Purpose
The certificate program is structured for persons seeking deeper knowledge in some particular field of theological study for personal enrichment, ministerial enhancement, further religious formation or other significant learning endeavor. These certificates may be pursued on a full or part time basis. Those obtaining a certificate may apply some credits toward a master’s degree.
Field of Study and Curriculum Requirement
Students must pass at least 18 credit hours to obtain a certificate. Academic advisement is required of all certificate students to facilitate the needs, interests, and life experience of adult learners. Each certificate has specific course requirements that are listed below.
View/download complete descriptions of all Certificate Programs 
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New Online Franciscan Certificate
Carmelite Studies
This certificate is sponsored by the Carmelite Institute to encourage the study of the history and spirituality of the Carmelite tradition that includes exposure to many of the more famous Carmelite personages in its history.
Course Requirements |
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| SP793D | The Foundation Tradition (3) |
| SP793E | The Reforming Tradition (3) |
| SP793E | The Reform of Teresa of Avila (3) |
| SP793G | Carmel through the Ages (3) |
| SP794 | Teresa of Avila (2) |
| SP767 | Therese of Lisieux (2) |
| SP768 | John of the Cross (2) |
Franciscan Theology and Spirituality
This certificate is sponsored by the Franciscan Center and explores the spiritual and pastoral implications of the Franciscan charism. Beyond the purely historical study of the centuriesold Franciscan tradition, values and issues relevant to today are examined.
Course Requirements |
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| Four courses in Franciscan studies (8) | |
| Two independent study courses (4) | |
| Three unrestricted courses (6) | |
Learn about the ONLINE Graduate Certificate in Franciscan Theology and Spirituality...click to read more.
Spirituality Studies
This certificate is designed for persons who are interested in broadening their background in the area of spirituality. Studies acquaint the student with the many-faceted ways in which women and men within the Christian tradition have attempted to articulate their experience of the Holy.
Course Requirements |
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| EH775 | History of Christian Spirituality I (2) or History of Christian Spirituality II (2) |
| SP774 | Spirituality and Human Development (2) |
| SP705 | Foundations of Christian Spirituality (2) |
| SS757 | Biblical Foundations for Contemporary Spirituality (2) |
| Unrestricted courses (8) | |
In addition, the following areas of focus can be pursued for this certificate: Human, Moral and Spiritual Development, Spirituality and Culture, and the Augustinian Spiritual Tradition. Academic Advisors will provide the specific details.
Spiritual Direction Studies
This certificate is designed to support and further the development of those called to the ministry of spiritual direction. The core requirements include a historical study of spiritual direction and its theological underpinnings, related spiritual themes and a supervised exploration of the process and skills of spiritual direction. The core is complemented by other courses related to spirituality and other electives of interest. Eligibility for admission to this program is determined after an interview with the Program Director. Each candidate is expected to receive regular spiritual direction and maintain a personal spiritual practice that attends to his or her relationship with God and nurtures a contemplative stance toward life and ministry. Although the program anticipates a two-year sequence, those with extensive experience in spiritual direction may seek permission from the Program Director to complete all program requirements in less time.
Completion of the certificate indicates mastery of the course content and advanced skills in accompanying others along their spiritual path. Continued peer or individual supervision is recommended and expected beyond the completion of the program.
Course Requirements |
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| SP785 | Spiritual Direction: Process and Skills (2) |
| SP786 | The Practice of Spiritual Direction (2) |
| SP787 | Ministerial Practicum in Spiritual Direction (6). Prerequisite: approval of Program Director and normally completion of SP785 and SP786. |
| SP774 or SP705 |
Spirituality and Human Development (2) or Foundations of Spirituality (2) |
| SS757 | Biblical Foundations for Contemporary Spirituality (2) |
| Unrestricted electives (4) | |
Mission and Cross-Cultural Studies
This certificate is designed for persons who want an extended introduction to the issues raised in contemporary mission theology. Issues are explored from a theoretical perspective and are engaged through practical interreligious and cross-cultural dialogue.
Course Requirements |
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| MP700 | Introduction to Missiology (2) |
| MP703 | Anthropology for Mission (2) |
| MP705 or SP774 |
The Interpretation of Cross-Cultural
Experience (2) or Spirituality and Human Development (2) |
| SS524 | Synoptic Gospels (3) |
| SY512 or SY611 |
Christian Anthropology (3) or Christology (3) |
| Elective in another religious tradition (2) | |
| Elective in pastoral leadership (2) or in the student’s cultural area |
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| Unrestricted elective (2) | |
Pastoral Ministry
This certificate is intended to address the needs of persons already engaged in pastoral ministry and wish to deepen their theological understanding and develop new, or deepen already established, ministerial competencies.
Course Requirements |
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| SY511 or SY512 |
Foundations of Theology (3) or Christian Anthropology (3) |
| SY651 | Theology of the Church (3) |
| Electives in field of ministry (6) | |
| PS6XX | Supervised Ministry (6) |
Theological Studies
This certificate is designed for persons seeking a broader theological understanding and personal enrichment.
Course Requirements |
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| Elective courses in various areas of interest (18) | |
Word and Worship
This certificate is designed for person engaged in liturgical ministry who wish to deepen their knowledge and enhance the various skills involved in the celebration of liturgy according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.
Course Requirements |
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| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
| WW654 | Baptism and Confirmation (2) |
| WW655 | Eucharist (3) |
| WW726 | Liturgical Year (2) |
| WW506 | Preaching I: Introduction to the Homily (2) |
| Unrestricted elective courses (6 without focus; 4 with focus) | |
| Liturgical Focus | |
| WW612 or WW614 |
Ministry of Presiding for Ordained Ministers (2) or Lay Leadership of Public Prayer (2) |
| Preaching Focus | |
| WW605 | Preaching II: The Homily in Particular Contexts (2) or an equivalent course (2) |
Lay Liturgical Practice
This certificate is designed to train laypersons who are called upon to conduct liturgical services in ministerial settings, e.g. health care facilities, criminal rehabilitation centers, etc. The courses are to develop liturgical and pastoral understanding and skills.
Course Requirements |
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| PS515 | Pastoral Care and Identity (3) |
| PS711 or PS713 or PS714 or PS721 |
Pastoral Counseling (2) or Pastoral Care of the Elderly (2) or Death and the Pastoral Care of the Dying (2) or Pastoral Counseling for Difficult Issues (2) |
| SS784 | Praying and Preaching the Lectionary (2) |
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
| WW614 | Lay Leadership of Public Prayer (2) |
| WW655A | Eucharist (2) |
| WW704 | Lay Preaching (2) |
| WW712 | Liturgical Year and Liturgy of the Hours (2) |