Ã山ǿ¼é

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

Overview of Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

The main goals of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program are:

  1. to offer academic instruction in the disciplines of theology within a university setting;
  2. to contribute to preparation for ministry in the contemporary world by giving special attention to the Canadian and North American contexts, the Quebec context, and religious pluralism.

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) may be taken as a first or second baccalaureate degree.

As a first degree (90 or 120 credits), it offers a more intensive study of Christianity than is available within the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs, while also permitting the student to combine this specialization with other academic or professional interests, whether in Religious Studies or in other faculties and schools of the University.

As a second bachelor’s degree (60 credits), the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program is designed primarily for those who intend to qualify for the ordained ministry in a Christian denomination, although here too, some students pursue the degree out of an interest in the academic study of theology for its own sake, or with a view to combining these studies with proficiency gained in other disciplines. The 60-credit program forms the core of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree.

Those studying for the ordained ministry usually pursue the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) as part of a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) offered by one of the three Theological Colleges affiliated with Ã山ǿ¼é in the Montreal School of Theology:

  • Montreal Diocesan Theological College (Anglican Church of Canada);
  • the Presbyterian College (Presbyterian Church in Canada);
  • United Theological College (United Church of Canada).
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

ATS Accreditation

ATS Accreditation

The B.Th. program offered by Ã山ǿ¼é and the M.Div. program offered by the Theological Colleges are together fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada (ATS).

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The B.Th. program has three points of entry:

  1. To enter the 120-credit degree program from outside Quebec, you must hold a high school diploma, unless you qualify as a mature student. A maximum of 60 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into the 120-credit program.
  2. To enter the 90-credit first-degree program, you are expected to have completed the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a Quebec CEGEP with a minimum average of Cote R of 24, or the equivalent elsewhere. A maximum of 30 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into this program.
  3. To enter the 60-credit program, you must have completed a B.A. or other bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7 (B-). No credits can be transferred from another institution of higher learning into the 60-credit program.

Any Ã山ǿ¼é student in good standing, with a minimum of 30 credits, may apply for transfer from their current degree program into the B.Th. program. B.Th. students entering the 120- or 90-credit programs are free to pursue minors in other departments, schools, or faculties, in consultation with their B.Th. adviser(s).

Prospective students should contact the Chair of the B.Th. Committee to discuss their qualifications, expectations, and objectives. Appointments can be made by contacting:

  • Professor Torrance Kirby
  • Email: torrance.kirby [at] mcgill.ca
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Mature Student Admissions Policy

Mature Student Admissions Policy

Those who will be 23 years of age or older by September 1 of the year that they seek admission (or by January 1 for admission to the Winter term) and who lack the academic qualifications normally required for entry into the B.Th. program may apply as mature students for admission to a qualifying year in the B.Th. program.

Admitted students enrol in a qualifying year (30 credits) of designated Religious Studies and Arts courses (determined by the Chair of the B.Th. Committee).

Those who, during the qualifying year, earn a CGPA of 2.5 to 2.9 (with no grade less than 60%) normally will be granted admission to the 120-credit B.Th. program. Credits completed during the qualifying year may be applied toward the 120-credit requirement.

Those who, during the qualifying year, earn a CGPA of at least 3.0 (having taken 30 credits, including at least two 300-level courses and with no grade less than 65%) normally will be granted admission to the 90-credit B.Th. program. Credits completed during the qualifying year may be applied toward the 90-credit requirement.

Students who, during the qualifying year, do not earn a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or who have grades less than 60%, may apply to retake courses, pending approval of the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Proficiency in English

Proficiency in English

The language of instruction for most courses at Ã山ǿ¼é is English; however, you may make arrangements to write term papers, examinations, and theses in English or in French, except in courses where knowledge of the language is one of the objectives of the course. You must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency prior to admission to Ã山ǿ¼é, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin.

For non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue is not English, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required, with a minimum score of 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT), or 577 for the paper-based version (PBT; only offered in locations where testing via the Internet is not available). For the iBT, a minimum score of 21 is also required in each individual component of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Permanent residents of Canada may be required to submit a TOEFL score as well.

Please also see University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > General Policies and Information > Language Policy, or for more information on the TOEFL.

