Master of Divinity / Bachelor of Theology with Restorative Justice Concentration
The Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degree programs with a concentration in Restorative Justice provide an educational opportunity for those preparing for ministry to concentrate on themes of retributive and restorative justice, and to explore leadership and ministry questions related to offenders, victims and communities. Given the high levels of violence experienced in North America and around the world as well as the punitive nature with which people often respond to such violence, this program examines theological and biblical underpinnings for our actions and explores alternative ways of being.
This degree program concentration can be completed within three years of study if courses are taken during all three terms (fall, winter, spring/summer).
The degree (MDiv or BTh) is awarded by Queen's University on the recommendation of the Faculty of Queen's School of Religion. The concentration in Restorative Justice is recognized by a Concentration Certificate awarded by Queen's School of Religion on the recommendation of the College Faculty.
Admission and Application Requirements
Master of Divinity (including concentration in Restorative Justice)
Applicants must have a three-year baccalaureate degree (B.A.) or equivalent; normally with a minimum cumulative average of 70 percent.
- Degree Program Application (PDF, 67KB)
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Personal statement - A 400 word "Autobiographical Statement "describing formative influences in your life, reasons for entering a program of preparation for church leadership and vocational plans.
- Three (3) completed reference forms, from a Minister/Pastor (PDF, 74KB), an Academic Program Instructor (PDF, 72KB), and an Employer/Lay Person (PDF, 80KB). Please ask your referees to use the appropriate form.
Bachelor of Theology (including concentration in Restorative Justice)
Applicants must have completed one full year (or 5 full-year courses or equivalent) of an undergraduate degree program, with a minimum cumulative average of 70 per cent at a university recognized by Queen's. The five courses will include a two-semester credit or equivalent in English (1.0). Applicants seeking ordination must also obtain the approval of their denomination.
- Degree Program Application (PDF, 67KB)
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Personal statement - A 400 word "Autobiographical Statement "describing formative influences in your life, reasons for entering a program of preparation for church leadership and vocational plans.
- Three (3) completed reference forms, from a Minister/Pastor (PDF, 74KB), an Academic Program Instructor(PDF, 72KB), and an Employer/Lay Person (PDF, 80KB). Please ask your referees to use the appropriate form.
- If seeking ordination, official documentation of permission of denomination to do this degree.
Program Requirements - 116 units
Pluralism (4 units)
- THEO-781 (4) Introduction to Canadian Pluralism
Biblical Studies
Hebrew Bible (12 units)
- THEO-511 (4) The Language of the Hebrew Bible
- 2 electives in Hebrew Bible (8)
New Testament (12 units)
- THEO-715 (4) The Language of the New Testament
- 2 electives in New Testament (8)
Historical Studies (12 units)
- THEO-545 (4) The Church in Canada or THEO-749 (4) History and Theology of The United Church of Canada
- 2 electives in Historical Studies (8)
Systematics & Ethics (16 units)
- THEO-771 (4) Christian Theology
- THEO-763 (4) Christian Moral Theology or THEO-564 (4) Christian Social Ethics
- 2 electives in Systematics & Ethics (8)
Ministry Studies (24 units)
- THEO-705 (4) Foundations for Christian Worship;
- THEO-706 (4) Foundations for Preaching;
- THEO-707 (4) Introduction to Spiritual Care and Counseling;
- One of the following (12):
- THEO-704 (8) Supervised Practice of Congregational Ministry or THEO 703 (8) Supervised Practice of Institutional/Community Ministry, THEO-708 (2) Leadership in the Church and THEO-709 (2) The Polity of The United Church of Canada or THEO 739 (2) Topics in Church Polity
- THEO-703 (8) Supervised Practice of Institutional/Community Ministry or THEO 704 (8) Supervised Practice of Congregational Ministry and 1 Ministry Elective (4)
- 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (12)
NOTE: UCC candidates for ordered ministry MUST take 704, 708 and 709. Those seeking ordered ministry in other denominations MUST check with their denomination regarding their denomination's requirements.
Spiritual and Educational Formation (4 units)
- Students will register in a 1-unit course, "Spiritual and Educational Formation" - THEO-651 (1), THEO-652 (1), THEO-653 (1) and THEO-654 (1) - each Fall and Winter term they are registered.
Restorative Justice Concentration (20 units)
- THEO-400 (4) The Vision of Restorative Justice
- THEO-403 (4) Supervised Practice in a Restorative Justice Context
- THEO-408 (4) Ministry in the Context of Violence
- THEO-409 (4) Biblical Themes in Restorative Justice
- THEO-401 (4) Restorative Justice & the Reshaping of Relationships or THEO-402(4) The Action of Restorative Justice