FDRS Curriculum

1. Associate of Arts in Divinity Studies

Duration: 2 years (60 credits) Core Competencies:

• Biblical hermeneutics and exegesis

• Comparative religious studies with focus on African diaspora traditions

• Liberation theology and social justice ministry

• Pastoral care and community counseling

• Religious history of marginalized communities

• Interfaith dialogue and cooperation

Specialized Tracks:

• Urban Ministry Track: Focus on city-based congregational leadership

• Community Organizing Track: Faith-based social justice advocacy

• Chaplaincy Track: Preparation for institutional chaplaincy roles

Career Pathways: Assistant pastor, community chaplain, congregational education coordinator, faith-based non-profit worker

Capstone: Design and implement community service project through religious organization

2. Associate of Applied Science in Congregational Community Leadership

Duration: 2 years (62 credits) Core Competencies:

• Congregational administration and management

• Non-profit financial management for congregational organizations

• Community outreach and engagement strategies

• Spiritual education curriculum development

• Conflict resolution in congregational settings

• Grant writing for faith-based initiatives

Practicum Requirements: 300 hours in congregational community settings

Career Pathways: Congregation administrator, congregational program coordinator, faith-based community organizer, congregational education director

Capstone: Develop comprehensive community ministry program

3. Associate of Arts in Interfaith Studies and Social Justice

Duration: 2 years (60 credits) Core Competencies:

• World religions and spiritual traditions

• Indigenous spiritual practices and wisdom

• Religious responses to social justice issues

• Interfaith dialogue facilitation

• Religious freedom and civil rights

• Spirituality and healing in communities of color

Special Features:

• Study abroad component in religious communities

• Interfaith service learning projects

• Guest lectures from diverse spiritual leaders

Career Pathways: Interfaith coordinator, diversity educator, community mediator, social justice advocate

Capstone: Organize interfaith community action project

4. Associate of Applied Science in Faith-Based Counseling and Support

Duration: 2 years (64 credits) Core Competencies:

• Pastoral counseling techniques

• Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care

• Substance abuse counseling from faith perspective

• Family and marriage support

• Grief and loss counseling

• Mental health first aid certification

Clinical Requirements: 200 hours supervised counseling practice

Career Pathways: Pastoral counselor, community support worker, crisis intervention specialist, family life educator

Capstone: Develop faith-based counseling program for specific community need

5. Associate of Arts in Religious Music and Worship Arts

Duration: 2 years (60 credits) Core Competencies:

• Gospel music history and performance

• Sacred music across cultures

• Worship planning and liturgical arts

• Music therapy in religious settings

• Audio/visual technology for worship

• Community choir direction and development

Performance Requirements: Recitals each semester, community performances

Career Pathways: Worship leader, community choir director, religious music educator, church musician

Capstone: Produce community worship concert highlighting diverse traditions

1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (B.A. Biblical Studies)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Core Requirements (36 credits):

• · BIBL 1010: Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3)

• · BIBL 1020: Introduction to New Testament (3)

• · BIBL 2010: Biblical Hebrew I (4)

• · BIBL 2020: Biblical Hebrew II (4)

• · BIBL 3010: Biblical Greek I (4)

• · BIBL 3020: Biblical Greek II (4)

• · BIBL 4010: Biblical Hermeneutics (3)

• · BIBL 4100: Biblical Archaeology (3)

• · BIBL 4200: Textual Criticism (3)

• · BIBL 4900: Capstone Thesis in Biblical Studies (3)

• · HEBR 2500: Hebrew Culture and Civilization (2)

Concentration Areas (choose one - 18 credits):

• · Old Testament Studies

• · New Testament Studies

• · Biblical Languages and Translation

2. Bachelor of Arts in Divinity and Social Justice Ministry (DSJM)

Total Credits: 126 | Online Available: Yes | Course Prefix: DSJM

Core Requirements (54 credits):

• · DSJM 1010: Introduction to Biblical Studies (3)

• · DSJM 1020: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Survey (4)

