Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies
Intellectual Excellence. Heart Formation. Practical Application.
The Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel) is a unique and innovative multidisciplinary program designed for individuals who want to go deep in addressing the real issues facing Middle Easterners in and beyond the Middle East and North Africa.
Administered online with two on-campus residencies per year in Lebanon, this accredited postgraduate degree focuses on providing a strong theoretical understanding of the region and the issues that it faces, combined with an emphasis on developing applied skills needed to work in the region and among MENA communities worldwide. It is based upon a solidly theological and Biblical framework in that each module weaves scripture and theology into its theory and practice.
The MRel degree explores issues of critical concern for the MENA region through four distinct lenses:MENA Islam
Cultural Analysis in the context of MENA
MENA Christianity
MENA History, Politics and Economics
In addition, students study a regional language of their choice and undertake an original, context-driven final project as the culmination of their studies. The program’s flexible design enables a student to study the MENA from within his or her particular context as well as interact firsthand with the peoples, cultures, and religions of this dynamic region.
What Skills Do Students Acquire?Contextual Cultural Analysis
Needs assessment and problem analysis
Project design (developing the logic for change)
Peacebuilding and conflict transformation
The ability to develop strategies for inter-church cooperation
The ability to understand interfaith conflict and to develop strategies for Christian Muslims dialogue
The mind to develop culturally appropriate theological frameworks for ministry
The Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel) is a unique and innovative multidisciplinary program designed for individuals who want to go deep in addressing the real issues facing Middle Easterners in and beyond the Middle East and North Africa.
Administered online with two on-campus residencies per year in Lebanon, this accredited postgraduate degree focuses on providing a strong theoretical understanding of the region and the issues that it faces, combined with an emphasis on developing applied skills needed to work in the region and among MENA communities worldwide. It is based upon a solidly theological and Biblical framework in that each module weaves scripture and theology into its theory and practice.
The MRel degree explores issues of critical concern for the MENA region through four distinct lenses:
In addition, students study a regional language of their choice and undertake an original, context-driven final project as the culmination of their studies. The program’s flexible design enables a student to study the MENA from within his or her particular context as well as interact firsthand with the peoples, cultures, and religions of this dynamic region.
What Skills Do Students Acquire?