Note: The Ã山ǿ¼é ETS Institution code is: 0935.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Applying to the B.Th. Program

Applying to the B.Th. Program

Note: Owing to Ã山ǿ¼é's implementation of a comprehensive online application system, paper applications to the B.Th. Program can no longer be accepted. All applicants must apply online.

The online application process should take about 20 minutes and a credit card is required for payment of the application fee. Once completed, the online application form may be printed for your own records.

Required Documents

Required Documents

  • Transcript(s) of all previous post-secondary academic work. Applicants to the B.Th. Program as a first degree must submit high school and/or CEGEP transcripts. Copies of your unofficial transcript(s) can be uploaded to complete your application. Official transcript(s) are required only if you are admitted, and must be mailed directly from the institution to the mailing address below.
  • Personal Statement, according to the directions in the application. Please download and use the Personal Statement Form, available at www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies/prospective/undergraduate/bth/apply.

After your application has been received, you will be given access to your Minerva account, where you will be able to upload your unofficial transcripts and personal statement to complete your application. You can find full instructions on how to prepare, upload, and submit relevant documents at www.mcgill.ca/applying/submitting-your-documents/uploadingdocuments.

The two letters of recommendation must be sent to the mailing address below.

Drop-off, Courier, and Mailing Address

Drop-off, Courier, and Mailing Address

  • Bachelor of Theology Program
  • Enrolment Services
  • Student Records
  • Ã山ǿ¼é
  • 3415 McTavish Street, Room MS-13
  • Montreal QC H3A 0C8
  • Canada

If you are applying to one of the Theological Colleges, another complete set of these required documents must also be sent to the College concerned.

Please note that your file will not be considered by the Admissions Committee until all the required documents have been received.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines for the B.Th. Program

Applicants to the B.Th. program may be accepted into the Fall, Winter, or Summer term. The online application deadlines are:

  • May 1 for September Admission (Canadian and International applicants)
  • June 15 for September Admission (College affiliated applicants only)
  • September 15 for January Admission (International applicants)
  • November 1 for January Admission (Canadian applicants)
  • March 1 for May Admission (Canadian and International applicants)

Please note that all required documents listed in Applying to the B.Th. Program must be received by the Faculty of Religious Studies prior to these deadlines in order for the applicant to be considered by the Admissions Committee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Tuition Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees and Funding

Information concerning current tuition fees can be found at: www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts. Applicants for admission to one of the affiliated Colleges should contact the institution concerned for information regarding College-related fees.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Admissions Review Procedure

Admissions Review Procedure

An unsuccessful applicant, or a Faculty of Religious Studies Council member acting on behalf of an unsuccessful applicant, who believes that not all factors having a bearing on the application have been fully considered, may submit a request for a review of the decision.

The request must be made in writing and directed to the Chair of the B.Th. Admissions and Awards Committee. A CAD$40 certified cheque or money order made payable to Ã山ǿ¼é University must accompany the request.

The request for review must include information in support of reconsideration, such as a description of significant change in the applicant's circumstances since the initial consideration, correction of any missing or erroneous information in the application, or information that the applicant believes may have been overlooked when the original decision was made.

Requests for reconsideration must be received at Ã山ǿ¼é no more than two weeks after notification of refusal.

The review procedure will be carried out by the B.Th. Admissions and Awards Committee. Please note that the original admission decision will stand unless the Committee is persuaded that admissions standards have been misapplied or that an applicant’s academic record has been misapprehended.

Decisions on Special, Visiting, and Exchange applications are final; requests for reconsideration will not be considered.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Registration Procedures

Registration Procedures

All students register by Minerva, Ã山ǿ¼é's web-based registration system. Minerva provides web access to registration, class schedules, course descriptions, and address changes.

For detailed information about registration, refer to University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Registration or www.mcgill.ca/newstudents, and to the courses website, www.mcgill.ca/students/courses.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Withdrawal Procedures

Withdrawal Procedures

Dropping or adding courses must be done via Minerva, prior to the deadline listed in this publication (see Registration Procedures). Permission of the adviser is required for all changes to course selection. In case of withdrawal from the University prior to the published course withdrawal deadline, you must withdraw from all courses via Minerva. In addition, you must contact the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Committee and complete the necessary withdrawal form.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