• · DSJM 1030: New Testament Survey (4)

• · BIBL 2010: Biblical Hebrew I (4)

• · BIBL 2020: Biblical Hebrew II (4)

• · BIBL 3010: Biblical Greek I (4)

• · BIBL 3020: Biblical Greek II (4)

• · BIBL 4020: Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis (4)

• · DSJM 3020: Liberation Theology and Social Justice (3)

• · DSJM 3030: Pastoral Care and Community Counseling (3)

• · DSJM 3040: Preaching and Public Communication (3)

• · DSJM 4010: Advanced Biblical Exegesis Project (4)

• · DSJM 4020: Ministry Practicum in Community Setting (6)

• · DSJM 4030: Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation (3)

• · DSJM 4040: Ethics and Moral Theology (3)

• · DSJM 4900: Senior Ministry Portfolio (3)

Concentrations:

• · Urban Ministry: Focus on city-based congregational leadership

• · Social Justice Ministry: Emphasis on activism and community organizing

• · Biblical Studies: Advanced study of Hebrew Scriptures and interpretation

• · Interfaith Leadership: Preparation for multi-religious community work

3. Bachelor of Arts in Covenantal Theology (B.A. Covenant Theology)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Core Requirements (42 credits):

• COVT 1010: Foundations of Covenantal Thought (3)

• COVT 2010: Abrahamic Covenant Studies (3)

• COVT 3010: Mosaic Covenant and Law (3)

• COVT 4010: New Covenant Theology (3)

• THEO 1010: Systematic Theology I (3)

• THEO 1020: Systematic Theology II (3)

• THEO 2010: Historical Theology (3)

• THEO 3010: Comparative Religion (3)

• THEO 4010: Contemporary Theological Issues (3)

• PHIL 2010: Philosophy of Religion (3)

• PHIL 3010: Hebrew Philosophy (3)

• HEBR 2010: Hebrew Thought and Worldview (3)

• COVT 4900: Capstone in Covenantal Studies (3)

• MISS 1010: Introduction to Missiology (3)

4. Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice and Ethics (B.A. Social Justice)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Core Requirements (39 credits):

• JUST 1010: Foundations of Biblical Justice (3)

• JUST 2010: Prophetic Tradition and Social Action (3)

• JUST 3010: Contemporary Social Justice Issues (3)

• JUST 4010: Justice in Global Contexts (3)

• ETH 1010: Biblical Ethics (3)

• ETH 2010: Moral Philosophy (3)

• ETH 3010: Applied Ethics (3)

• SOCW 1010: Introduction to Social Work (3)

• SOCW 2010: Community Organization (3)

• SOCW 3010: Human Rights and Advocacy (3)

• POLS 2010: Political Theory (3)

• SOCI 2010: Sociology of Religion (3)

• JUST 4800: Internship in Social Justice (3)

• JUST 4900: Capstone Project in Social Action (3)

5. Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (B.A. Pastoral Ministry)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Core Requirements (45 credits):

• PAST 1010: Foundations of Ministry (3)

• PAST 2010: Pastoral Care and Counseling (3)

• PAST 3010: Preaching and Homiletics (3)

• PAST 4010: Leadership in Ministry (3)

• PAST 4100: Worship and Liturgy (3)

• PAST 4200: Youth and Family Ministry (3)

• COUN 1010: Introduction to Counseling (3)

• COUN 2010: Crisis Intervention (3)

• COMM 2010: Public Speaking (3)

• COMM 3010: Intercultural Communication (3)

• THEO 1010: Systematic Theology I (3)

• BIBL 1010: Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures (3)

• BIBL 1025: Introduction to New Testament (3)

• PAST 4800: Ministry Internship (6)

• PAST 4900: Senior Ministry Portfolio (3)

6. Bachelor of Arts in Spirituality Studies (B.A. Spirituality)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Core Requirements (36 credits):

• SPIR 1010: Foundations of Spirituality (3)

• SPIR 2010: Hebrew Spirituality and Mysticism (3)

