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.

Applicants must possess a B.A. degree or its equivalent. Admissions standards are the same as for the Master of Theological Studies degree program.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Certificate program requires the following elements from the curriculum of the Master of Theological Studies degree:

1. Distributive requirements - six semester hours (one course from any two of the listed areas);
1. Biblical Studies -HEBI 60003, NETE 60003
2. Historical Studies -CHHI 60113, CHHI 60413, CHHI 60713
3. Theological/Ethical Studies -CHTH 60013, CHET 60003, CHET 60023, CHSO 60003, or CHSO 60103
4. Globalization, Multi-Cultural and Interfaith Concerns -JWST 60003, CHHI 60913, CHHI 70533, MIHI 60003, MIHI 60053, MIHI 70413, MIHI 70503, MIHI 70513, or CHSO 60403
2. Electives - fifteen semester hours selected in consultation with the adviser in relation to the educational goals of the individual student.

Certificate 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 must take PRTH 60011 Theological Resources Seminar offered each semester. Students who do not complete this requirement will be subject to the cancellation of their registration.
4. Except for approved transfer credit, C.T.S. students will normally fulfill all their course requirements through courses taught by Brite faculty or adjunct faculty.
5. A student who transfers from another institution must complete the final twelve semester hours of the C.T.S. program at Brite Divinity School directly under the supervision of the Brite faculty.
6. Students who give evidence of special deficiencies may be required to do remedial work in the areas of their deficiencies.
7. Students may be withdrawn from individual courses for lack of academic progress upon the recommendation of the faculty member and the approval of the Dean.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 or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at such times as it is clearly demonstrated that the student is not interested in, or making, acceptable academic progress.
8. All certificate requirements must be completed within five years from the date of the earliest credit to be counted on the degree (including transfer credit, if any). Extensions may be granted in extraordinary circumstances by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs after consultation with the Masters Programs Committee. Additional course work may be required.

More specific information on the C.T.S. curriculum, requirements and transfer procedures is available from the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.