Program description


This unique and one-of-a-kind program in the Russian language, a master’s program in exegesis and theology, is adapted for independent study via the internet. .


In the course of the program students will study the process of Scripture interpretation (exegesis) and the formation of Christian doctrine (theology).


The goal of the program is to teach students to properly and accurately form Christian doctrine on the basis of a thoroughgoing examination of Scripture in the original languages.  The program provides a gradual mastery of the process of doctrinal formation, and consists of 4 blocks of coursework.  In all there are 24 credits in the program.


The first block of classes is dedicated to the study of Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), the second to the study of interpretation (hermeneutics and exegesis), the third to various approaches to theology (Biblical, Systematic and Historical). 


It is necessary to study the courses in the following order:





Masters thesis and defense


The master thesis combines skills from all the courses taken in the program.


It involves the thorough and detailed analysis of a topic concerning Christian faith and practice.  Upon completion of coursework in Biblical languages the student will choose the topic of their master’s project with the approval of the program director.  During the courses in hermeneutics and exegsis the student not only learns the course material, but also applies their knowledge in doing detailed exegetical analyses of key passages for their master’s project.  During the courses in theology the student not only learns the course material, but also analyses the his project topic from the point of veiw of Biblical, Systematic, Historical and Confessional Theology.


In such a way during the course of the program the student will gather a large amount of material on different aspects of their chosen topic.  In the end all that will remain will be to organize the material into a small book, consisting of 100-150 computer pages, double spaced, font size 12.  Quality papers will be published with the help of ETS.


After completion of all coursework and the master’s thesis the student will defend his or her paper before a commission.  The defense takes place in Kiev.  Prior to the defense the student will take a comprehensive test covering in general the material covered in the program.  The defense takes place near the end of April, so that students who pass the comprehensive test and defense can participate in graduation with other graduates of ETS.  The student will be responsible for their travel expenses to and from Kiev.


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Who is this program for?


Why is there a need for a program in exegesis and theology?


As a rule, believers are not aware how different Christian doctrines arose, or on what they are based. Usually they believe in what they have been told by others, and often accept unsubstantiated theories as God’s truth.


For that reason the faith of many believers is based on a very fragile foundation, which is easy for the devil to destroy. 


Today the Church has need for people who not only know Christian doctrine and teach them, but also are able to explain their basis in Holy Scripture.  Beyond this they need to be able to write theological works on pressing problems in church and society on a highly professional level.  We hope that you will be among those who God will use to meet that need..


Yet we must warn you, that this program requires you to apply yourself.  The courses are challenging and require time and effort to complete.  Inferior work is not acceptable.  


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Plagiarism and cheating


Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited. Plagiarism is when a student cites word-for-word material from another source without footnote and credit.  Even if the student rewords the material in his or her own words, a footnote indicating the source of the idea is required.  Exception is made if the information is common knowledge and can be found in various resources.  


After the first case of plagiarism the student will be suspended from the program for one year.  During that time his or her papers will not be received or graded. After the second incident the student will be permanently expelled from the program.  


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A brief description of the courses is provided on the page for independent study.


Taking the courses


All courses are conducted by internet.


The program runs in the following manner.  Most courses are in a audio-video format.  Some consist of taped lectures, while other have self-directing, narrated Power-Point presentations.


After the presentations you will be expected to write a test, during which you may use any materials you like.


Beyond this there will be requirements for textbook readings and book reports.  In many courses you will write a paper, the topic of which with be related to your master’s thesis.  This will aid you in gathering materials for you master’s project.


There is no deadline for submitted work.  You may work at your own pace and according to your own schedule.  All work must be completed on computer and submitted in electronic form.


Student papers are graded on the basis of the quality of work that was done, and whether or not the student fulfilled the goals of the assignment.  The grading is pass-fail.  If the work is unsatisfactory, the student will receive detailed feedback and recommendations as to how to improve their work.  The student will need to rewrite those parts of the paper or test that were unsatisfactory, and resubmit the work. This process will continue until a passing grade is given.  All work must be done on a high quality level, as would be expected in the study of the most important topic in the world – the Word of God.


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Donations


We hope that participants in our program will want to participate in support of the Seminary as well. Therefore, we recommend a voluntary donation of 10 dollars for each course taken.  Opportunity to donate will be provided during your stay in Kiev for defense of your master’s thesis.


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Accrediation


Evangel Theological Seminary is accredited with EAAA (Eurasian accreditation association).  The accreditation does not extend to the Internet program.


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Degree program программа