• SPIR 3010: Contemplative Practices (3)

• SPIR 4010: Spiritual Direction (3)

• PRAY 2010: Prayer and Meditation (3)

• PRAY 3010: Liturgical Prayer (3)

• THEO 1010: Systematic Theology I (3)

• THEO 3010: Comparative Religion (3)

• PSYC 3010: Psychology of Religion (3)

• HEBR 2010: Hebrew Thought and Worldview (3)

• PHIL 2010: Philosophy of Religion (3)

• SPIR 4800: Spiritual Formation Practicum (3)

• SPIR 4900: Capstone in Spiritual Studies (3)

7. Bachelor of Arts in Historical Theology from Hebrew Perspective (B.A. Historical Theology)

Duration: 4 years (120 credit hours) | Available: 100% Online or Hybrid

Mission: Examining the development of theological thought through Hebrew lenses, exploring the Jewish roots of Christian theology, and understanding historical theological developments within their Hebrew and Jewish contexts.

Core Requirements (51 credits):

• HIST 1010: Introduction to Historical Theology (3)

• HIST 2010: Hebrew Foundations of Theology (3)

• HIST 3010: Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity (3)

• HIST 3020: Patristic Period from Hebrew Perspective (3)

• HIST 4010: Medieval Jewish-Christian Theological Dialogue (3)

• HIST 4020: Reformation and Hebrew Scholarship (3)

• HIST 5010: Modern Jewish Thought (3)

• HIST 5020: Contemporary Hebrew Theological Movements (3)

• BIBL 2010: Biblical Hebrew I (4)

• BIBL 2020: Biblical Hebrew II (4)

• BIBL 3015: Rabbinic Hebrew and Aramaic (3)

• BIBL 4010: Hebrew Exegetical Methods (3)

• JUDH 2010: Talmudic Literature and Methodology (3)

• JUDH 3010: Medieval Jewish Philosophy (3)

• JUDH 4010: Modern Jewish Theology (3)

• KABB 3010: Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah (3)

• HEBR 2010: Hebrew Thought and Worldview (3)

• HIST 4800: Historical Research Seminar (3)

• HIST 4900: Senior Thesis in Historical Theology (3)

Hebrew Context Studies (18 credits):

• ANCT 2010: Ancient Near (North) Eastern Religions (3)

• ANCT 3010: Second Temple Period History (3)

• ARCH 2010: Biblical Archaeology (3)

• CULT 2010: Judean Cultural History (3)

• LANG 3010: Comparative Semitic Languages (3)

• MANU 4010: Hebrew Manuscripts and Textual Traditions (3)

Theological Development Track (choose one - 15 credits):

Track A: Jewish-Christian Relations

• JUCR 3010: Early Jewish-Christian Dialogue (3)

• JUCR 4010: Medieval Polemics and Apologetics (3)

• JUCR 5010: Modern Interfaith Theology (3)

• JUCR 6010: Holocaust Theology and Response (3)

• JUCR 7010: Contemporary Jewish-Christian Relations (3)

Track B: Hebrew Biblical Interpretation

• PESH 3010: Peshat and Medieval Jewish Exegesis (3)

• MIDS 4010: Midrashic Literature and Methods (3)

• KABB 5010: Kabbalistic Biblical Interpretation (3)

• HASK 6010: Haskalah and Modern Hebrew Thought (3)

• ZION 7010: Zionist Theology and Land Theology (3)

Track C: Liturgical and Mystical Traditions

• LITR 3010: Hebrew Liturgical Development (3)

• MYST 4010: Jewish Mystical Traditions (3)

• HASS 5010: Hasidic Thought and Practice (3)

• PRAY 6010: Jewish Prayer and Meditation (3)

• FEST 7010: Jewish Festivals and Theological Meaning (3)

Language Requirements:

• Biblical Hebrew (Advanced Level - 8 credits)

• Modern Hebrew or Aramaic (Intermediate Level - 6 credits)

• Greek or Latin (Basic Level - 6 credits)

Research and Practicum Requirements:

• HIST 4500: Hebrew Manuscript Research (3)

• HIST 4600: Field Study in East Africa/Holy Land (3)

• HIST 4800: Historical Research Seminar (3)

• HIST 4900: Senior Thesis in Historical Theology (6)

Capstone Experience: Students must complete a substantial research project examining a specific period, figure, or movement in historical theology from a Hebrew perspective, demonstrating mastery of Hebrew sources, historical methodology, and theological analysis.

