EUCLID (Euclid University)

MSc in Inter-Religious Dialogue and Diplomacy / Interfaith Studies

HIGHLIGHTS:

The MIRD (and MIFS) are unique programs in the sense that they are actually offered by an intergovernmental organization with a university charter and an additional mandate in inter-religious dialogue and diplomacy. Notably, EUCLID is the only university which has received the first prize of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, presented by H.M. King Abdullah of Jordan (photo below).

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

EUCLID offers several closely related but nevertheless distinct graduate programs:

• MIRD: MSc in Interreligious Dialogue and Diplomacy
• MIFS: MSc in Interfaith Studies
• MCRel: MSc in Comparative Religion
• MTSD: MSc in Terrorism Studies and Deradicalization

This page focuses on the MIRD: EUCLID’s Master of Science in Inter-Religious Dialogue and Diplomacy, the umbrella program designed to train diplomats, government officials and civil servants in this complex and specialized field. These programs, delivered 100% online, exist to prepare government officials, social workers, clergy, theologians and faculty members to successfully and constructively engage in inter-religious dialogue and diplomacy. The MIRD/MIFS does not assume a strong background in theology or diplomacy. Furthermore, it is open to students from all religious backgrounds including non-believers, although its focus may be of special interest to Muslims and Christians since it was—to an extent—developed in response to the “Common Word” initiative. However, it does assume the following:

• an ability to read, understand and memorize large amounts of material since the reading assignments are significant
• interest and respect for all religions and for the ideal of dialogue and possible convergence.

The MIRD is also a dual-purpose program which offers a core inter-religious theological foundation with an additional competency in critical thinking, diplomacy and conflict resolution. As part of the curriculum, this program offers an in-depth examination of the vast field of world religions, history, social and political projects, methods of negotiation and diplomacy, argumentation and critical thinking, etc. This program was designed to train government staff having an interest in this field, but also to prepare general public students for careers with government agencies, international organizations, religious institutions as well as NGOs.

METHODOLOGY:

This program is offered on an asynchronous—open enrollment basis with occasional sequencing in cohort groups. Since it is a graduate program, it emphasizes the ability to express logical, respectful and persuasive arguments by means of publishable academic papers. In particular, the ability to write creative, constructive, respectful and professional, journal-grade papers is one of the essential objectives of the program. The curriculum also calls for the ability to present an oral report (webcast), delivered to the course tutor in MP3 or WMV format.

OPTIONAL SPECIALIZATIONS:

In consultation with his or her assigned tutor, the student may also pursue directed studies, for a value of 2-6 UCH / 3-9 ECTS, in the following areas of research and concentration:

• Christian—Muslim Dialogue
• Religion and Secularism
• Issues in Global Terrorism
• Religion and Geopolitics
• Religion, Society, and Politics

CREDIT VALUES:

The minimum credit value for the completed EUCLID Master’s is 36 UCH / 54 ECTS. The recommended credit value (with thesis option) is 40 UCH / 60 ECTS.

ENROLLMENT SCHEDULE:

EUCLID has ongoing enrollment (intake) for this program. It is acceptable to apply several months in advance but it is recommended to apply 60-40 days in advance. General public slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.