New degree offered: Master of Religious Education

Dr. Sharon Betsworth, left, OCU’s Wimberly School of Religion director, and Dr. Elaine Robinson, right, dean of Saint Paul at OCU, team up to offer a new religious education degree.

The relationship between the Wimberly School of Religion and Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University continues to bear much fruit. The two schools now have joined together to offer the Master of Religious Education (MRE) degree.

The MRE is a professional degree for those who want to prepare for service in the Church as a director of Christian education, director of program ministries, director of youth or children’s ministries, or other ministries related to religious education.

This degree meets the criteria of The United Methodist Church for certification as Director of Christian Education or Director of Youth Ministry.

This program also meets all the educational requirements for those seeking ordination as deacons.

Graduate students in this program will complete 56-59 credit hours. These cover a broad range of topics, including biblical studies, evangelism, and worship.

The foundational courses are taken through Saint Paul School of Theology and comprise 27-28 credit hours. The remaining hours are Christian education courses and electives taken through the Wimberly School of Religion at OCU.

Specialized training is offered in areas such as the Bible in Christian Education, religious and moral development, and age-level ministries. Courses in United Methodist history and polity, along with Wesleyan tradition and theology, provide a solid understanding of our particular branch of Christianity.

"The Master of Religious Education at OCU is the only program in the region that is also approved for the Order of Deacon with a degree which specializes in Christian education," said Dr. Sharon Betsworth, director of the Wimberly School of Religion. "As such, we have a unique opportunity to train and prepare persons here in Oklahoma for ministry in a variety of areas of religious education."

Dr. Elaine Robinson, the dean of Saint Paul at OCU, adds, "The MRE degree is another example of the value of this partnership between Saint Paul and OCU. Everyone benefits when we collaborate on programs like this one."

Upon acceptance, students may enter the religion program during fall and spring semesters. For more information about the Wimberly School of Religion & Graduate Theological Center and the religion programs available to you, visit: www.okcu.edu/religion.  You also may contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, 800-633-7242, 405-208-5951.