Religion General Education

Department of Religion 

Professors: 

• R. Clifford Jones, Ph.D., D.Min. (Dean) 
• Tarsee Li, Ph.D. 
• Gilbert Ojwang, Ph.D., (Chair) 
• Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min. (Administrator) 
• Finbar Benjamin, D.Min.

Associate Professors: 

• Gregory Allen, Th.D. 
• Finbar Benjamin, D.Min. 
• Ifeoma Kwesi, D.Min. 
• Manuel Moral, Ph.D., D.Min. 
• Jesse Wilson, D.Min.

Assistant Professors: 

• Julian Jones-Campbell, D.Min. 
• Ingram R. London, M.Div 
• Cory R. Rowe, D.Min., BCC

Purpose 

The purpose of the Department of Religion is to develop competent Christian leaders through the delivery of undergraduate theological education that is Christ-centered, integrative, and contextually relevant from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective. 

Introduction 

The department offers two Bachelor of Arts degrees, namely: Ministerial Theology (with a concentration in either Pastoral and Evangelistic Ministry or Pastoral Care and Pre-Chaplaincy), and Biblical Studies and Languages. The department also offers two Bachelor of Science degrees, namely, Religious Education (in partnership with the Department of Education), and Church Leadership, offered through ACE for Adult Professionals 22 years or older.

While all degrees may be used as “pre-seminary” preparation, the BA degrees are designed specifically as “entry level” preparation for the seminary. As stated above, the BA in Ministerial Theology has two concentrations: Pastoral/Evangelistic ministry (for those interested in serving as local church pastors) or Pastoral Care/Pre-Chaplaincy (for those wishing to specialize in pastoral care and chaplaincy in various institutional settings). The BA in Biblical Studies and Languages is designed for the person desirous of a strong biblical research component for developing a foundation for teaching as well as for pastoral ministry. These two BA degrees enable students to enter seminary with few or no prerequisites to fulfill. The two BS degrees (Church Leadership and Religious Education) require additional courses before graduates can meet the entry-level seminary requirements. However, these students may go on to pursue other graduate degrees. 

Majors must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.30 or above in major courses with no grade lower than “C” in any religion course, required cognate, or religion courses in general education.

Admission Requirements 

When a student is accepted and admitted by the university, he or she selects a major field of study. The Department of Religion evaluates its majors to determine who will be permitted to continue as a major according to the following process:

1. During the first semester of the second or sophomore year, all majors regardless of concentration must make formal application to the program. A successful application enables students to enter the Candidacy stage of their studies in which they will focus mainly on upper division courses. They will receive personal mentoring by an appointed faculty to help develop their spiritual and professional lives. This is initiated by filling out the appropriate form located in the office of the Chair or Dean, followed by a personal conference with the assigned advisor. (Specific detailed expectations of each major concentration are available in the central office.)
2. The evaluation of each applicant will consider: 
   1. Spiritual commitment 
   2. Moral integrity 
   3. Emotional stability 
   4. Professional skills 
   5. Grade point average
3. The applicant will receive an official decision/response verified by a card, letter, or certificate.
4. To maintain “Candidate” status, the student must continue to meet all of the standards mentioned in number 2 above plus:
   1. Completion and passing of the Exit Exam during the fall semester of the senior year
   2. Completion of the Emotional Competency Inventory (ECI)
   3. Completion of Field Work by majors in Ministerial Theology and Pastoral Care and Pre-Chaplaincy and recommendation by Externship Supervisor
   4. Submission of a personal resume’ and sitting for photograph for inclusion in published announcement of prospective graduates.

Exit Examination 

All graduating seniors in major programs must take a comprehensive examination in the fall semester of their final year. The examination will evaluate proficiency in four areas of competency: biblical studies, theological studies, historical studies, and practical studies. A minimum of 73 percent is required for passing. Students who fail must retake the examination. See the exit examination policy in the central office for criteria and procedures.