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Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS)
The Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS) is a graduate level certificate that gives students a broad foundation in theological study.
The CTS program is designed to be flexible and can be completed in one to three years.
On campus or distance learning options available.
Designed for
Students looking to deepen their academic study of theology with a flexible and tailored approach and those with a previous master’s degree looking to qualify for chaplaincy positions that don’t require a Master of Divinity.
Learning Outcomes
- Participate in and demonstrate an understanding of various spiritual formation practices especially as such practices inform and sustain the work of social transformation.
- Articulate the significance of personal transformation for the work of social change-making including recognizing and addressing one’s own collusion with institutional systems of oppressive power.
- Engage in cultural and political analysis both theologically and ethically, especially for insights into structural inequality, systemic injustice, and institutionalized oppressions.
- Recruit and prepare faith communities to engage in collaborative partnerships with programs and organizations devoted to systemic social change for the common good.
- Evaluate and appropriate diverse strategies for change-making drawn from the worlds of social innovation, non-profit organizations, and grass-roots community organizing, and identify the active and/or potential role of spiritual practice/formation in those strategies.
- Develop skills for transformative leadership suitable for building coalitions committed to the work of social and economic justice by attending carefully to the issues involving professional boundaries, institutional power, and social ethics.
Professional Opportunities
The CTS prepares students for community level leadership in a church setting, for a PHD programs within the field of theology or for chaplaincy positions that don’t require a Master of Divinity.Next Steps
Financial Aid (FAFSA code: G01256)
For further program details, refer to the academic catalog