Certificate Programs

Owned by Laura Lehman (Deactivated)
Last updated: May 28, 2024 by Beth Brunk
3 min read

General Theological Certificate

Semester Hours: 24

The seminary recognizes the value of its educational programs for certain persons who have successfully completed at least 30 SH of undergraduate work and will benefit from graduate-level studies by reason of age/maturity and significant experience in Christian ministry. Significant ministry experience usually means five years (or its cumulative equivalent) of church-related ministry. While this program is not a degree program, the student participates in course work as a regular student. Twenty-four (24) credit hours of study are required for the general theological certificate.

A student in this certificate program who wishes to pursue a graduate seminary degree may apply for the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies or the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, upon successful completion of 21 hours of credit with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The student should meet with their advisor for a formative conversation, after which the adviser will prepare a degree candidacy recommendation for faculty consideration. Degree-seeking status will be conferred after faculty approval is gained.  Seminary faculty will determine how many students may be accepted in any year into seminary (graduate) degree programs.

Notice for United Methodist students: Please be aware that the General Theological Certificate is not an endorsed educational path for ministry credentialing unless the student plans to apply for degree candidacy upon completion of the certificate.  The GTC may not substitute for Course of Study for Licensed Local Pastors.  However, the GTC to MDiv would be an appropriate path for those seeking licensing or ordination.  United Methodist students should consult with one of the United Methodist faculty advisors to prepare an appropriate plan for study.

Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies 

Semester Hours: 16-18

This certificate is designed for curious young adult college grads interested in a deeper faith perspective as they enter the work world, for active professionals seeking to connect faith and career, and for lay Christian leaders who want to connect their engagement in God’s mission to the churches’ faithful witness. Courses will be offered in accessible (hybrid) formats.

Curriculum:

FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3 SH)
FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity (3 SH)

Choose one:

BVOT 511 Old Testament: Text in Context (3 SH)
BVNT 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3 SH)

Choose one:

CTT 634 Living Theology (3 SH)
CTE 702 Christian Ethics  (3 SH)

Choose two elective courses (4-6SH), including at least one course designated CM (contexts of ministry), SMCL or SMFE  (skills for ministry).

Total hours: 16-18 SH

Graduate Certificate in Faith-Based Peacebuilding

Semester Hours: 18

The Graduate Certificate in Faith-Based Peacebuilding blends skills and practices for leading communities in times of conflict with reflection on the theological commitments that are embodied in these practices.  The overall requirements are 9-10 SH from the Seminary and 8-9 SH from CJP, for a total of 18 credits.

Required Core Courses (9 SH)

  • PAX 533 Analysis: Understanding Conflict (3 SH)

  • PAX 532 Formation for Peacebuilding (3 SH)

  • CM 631 Faith-Based Social Transformation or CTT 546 Justice, Peace and the Biblical Story (3 SH)

Theology Electives - choose 6-7 SH from the following:

  • CM 631 Faith-Based Social Transformation or CTT 546 Justice, Peace and the Biblical Story (3 SH, whichever did not fulfill above requirement)

  • BVG 541 Biblical Foundations for Justice & Peacemaking (3SH)

  • CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context (3 SH)

  • CM 654 Race and Religion in America (3 SH)

  • CM 724 Racial Healing and the Blue-Eyed Soul (3 SH)

  • SMCL 521 Teaching for Christian Community (3 SH)

  • CTT 634 Living Theology (3 SH)

  • CTE 702 Christian Ethics (3 SH)

  • CTE 713 Sermon on the Mount: Peace & Justice

  • SMCL 564 Theological Reflections on Trauma (1 SH) - must be taken with PAX 540 Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience I (2 SH) below.

Peacebuilding Electives - choose 2-3 SH from the following:

  • PAX 601 Mediation & Negotiation (2 or 3 SH)

  • PAX 672 Circle Processes (1or 2 SH)

  • PAX 610 Facilitation (2 or 3 SH)

  • PAX 665 Designing Processes for Conflict Transformation (2 or 3 SH)

  • PAX 571 Restorative Justice (2 or 3 SH)

  • PAX 588 Nonviolent Mobilization (2 or 3 SH)

  • PAX 540 Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience I (2 SH)

  • PAX 640 Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience II - prerequisite STAR I (2 SH)

  • Offerings in the Summer Peacebuilding Institute