  1. The B.Th. is either a 120-credit program (if you were admitted from outside Quebec and without a prior Bachelor's degree), a 90-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a Quebec D.C.S. or equivalent), or a 60-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a recognized bachelor's degree).
  2. Qualification for the degree must include Satisfactory Standing (a grade of C or better) in all required courses and the complementary courses specified in Year 3, and the accumulation of enough acceptable credits to make a total of either 60, 90, or 120 credits. It should be noted that if you take the B.Th. program as part of the M.Div. program, you need to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to be eligible for the M.Div. degree.
  3. Normally, the program credits must be earned within five years from the date of entrance.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Course Selection

Course Selection

You are to seek the guidance of your adviser(s) when registering for courses. You must have your courses approved and your Minerva form signed by the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) Committee before classes begin. If you are affiliated with one of the Theological Colleges, your Minerva form must first be approved and signed by your College adviser.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Academic Standing and Course Loads

Academic Standing and Course Loads

Satisfactory Standing

Satisfactory Standing

You enter the University in Satisfactory Standing and remain in this Standing unless your grade point average (GPA) or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for any year drops below 2.00. The normal course load in any academic session is five courses per term (15 credits per term). If you have a high GPA (at least 3.00), you may take more than the normal five courses per term.

Probationary Standing

Probationary Standing

You are placed in Probationary Standing if either your CGPA or your term GPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99. (If you are a part-time student, your GPA is calculated on the basis of your last 9 credits.) While in Probationary Standing, you may take a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 12 credits per term.

While in Probationary Standing, you may return to Satisfactory Standing by completing 12 additional credits with a GPA of at least 2.50, or by completing 12 credits with a GPA and a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.

As a student in Probationary Standing, if you fail to achieve the levels of performance specified above, you will be placed in Unsatisfactory Standing, unless you obtain a GPA of 1.50–1.99 while continuing to have a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.

Unsatisfactory Standing

Unsatisfactory Standing

You are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing if you have a GPA of less than 1.50.

As a student in Unsatisfactory Standing, you will have to withdraw, or seek readmission as a probationary student with special permission from the B.Th. Committee and the Dean. If you are a student who is readmitted on Probationary Standing, you may have additional restrictions or conditions to meet over and above those required of students referred to above under “Probationary Standing.â€

In the event that you are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing for a second time, you must withdraw permanently.

Incomplete Standing

Incomplete Standing

If, in any year, your record shows a mark of K, K*, L, L*, or &&, you will have no GPA or CGPA calculated for that year, and your record will show “Standing Incomplete.†After completing the appropriate course requirements, your GPA and CGPA will be calculated and your Standing determined as described above.

If your Standing is still “Incomplete†at the time of registration for the next academic year, you must obtain a Letter of Permission to Register from the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Academic Achievement

Academic Achievement

Several designations are used to acknowledge the superior academic achievement of in-course and graduating students. These designations are awarded at the discretion of the Faculty.

Dean's Honour List: to designate in-course students who have completed a minimum of 27 credits during regular session (14 credits for those registered for one term) and have attained a GPA placing them in the top 5% - 10% of their class.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Graduation Honours

Graduation Honours

Dean's Honour List: For information on the designation of Dean’s Honour List awarded at graduation, see University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Graduation > Graduation Honours > Dean's Honour List.

Distinction: For information on the designation of Distinction awarded at graduation, see University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Graduation > Graduation Honours > Distinction.

Honours: to designate graduating students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits at Ã山ǿ¼é and have fulfilled the Honours course requirements with a CGPA of 3.20, or 3.50 for First Class Honours.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Evaluation

Evaluation

Competence in a course may be determined by examinations and/or essays, or by other means chosen by the instructor and approved by the Dean.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Religious Studies (120 credits)

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree requires 120 credits. Many students enter the program with advanced standing, and their credit requirement for the degree is adjusted accordingly. ...

For more information, see Religious Studies (120 credits).

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Honours Religious Studies (120 credits)

Students who have achieved a CGPA of 3.30 at the end of B.Th. Year 2 (U2) may apply to the B.Th. Committee for permission to enter the Honours program. They will be required to complete the normal requirements for the B.Th. degree and the honours courses RELG 494 and RELG 495 in the B.Th. Year 3 (U3) with a grade of B or better.

For more information, see Honours Religious Studies (120 credits).

Faculty of Religious Studies—2015-2016 (last updated Aug. 6, 2015) (disclaimer)
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