1. Master of Divinity with Hebrew Foundations (MDiv-HF)

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4.5 years part-time

• Delivery: Hybrid (core online + optional in-person seminars)

• Target Students: College graduates, teachers, ministers, researchers seeking theological-historical grounding.

• Career Paths: Pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, spiritual leadership, Doctor of Ministry or Ph.D. candidate.

Core Courses:

• HEBR 5010: Biblical Hebrew and Exegesis (3 credits)

  Hébreu biblique et exégèse

• THEO 5022: Covenant Theology and Ethics (3 credits)

  Théologie de l'alliance et éthique

• THEO 5034: Prophetic Leadership for Social Justice (3 credits)

  Leadership prophétique pour la justice sociale

• THEO 5046: Comparative Religion & Interfaith Dialogue (3 credits)

  Religions comparées et dialogue interreligieux

• THEO 5058: Ministerial Practicum & Capstone (6 credits)

  Pratique ministérielle et projet de fin d'études

• HEBR 6010: Advanced Hebrew Language and Literature (3 credits)

  Hébreu avancé et littérature

• HEBR 6022: Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (3 credits)

• Mysticisme hébraïque et Kabbale

• HEBR 6034: Biblical Narratives and Theology (3 credits)

  Narratives bibliques et théologie

• HICS 6046: Jewish History from Ancient to Modern Times (3 credits)

  Histoire juive de l'Antiquité à nos jours

• HEBR 6058: Hebraic Ethics and Social Teachings (3 credits)

  Éthique hébraïque et enseignements sociaux

• INTER 7010: Interfaith Dialogue & Hebraic Perspectives (3 credits)

  Dialogue interreligieux et perspectives hébraïques

• INTER 7022: Community Leadership in Hebraic Context (3 credits)

• Leadership communautaire dans le contexte hébraïque

• RABB 7034: Pastoral Care & Hebrew Spirituality (3 credits)

  Soins pastoraux et spiritualité hébraïque

• LIT 7046: Hebrew Texts in Social Justice Movements (3 credits)

  Textes hébraïques dans les mouvements de justice sociale

• THEO 7058: Capstone: Community Project Design (6 credits)

  Projet de fin d’études : conception d’un projet communautaire

Electives:

• LIT 6010: Hebrew Poetry and Song — Poésie et chanson hébraïques

• HEBR 6040: Hebrew Law and Ethics — Loi et éthique hébraïques

• HICS 7010: Hebrew Diaspora & Identity — Diaspora et identité hébraïque

2. Master of Theology and Social Justice (MTSJ)

Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time

• Delivery: Hybrid (core online + optional in-person seminars)

• Target Students: College graduates, teachers, ministers, community leaders.

• Career Paths: Seminary lecturer, theology teacher, researcher, writer, spiritual leader, Th.D/Ph.D. candidate.

Core Courses:

• 1. THEO 1110: Theology of Liberation (3 credits)

• Théologie de la libération

• 2. THEO 1122: Religion, Law, and Human Rights (3 credits)

• Religion, droit et droits de l'homme

• 3. THEO 1134: Black & Indigenous Theologies (3 credits)

• Théologies noire et indigène

• 4. THEO 1146: Ethics of War, Peace, and Justice (3 credits)

• Éthique de la guerre, paix et justice

• 5. THEO 1158: Thesis in Theology & Justice (6 credits)

• Mémoire en théologie et justice

• 6. HEBR 1160: Hebrew Scriptures in Social Movements (3 credits)

