New Graduate Certificates Offered

For the first time in nearly twenty-five years, Bethany Theological Seminary is launching three additions to its academic offerings: Graduate Certificates in Biblical Interpretation, Conflict Transformation, and Theopoetics and Theological Imagination. Applications are being taken for the fall 2016 semester.

In addition to its master’s degrees, Bethany introduced the Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies (CATS) in 1992. Like CATS, the three new certificates are graduate-level study, and all qualifying courses are already offered as part of the MDiv and MA programs. However, the new certificates are designed for those who want to explore and gain experience in a specialized area of interest, says Steven Schweitzer, academic dean.

“Students can follow their passions and call by choosing one of these shorter-term, focused certificates, whether they want to enrich their study and interpretation of the Bible, gain skills for conflict transformation, or innovatively investigate a wide range of theological topics that matter to our contemporary church and culture. Bethany is excited to offer these creative new graduate certificates.”

The certificates open up possibilities for students who may not need or want a full master’s degree or who want to supplement their degree with further work in a certain field. With pastors in mind, they are also excellent continuing education opportunities. Each is designed to be completed in one to two years, depending on when the student’s selected courses are offered, and through a generous financial aid arrangement, students may reduce their total tuition cost to $2,200 if the certificate is completed in four semesters.

Certificate students will take two required foundational courses and three electives from a specified list. The courses are offered in the same formats and locations as for the degree programs and taught by the same faculty. Bethany’s standard financial aid options are available via application: Church Service Covenant Grant, Academic Excellence Scholarship, and need-based aid.

For more information on each certificate, courses, faculty, and financial aid, visit our Graduate Certificate page or contact the Admissions Office at 800-287-8822 or admissions@bethanyseminary.edu.