The GTU offers a variety of certificate programs designed for students who either want to explore theological study for a year before embarking upon a degree program, or who want to add an additional area of expertise to their degree. For some this is for a discernment opportunity, for others a way to enhance learning. As these are graduate certificates, students entering must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree.
All applicants must submit official transcripts from institutions in which a degree was earned to the Admissions office. International students who have not earned a degree from an English-speaking institution are required to submit official TOEFL scores with an expected minimum score of 80 (internet based). Cost per course can be found on the tuition and fees page.
Certificate in the Arts & Religion
The Certificate in the Arts & Religion (CARe) is designed for community members with an interest in the arts, including recent graduates of area universities, museum docents and volunteers, religious school teachers, religious leaders, retirees, musicians, artists, art therapists, and others. Participants take courses in a full array of arts offerings, encompassing many art forms -- visual art, music, theater, dance, film, and more.
The Certificate is a 12-credit, 4 course program with the requirement that students take courses in two or more defined art areas (visual art, theory/material culture/museum studies, art practice, literature, theater/film, music/dance). Students would be permitted to select one course from a partner institution through the cross-registration process.
Financial aid is not be available for the Certificate program. All earned credits would, however, be applicable to advancement toward an MA or other degree.
Certificate in Hindu Studies
The certificate program is intended for two types of students:
1) GTU MDiv, MA, or PhD students in other areas who wish to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Hindu Studies;
2) Students from outside the GTU, particularly Hindu priests, novice monastics, and Hindu American community leaders who wish to enhance their engagement with, and counseling and care of the heritage community by obtaining systematic graduate training in Hindu Studies, but do not wish to commence an MA or PhD at the present time.
Interested GTU students should contact Dr. Rita Sherma, Director of the Center for Dharma Studies, regarding their intent as soon as feasible during the course of their degree program.
Certificate in Islamic Studies
The Center for Islamic Studies and the GTU offer a six course certificate program for individuals who want to have some systematic graduate training in Islamic Studies but are not prepared to undertake the MA or PhD. The program is also designed for current GTU students who wish to demonstrate a basic command of Islamic Studies; interested students should register their intention with the Office Manager of the Center for Islamic Studies as early as possible in their course of their studies. Applicants not already enrolled in a GTU program may apply by submitting the Certificate Application form, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree. Letters of recommendation may be requested. Current tuition is listed on the tuition and fees page.
Certificate in Jewish Studies
The Center for Jewish Studies and the GTU offer a six course certificate program for individuals who want to have some systematic graduate training in Jewish Studies but are not prepared to undertake the MA or PhD. The program is also designed for current GTU students who wish to demonstrate a basic command of Jewish Studies; interested students should register their intention with the Office Manager of the Center for Jewish Studies as early as possible in their course of their studies. Applicants not already enrolled in a GTU program may apply by submitting a Certificate Application, statement of purpose, and official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree. Letter of recommendation may be requested. Jewish educators and community professionals are eligible to apply for the Jewish Community Fellowship, which provides full tuition for a single course in Jewish Studies for credit at the GTU. Current tuition is listed on the tuition and fees page.
Certificate in Orthodox Christian Studies
This certificate program is designed to enhance the academic offerings available to students throughout the GTU as well as clerical and lay students from the community by providing a rigorous and interdisciplinary program in the study of Orthodox Christianity. Students complete the equivalent of two semesters of full time study (6 three unit classes, or 24 units of study) at the Patriarch Athenogaras Orthodox Institute (PAOI) to earn the Certificate. The introductory courses, Orthodox Christian History and Theology, and Orthodox Christian Spirituality provide a basic grounding in approaches to the study of Orthodox Christianity. Applicants not already enrolled in a GTU program may apply by submitting a Certificate Application, statement of purpose, and official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree. Areas of emphasis include religious education, liturgical studies, liturgical music, pastoral studies, missions and evangelism, and youth ministry.
Certificate of Swedenborgian Studies
In collaboration with the Center for Swedenborgian Studies (CSS), the Graduate Theological Union offers a 6-course certificate program designed for two types of students:
1) GTU consortial students (MDiv, MA, PhD, etc.) in any field who wish to develop expertise in Swedenborgian Studies;
2) Students from outside the GTU who wish to engage in graduate level work in Swedenborgian Studies to enhance their current work.
The six courses required for the certificate are to be selected from among any of the courses offered by the faculty at the Center for Swedenborgian Studies, except that with the approval of the Dean of the GTU as many as two of the six courses may be taken with non-CSS faculty. One course may be devoted to a thesis. No more than two courses may be directed study (in addition to a thesis course if that is selected).
The Certificate must be completed within four years.
Students who wish to include the CSS within the scope of a degree program should speak with the Dean of the GTU and the Dean of the Center as early in their academic journey as possible.
For more information, contact the Dean of CSS, Dr. Rebecca Esterson at resterson@gtu.edu.
If you cannot apply online for the above certificates, you may download an application and submit it with a check payable to Graduate Theological Union for $15