• Écritures hébraïques et mouvements sociaux

• 7. HEBR 1172: Prophetic Voices & Community Resistance (3 credits)

• Voix prophétiques et résistance communautaire

• 8. INTER 1184: Community Organizing from a Hebraic Perspective (3 credits)

• Organisation communautaire en perspective hébraïque

• 9. HEBR 1196: Ethics of Resistance & Nonviolence (3 credits)

• Éthique de la résistance et de la non-violence

• 10. INTER 1208: Interfaith Solidarity & Hebraic Roots (3 credits)

• Solidarité interreligieuse et racines hébraïques

• 11. HEBR 1210: Social Justice in Hebrew Bible (3 credits)

• Justice sociale dans la Bible hébraïque

• 12. INTER 1222: Capstone: Community Action Project (6 credits)

• Projet d'action communautaire

3. Master of Arts in Historical Theology (MA-HT)

Focus: The study of theology through history, tracing development of doctrines, traditions, and practices.

• Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time

• Delivery: Hybrid (core online + optional in-person seminars)

• Target Students: College graduates, teachers, ministers, researchers seeking theological-historical grounding.

• Career Paths: Seminary lecturer, theology teacher, researcher, writer, church historian, Ph.D. candidate.

Core Courses:

• DIV 6101: Foundations of Historical Theology (3)

• DIV 6103: The Early Church Fathers and Covenant Continuities (3)

• DIV 6205: Reformation & Counter-Reformation Thought (3)

• DIV 6207: Theology in the Modern and Postmodern Era (3)

• DIV 6309: African and Jewish Diaspora Theology (3)

• DIV 6311: Research Methods in Historical Theology (3)

Electives (choose 2):

• DIV 6402: Patristics and Ecclesial Authority (3)

• DIV 6404: Theology of the Creeds and Councils (3)

• DIV 6406: Historical Theology of Liberation (3)

Capstone/Research:

• DIV 6508: Graduate Seminar in Historical Theology (3)

• DIV 6610: Master’s Thesis in Historical Theology (6)

4. Master of Arts in Covenantal Theology (MA-CT)

Focus: The Hebrew foundations and theological significance of the divine covenants across Scripture.

• Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time

• Delivery: Hybrid (online lectures + in-person intensive Hebrew workshops)

• Target Students: Graduates pursuing ministry, teaching, advanced biblical study, or eventual Th.D./Ph.D. in Covenantal Theology.

• Career Paths: Minister, seminary instructor, biblical scholar, Christian/Hebrew studies educator, author, doctoral candidate.

Core Courses:

• DIV 6110: Introduction to Covenantal Theology (3)

• DIV 6112: The Covenant of Creation and Noahic Covenant (3)

• DIV 6214: Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants (3)

• DIV 6216: Davidic Covenant and Prophetic Hope (3)

• DIV 6318: The New Covenant in Yahawashi (Messiah) (3)

• DIV 6320: Hebrew Exegesis for Covenant Studies (3)

Electives (choose 2):

• DIV 6412: Covenantal Theology and Eschatology (3)

• DIV 6414: Covenant and the Nations (3)

• DIV 6416: Comparative Covenantal Theologies (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) (3)

Capstone/Research:

• DIV 6518: Seminar in Covenantal Theology (3)

• DIV 6620: Master’s Thesis or Applied Project in Covenant Theology (6)

👉 Each program is 36 credit hours (approx. 12 courses), structured with core courses + electives + practicum/thesis/capstone for real-world application.

