Study Areas

 

Research and Experiential Integration

  • RD 700 Experiential Integration (Non-credit)

    Experiential Integration (EI) is a non-credit component required for all Master's level programs at Briercrest College and Seminary. EI is designed to take the knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired in curricular studies and incorporate what students have learned into a practical ministry or work context. Most graduate degrees have a unique Experiential Integration component and separate syllabi are offered for each. Typically, the EI requirement involves 150-250 hours of some kind of supervised ministry or program-related work. Though EI is non-credit, there is a one-time fee of $150 for processing, registration, and supervision. Each program may have additional prerequisites to those noted below, so students should consult the specific EI syllabus for their program.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 50 per cent of the credit total of the program (e.g., 30 credits of a 60-hour program; 21 credits of a 42-hour program) and permission of the program coordinator.

  • RD 701 Theological and Ministry Research

    This course provides instruction in doing biblical/theological and ministry research as a life-long learner. In addition to exploring the spirituality of scholarship and issues in theological epistemology, students will engage in a practical set of exercises in which they learn to select and narrow a research topic, identify and review relevant literature, design a research methodology, learn intermediate library skills, collect, organize and analyze data, and develop an argument. Students will prepare a preliminary proposal either for a Thesis or a Specialty Research Project SRP as a major component of the course.

  • RD 703 Research for Leadership and Management

    Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the emerging science of scholarly research in the field of leadership and management and will learn the skills necessary for doing reflective research as a leader. This course will provide excellent preparation for students to write their research project and for a lifetime of using research to improve institutional function.

  • RD 704 MDiv Experiential Integration (Non-credit)

    MDiv students are required to complete four months of full-time mentored Experiential Integration (EI). Students should carefully plan for their Experiential Integration requirements with the faculty supervisor. EI is generally three to twelve months in duration, depending upon the number of hours per week students are able to devote to the ministry. The minimum requirement is 3 months (12 weeks or 480 hours). Some students choose to complete EI over a longer period while working or studying part-time. Though EI is non-credit, there is a one-time fee of $150 for processing, registration, and supervision.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of the program, including one of: CM 600, 601 or LE 605, and permission of the Program Coordinator.

  • RD 806 Reading Course

    A special 3-credit hour guided study of 3000 to 4000 pages of focused reading, which leads to a 25 to 30-page paper or a three-hour written exam. The course has two main functions: (1) MA Theological Studies and MA Biblical Languages and Exegesis students who do not write a 9-credit hour thesis may replace this requirement with a reading course plus two other 3-credit hour courses (typically in the student's major area). (2) MA Leadership and Management students may replace the Specialty Research Project (SRP) with this 3-credit hour reading course.

  • RD 808 Thesis

    In this course, students produce a scholarly work on an approved subject, which gives evidence of their ability to do independent research and think creatively. The thesis must meet the expectations of a faculty thesis committee. Students must obtain a 3.5 GPA in previous course work in order to receive approval to write a thesis.

  • RD 809 Specialty Research Project (SRP)

    This course consists of an advanced study of an issue or topic that is significant in light of the student's anticipated ministry/vocation and his/her major of study.