New cooperative will fast track religious studies students to a master’s degree at Claremont School of Theology

Pacific's Department of Religious Studies has formed a new agreement with the Claremont School of Theology (CST) in Claremont, California, that creates a speedier pathway for students to receive a master's degree and saves them thousands of dollars in tuition costs.

This new cooperative allows religious studies students at Pacific with a 3.0 GPA to transfer some of their units towards a master's degree at Claremont, a divinity school associated with the United Methodist Church, and complete a three-year master's program in two years.  

Both Pacific and Claremont share a historic connection to the United Methodist Church and a strong interest in educating the religious leaders of the future who want to better the individual, community, society and public policy.  

"The willingness for CST to transfer so many of our units into their MDiv program is a testament to the quality of our faculty," said Alan Lenzi, associate professor and chair of Religious Studies.  

Since Pacific does not currently offer a master's program in religious studies, this agreement supports the mutual interest of both institutions in religious education and leadership. The agreement is effective immediately, meaning a 2017 religious studies graduate could go into the master's program at Claremont this fall. In addition, Pacific religious studies juniors and seniors may enroll in one course at Claremont toward their undergraduate degree.  

"A religious studies degree prepares students for many professional endeavors including education, law, politics and academia. Of course, it's also a great stepping stone to a life in religious service," Lenzi said. "This new agreement with CST provides students heading down such a path with a unique opportunity to prepare themselves as citizen-leaders."  

Pacific's Religious Studies Department also has agreement in place with the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, that helps graduates prepare for their future: Pacific students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 receive preferred consideration for admission. For more information on this agreement, click here >>  

For more information about Religious Studies at Pacific, visit the College of the Pacific Department of Religious Studies webpage.