1. Doctor of Ministry in Hebrew Leadership (D.Min-HL) – Applied Doctorate

   Total Credits: 60 (minimum) Duration: 3–4 years

   Delivery: Hybrid (local ministry fieldwork required)

   Careers: Pastor, denominational leader, community faith leader, chaplain, spiritual formation director

   Courses:

   - HEBR 8101: Hebrew Biblical Exegesis (3 credits)

   - HEBR 8203: Advanced Pastoral Leadership (3 credits)

   - THEO 8305: Theology & Social Justice (3 credits)

   - INTER 8407: Ministry Innovation & Community Engagement (3 credits)

   - HEBR 8301: Hebrew Language & Grammar (3 credits)

   - RABB 8401: Introduction to Rabbinic Literature (3 credits)

   - LIT 8501: Hebrew Literature & Poetry (3 credits)

   - PHIL 8601: Hebrew Philosophy & Thought (3 credits)

   - ESCH 8701: Eschatology & Messianic Expectations (3 credits)

   - RABB 8801: Leadership in Jewish & Hebrew Communities (3 credits)

   - RIT 8901: Practical Ministry & Community Outreach (3 credits)

   - HICS 8510: Applied Doctoral Project (6 credits)

   - HICS 8612: Dissertation & Defense (6 credits)

   Electives:

   - INTER 8500: Digital Ministry and Online Community Building

   - FIN-THEO 8001: Financial Stewardship for Faith Leaders

   - RIT Advanced Scriptural/Biblical Counseling

   Missiology: A Historical, Theological, Anthropological, & Cultural Study from a Hebrew perspective

   Path of the Blessed: Discipleship and Holistic Living I, II, & III

   Prophetic Visions: Black Hebrews and Modern Liberation Movements

   Technology and the Future of Black Empowerment

   The Church & Pastoral Ministry Concept

   The True Identity of the Trans-Atlantic Slaves: A Critical Examination of Historical & Scriptural Records

   Spiritual Technology: Prophecy, Identity, and Liberation

   Total credits for core courses and electives: 60 credits.

2. Ph.D. in Theological Studies & Ethics (PhD-TSE)

   Total Credits: 60 (minimum) Duration: 4–5 years

   Delivery: In-person or Hybrid

   Courses:

   - THEO 9101: Advanced Theologies of Liberation (3 credits)

   - THEO 9203: Biblical Ethics in Context (3 credits)

   - THEO 9305: Comparative Theology & Religion (3 credits)

   - HEBR 9407: Research Seminar in Global Faith & Justice (3 credits)

   - HEBR 9510: Dissertation Seminar (6 credits)

   - HEBR 9612: Dissertation & Defense (12 credits)

   - PHIL 9701: Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)

   - LIT 9801: Comparative Religious Literature (3 credits)

   - INTER 9901: Interfaith Dialogue & Engagement (3 credits)

   - ESCH 9911: Eschatology & Ethical Implications (3 credits)

   Total credits: 60 credits.

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   ## Doctor of Theology in Covenantal Theology (Th.D-CT)

   Total Credits: 60 (minimum)

   Duration: 3–4 years

   Delivery: Hybrid (online seminars + in-person + practicum)

   Courses:

   - HEBR 8201: Covenantal Theology & Hebrew Scriptures (3 credits)

   - HEBR 8203: Covenants from Adam to Yahawashi (3 credits)

   - THEO 8305: Theology of Promise, Law, and Fulfillment (3 credits)

   - THEO 8307: Covenantal Theology & the Nations (3 credits)

   - RABB 8409: Hermeneutics in Covenant Studies (3 credits)

   - HICS 8411: Theology of Land, People, and Kingdom (3 credits)

   - HEBR 8515: Doctoral Seminar in Covenantal Theology (3 credits)

   - HEBR 8618: Applied Ministry Project in Covenantal Theology (6 credits)

   - HEBR 8720: Doctoral Dissertation (12 credits)

   - PHIL 8721: Philosophical Foundations of Covenant (3 credits)

   - LIT 8801: Literature & Covenantal Narratives (3 credits)

   - INTER 8901: Interfaith & Intercultural Covenant Perspectives (3 credits)

   Total credits: 60 credits.

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   ## Summary

   All programs include the core courses listed above, plus electives and research components necessary to reach the 60-credit minimum, aligned with accreditation standards. Each course code begins with the department abbreviation (**HEBR, THEO, RABB, HICS, PHIL, LIT, ESCH, INTER, RIT**) and is numbered within the 8000–9999 range.

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