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Courses | M.A. in Science and Religion

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For more program details, including graduation requirements and learning outcomes, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed all bachelor’s degree requirements, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, prior to the start of the program and must have a bachelor’s degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution prior to the start of the second term.

This degree should normally be in a natural science (physics, chemistry, biology or related field), engineering, mathematics, computer science; or in anthropology, psychology or related fields. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field will be considered if their career or ministry path involves a strong scientific interest (e.g., science journalism, campus ministry).
Applicants must submit a brief written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Satisfactorily complete at least 39 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum below.
  2. Maintain a 2.5 average with no grade below a "C" in all courses to be credited toward graduation.
  3. Students are placed on academic probation if their grade point average for any semester falls below 2.5 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 2.5. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (2.5) for continuance in the program. A student cannot graduate while on probation.
  4. Complete a minimum of 24 credits in the degree program at Biola University.
  5. All degree components must be completed as graded courses except for CSSR 681 and 699.
  6. Up to 15 credits of graduate credits may be transferred into the program for classes deemed comparable. Advanced standing credits may be granted on the basis of comparable undergraduate courses with grades of “B” or better. Consult admissions counselor for more information.
  7. Complete the entire program in no more than seven years.
  8. Meet with department academic advisor and graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section).

Curriculum Requirements

Program Courses
Science and Religion Core
CSSR 529Historical Perspectives in Science and Religion2
CSSR 530Darwin, Evolution, and Design2
CSSR 631Modern Physics, Cosmology, and Design2
CSSR 651Intelligent Design Seminar2
Religious Studies Core
CSSR 510Research Methodologies1
CSSR 516Authority of Scriptural Traditions2
CSSR 519Old Testament/Hebrew Literature3
CSSR 520New Testament Literature3
CSSR 541Christian Thought I2
CSSR 542Christian Thought II3
CSSR 638Psychology of Belief I2
CSSR 639Psychology of Belief II1
Philosophy Overview 1
CSSR 540Metaphysics and Epistemology3
CSSR 547Philosophy and Theology of Science3
Elective Courses (see Department for advising and approval of elective courses)8
Total Credits39
1

Students who already have a strong background in philosophy may, with advisor approval, take additional approved electives in place of the required credits.

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