Master of Theology

Candidates for the Master of Theology degree plan complete a minimum of 30-42 credit hours depending on their course of study. HUGS acknowledges that entering students bring vast life experiences and skill sets. Students may receive a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours for equivalency and/or honoring of additional courses completed at other colleges and universities. Students must complete a portfolio to be submitted to the Academic Review and Admissions Committee for approval of equivalency credit as well as approval for honoring the additional courses completed at other colleges and universities.

Holos utilizes distance learning accomplished by working with instructors using email and attending video conference classes.  There may be a few courses that require attendance at a 1 to 5-day residency.  Residency locations and dates are posted on the HUGS Official Calendar.

All courses carry one to three hours of credit. The total hours of credit are handled according to one of the following options:

Option 1: Master's Research and Thesis

1. The Master's Research and Thesis degree plan is made up of core requirements, electives, and six (6) credit hours of Research and Thesis courses. Elective courses may be used to identify a special emphasis area of study.
2. Initially, the student is assigned an advisor. Once the core required academic courses are completed the student is assigned a committee consisting of a Chairperson, two committee members, and one alternate committee member. The student will work with their advisor and committee Chairperson to determine the appropriate electives for their degree plan special emphasis. The final decision on elective courses will be based on their relevance to the student's passion, interest, and the specific topic they chose upon entering graduate school.
3. Following completion of all academic core required courses and electives, the committee Chairperson will assist the student in finalizing a "type" of research project.
4. The Master's student enrolls in the Masters Research and Thesis I course, then progresses to the Masters Research and Thesis II course. These two courses are designed to complete a research project. Upon complete of the actual research project and the final approved thesis manuscript, the student sits for an oral exam, conducted by videoconference. The oral exam, as well as a power point presentation of the students project are required elements to earn the Master of Theology degree.
5. Required for graduation; each student's course work shall average a grade point of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

   Credits: 30 credit hour minimum with no special emphasis
   Credits: 33 credit hour minimum to include a special emphasis.

   NOTE: The six (6) credit hours for 780/781 Masters Research and Thesis I & II are a minimum requirement.
   If the student fails to complete the assignments in either course within the allotted three hours per course, then they will enter into continuous enrollment with a minimum of three credit hours each semester until the degree requirements are completely satisfied.

**** In compliance with United States federal law and to ensure the integrity and safety of all participants, research involving more than a single case study subject must comply with all ethical guidelines. Researchers are required to complete Human Study Ethics Research Training with the CITI Program from the University of Miami. Additionally, all research protocols must have approval from a recognized Human Study Ethics Review Board (IRB) prior to working with subjects.

Option 2: Master's Essay and Exam

1. The Master's Essay and Exam degree plan is made up of core requirements, electives, and six (6) credit hours of Essay and Exam courses. Elective courses may be used to identify a special emphasis area of study.
2. The Master's Essay and Exam degree plan requires the student to write four (4) ten-page (10) essays based on specific assigned topics. The first three essays explore and develop their assigned topics in depth and each essay will include an extensive bibliography. In the forth essay, the student may introduce a fourth aspect. However, the purpose of the fourth essay is to integrate the three previous essays and bring the essays to an academic conclusion, included in the Master Essays and Exam II course.
3. The Master's student enrolls in the Masters Essay and Exam I course, then progresses to the Masters
   Essay and Exam II course. These two courses are designed to complete the four essays. Upon completion of the essays, the student sits for an oral exam, conducted by videoconference. The oral exam, as well as a power point presentation of the students project are required elements to earn the Master of Theology degree.
4. Required for graduation; each student's course work shall average a grade point of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

   Credits: 30 credit hour minimum and may include a special emphasis.

   Option 3: Master's Academic Course Work

   1. The Master's Academic Course Work degree plan is made up of core requirements and electives. Elective courses may be used to identify a special emphasis area of study.
   2. As the Master's Academic Course Work degree plan allows for the most electives and therefore is the most flexible, the student's Advisor will assist the student with decisions on elective courses, which will be based on their relevance to the student's passion, interest, vocational aspirations, and/or future degree plans.
   3. Required for graduation; each student's course work shall average a grade point of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

      Credits: 42 credit hour minimum and may include a special emphasis.