Best Theology and Theological Studies graduate certificate programs - Updated 2021

Candler offers the following certificates in conjunction with a Candler degree. Non-degree and special students are not eligible to participate in Candler certificate programs. Through the Baptist Studies Program, students may earn a certificate in Baptist studies, which prepares students for ordination in Baptist churches.

The Certificate in Theology Latinx Studies signifies a student’s concentrated development of research and or practical competencies in Latinx history, theology, and religious culture. The goal of the program is to prepare students for meaningful and effective work in Latinx communities of faith and to explore the rich depth of Latinx religious traditions. The program offers academic training in methods of contextual analysis through courses in urban ministry and travel seminars. Courses in biblical and historical studies introduce students to the traditions of biblical interpretation as well as the spiritual practices and religious, political, and social influences that have shaped Latinx Christianity.

A fundamental premise of this Certificate Program in Pre-Theology Studies for Seminarians is that Catholic University has special and unique resources for educating seminarians according to the mind and spirit of the fifth edition of the Program of Priestly Formation and that seminarians who pursue the two year program outlined in the Program of Priestly Formation at Catholic University deserve to be honored and recognized for their pre-theology studies at this university. The certificate is a credential for and a recognition of studies conducted at The Catholic University of America. Seminarians from dioceses and religious orders would be eligible for admission to the certificate program. Candidates for the certificate program would hold a bachelor degree and possess a good academic record.

School of Science, Technology and Health -​ Graduate. The Certificate in Spiritual Formation is an introductory yet intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology, designed to assist individuals in their personal growth, provide some training in lay ministry of spiritual formation in the local church and give the student opportunity to understand their giftedness in order to determine whether the Lord is calling them to training and preparation for ministry. Certificate course work may later be applied toward a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree. The mission of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation is to introduce believers to the processes involved in knowing themselves honestly and openly before God and one another in Truth, in cultivating intimacy with, growth in and obedience to Christ, in the training in lay ministry of spiritual formation in the local church which, in turn, gives opportunity for students to explore their calling and potential need for training in ministry.

One course in Pastoral Theology (PC 600 or 700 level) selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director or Director of Program Operations and approved by the Director of the MA program in Pastoral Counseling that compliments the student’s ministry goals.

Certificate in Theology and Ministry, Graduate or Continuing Education. The Graduate Certificate in Theology and Ministry is an 18 credit-hour program. The Continuing Education Certificate in Theology and Ministry is an 18 continuing education units program.

The Theology: Spiritual Direction Certificate (SDC) program from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN prepares individuals to engage in the ministry and practice of Christian spiritual direction. You will discern a potential calling to this ministry as you engage in theological study and spiritual formation, and deepen your own spiritual development as you are trained to companion others on their journey. St. Catherine has a long history of forming competent spiritual directors in and near the Twin Cities. Developed by lay pioneer spiritual directors in 1997, our program was the first SDC program between Chicago and Omaha to be coupled with graduate theological study.

Elms College offers a certificate in Parish Life Direction The certificate program provides students with theological, administrative, and pastoral skills while assisting them to assume parish and diocesan roles in the area of administrative function.

In fact, we designed this certificate to meet the requirements provided by the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention for spouses of career missionaries. CHST 1 Systematic Theology 1 (3 credit hours, online). CHST 2 Systematic Theology 2 (3 credit hours, online). CHST Systematic Theology 3 (3 credit hours, online).

The Bible and Theology Certificate provides students with the 30 semester hours of Bible, theology, worldview, and spiritual formation courses necessary to pursue a graduate-level degree at CBS. The Bible and Theology Certificate is available fully online.