Master of Religious Education

The Master of Religious Education (MRE) is a twenty-credit program that equips students for educational ministry in a variety of contexts and in lay ministry leadership. It may be completed on a purely part-time basis and allows up to eight years for completion. It is possible to combine the MRE program with the MDiv or MPS programs.

What would I study? Quick Glance

Required Courses: New Testament I, Old Testament I, History of Christianity I, Worship I, Education and Faith Formation, Context and Ministry, Theology I & II, Contextual Education, Experiential Education Ministry, Christian Ethics in Context, Advanced Christian Education.

Electives: Two are open electives and four are designated and must come from the following areas: two courses taken in the student’s area of specialization, one course in the area of Christian Education and social justice, and one course in Spirituality taken at Emmanuel.


MRE Program Requirements from Emmanuel Handbook PDF

Glossary for Emmanuel College Basic Degree Programs

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MRE, graduates will:


Religious Faith and Heritage
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Christian heritage, and articulate clearly their own theological positions (as related to religious education).
• Interpret scripture and Christian texts using a variety of methods, sources, and norms.
• Identify and respect the diversity of theological viewpoints and practices within the Christian tradition.


Culture and Context
• Demonstrate critical understanding for educational ministry of the relationship between faith practices and cultural contexts.
• Employ diverse methods of analysis in relating to the cultural contexts of education.
• Give evidence of critical self-awareness with regard to their own and other faith perspectives and practices of educational ministry.


Spiritual/Vocational Formation
• Demonstrate understanding of the variety of callings and spiritual practices within the Christian tradition, and an ability to reflect critically on their own sense of call to leadership and service.
• Attend to the spiritual development and well-being of self and others (specifically related to religious education).
• Display capacity for self-reflexive and spiritual practices within communities of faith.


Educational Practice
• Demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and accountability in personal relationships and group contexts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories and practices relevant to leadership in religious education.
• Demonstrate leadership and facilitation of learning and faith formation.


Prospective Students