CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

A Certificate of Theological Studies is offered by Brite Divinity School to persons who do not project the completion of a degree program, but engage in a twenty-one semester hour program of graduate theological studies in order to enhance the quality of their lay leadership within the church and broaden their perspectives on contemporary faith and life. Certificates in Biblical Studies, Black Church Studies, History, Theology, and Ethics, Latina/o Church Studies, Pastoral Care, and Sexual and Gender Justice are available within the structure of the program.

Curriculum

I. Distributive requirements - six semester hours (one course from any two of the following areas):

A. Biblical Studies–HEBI 60003 Interpreting the Hebrew Bible in Context, NETE 60003 Introduction to the New Testament
B. Historical Studies –CHHI 60013 History of Christianity: Turning Points, CHHI 70013 History of  Christianities in the United States 
C. Theological/Ethical Studies –CHTH 60003 Introduction to Christian Theology, CHET 60013 Introduction to Theological Ethics, or CHET 65013 History of Christian Ethics

D. Cultural/Global Context–CHHI 70023 The Church in the Midst of Pluralism, CHHI 70533 The Black Religious Experience in America, CHTH 70013 Postcolonial Theologies, CHTH 70043 Feminism and Theology, JWST 60003 Introduction to Judaism, RECU 60013 Religious Plurality: Theologies and Geopolitics of Religion, RECU 60023 Christian Theology of Religions, RECU 60033 Religious Fundamentalism, RECU 60043 Interreligious Dialogue, RECU 60063 World Religions and Gender, RECU 60073 Introduction to U.S. Latina/o/x Christianity, RECU 65053 African-American Experiences and Perspectives in Social Ethics, RECU 70003 Intro to Black Church Traditions and Culture, or RECU 70053 Studies in World Christianity

II. Electives - fifteen semester hours selected in consultation with the advisor in relation to the educational goals of the individual student.

Certificate of Theological Studies Requirements

1. Twenty-one semester hours of credit must be completed with a grade point average of at least 2.50, based on a four-point grading system.

2. All entering students are required to participate in orientation sessions conducted prior to the beginning of classes in the fall and spring semesters.

3. All entering students are required to attend a Seminar on Healthy Boundaries. Students who do not complete this requirement will be subject to the cancellation of their registration.

4. Students who give evidence of special deficiencies will be required to do remedial work in the areas of their deficiencies.

5. Students may be withdrawn from individual courses for lack of academic progress upon the recommendation of the faculty member and the approval of the Dean. Students may be dismissed from the Divinity School at the discretion of the Dean at such times as it is clearly demonstrated that the student is not interested in, or making, acceptable academic progress. Likewise, the Dean has both the authority and the responsibility to take action, including dismissal from a program of study or the Divinity School itself, if a student’s conduct is determined to be contrary to the professional and ethical standards of the field of ministry.

6. All degree requirements must be completed within five years from the date of the earliest credit counted toward the degree (including transfer credit, if any). Extensions may be granted in extraordinary circumstances by the Associate Dean after consultation with the Masters Programs Committee. Additional course work may be required.