstrong (ISBN 0-345-38456-3).

C02 - 35 hours
Lost Christianities, Bart D. Ehrman (ISBN 0-19-514183-0)

C03 - 35 hours
Jews, God and History, 2nd Edition, Max I. Dimont (ISBN 451-20701-7)

C04 - 35 hours
The Secret of Islam, Love and Law In the Religion of Ethics, Henry Bayman (ISBN155643-432-4)

C05 - 35 hours
The Hindu Way of Awakening: It's Revelations; It's Symbols, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) (ISBN 1-56589-745-5)

C06 - 35 hours
A Concise History of Buddhism, Andrew Skilton, (ISBN 0-7607-4829-2)

C07 - 35 hours
An Introduction to Confucianism, Xinzhong Yao, (ISBN 0-521-64430-5)

C08 - 35 hours
Dream Catchers How Mainstream America Discovered Native Spirituality, Philip Jenkins. (ISBN 0-19-516115-7)

C09 - 35 hours
One River, Many Wells, Mathew Fox (ISBN 1-58542-326

*Recommended Reading to help prepare you for your thesis.
How to Write a Thesis 5th Edition, (Harry Teitelbaum. (ISBN 0-7689-1081-1)
Painless Research Projects, Rebecca Elliot, Ph.D. James Elliott, M.A. (ISBN 0-7641-0297-4)

Enrollment

All students must be in good standing with UCM to enter the Remote Master of Theology Degree Program. They must either have a Bachelor of Theology Degree, or have a suitably comparable degree.

Thesis

The thesis consists of choosing a personal hypothesis and researching and producing a paper justifying this hypothesis. The subject and outline must be approved by UCM. The research and preparation of the Thesis should be equivalent to 300 hours, and must be completed before the final exam. This Thesis will be typed and double-spaced, and it will be given a pass or fail grade.

Practicum

The Practicum consists of 1200 hours of hands-on study. The 1200 hours can be attained through several types of study and service, which may be combined as needed. All forms of study must have prior approval from UCM.

  • Volunteer as an intern with a teacher/minister.
  • Volunteer at UCM Headquarters, or with a particular church, hospital, center of spiritual study or counseling (i.e. AA, Centre for Living with Dying, or hospice)
  • Create a program under the supervision of an organization, such as school districts, food banks, M/S Society, etc.).

Combined Thesis and Practicum

Universal Church of the Master will review requests for a combination Thesis Practicum Project. Four hours of practicum are equivalent to one hour of thesis. Call and speak with your sponsor and we will work with you on creative approaches to this project.