Advanced Study • Theology • Ministry • Leadership
Graduate study at Hákonarætt Institute of Eddic Studies advances the serious study, interpretation, and responsible transmission of the Old Norse religious tradition through advanced theological scholarship, research, ministry, and leadership.
30 Semester Credit Hours
6 Courses • 5 Credits Each
Graduate Religious & Theological Degree
Online • Sequential Course Format
The Master of Eddic Studies (M.E.S.) is a planned 30-semester-credit-hour graduate religious and theological degree preparing students for advanced religious scholarship, theological interpretation, teaching, ministry, and leadership within the Old Norse religious tradition.
The program advances beyond undergraduate study through sustained graduate-level engagement with primary sources and scholarship, constructive theological reasoning, responsible historical and theological reconstruction, applied religious ethics and formation, ministry and teaching, and culminating graduate research.
Interpretation → Theology → Reconstruction → Formation → Ministry → Graduate Research
The M.E.S. progresses through six sequential five-credit courses, culminating in an original 6,000–8,000-word Graduate Research Paper in Eddic theology.
Critical graduate study of Eddic texts, transmission, translation, historical context, and theological meaning.
Advanced study of the Gods, sacred cosmology, fate, reciprocity, ancestors, landvættir, ritual, and sacred order.
Integration of literary, historical, archaeological, linguistic, and legal sources while distinguishing historical evidence from theological interpretation and contemporary application.
Graduate engagement with Eddic wisdom, character, obligation, leadership, community, conflict, and pastoral responsibility.
Advanced preparation in religious education, teaching, ministry, community leadership, and responsible transmission of tradition.
Culminating independent research and theological scholarship demonstrated through the M.E.S. Graduate Research Paper.
Program in Development
The Master of Eddic Studies is currently in development. HIES is not presently accepting applications or enrolling students in the program. Program requirements, policies, curriculum, and course sequencing may be revised before enrollment opens.