Certificate Programs and Other Study Options

Certificate Programs

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). Deadlines for all applications and transcripts for Certificate program is two weeks before the first day of any semester. Cost per course can be found on the tuition and fees page.
 

Online Certificate in Interreligious Studies (NEW for Fall 2020)

The Certificate in Interreligious Studies is the first fully online program offered by the GTU. Building on the GTU’s long-established leadership in interreligious scholarship, this program is tailored to meet the needs of today’s working professionals across a variety of sectors in the business and nonprofit arenas. Leaders in these fields realize that success requires new approaches to cultivating sensitivity and inclusive practices from within, as well as developing forward-thinking strategies that effectively integrate various perspectives. The new online certificate program will emphasize the ways religious traditions relate to one another and to contemporary movements in science and the arts, with curriculum that emphasizes providing opportunities for students to apply new skills and knowledge to real-world workplace environments. For more information about how you can become part of the initial cohort entering this program in Fall 2020, contact admissions@gtu.edu.

Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy (NEW for Fall 2020)
(Requires enrollment in GTU MA program or a qualifying master’s degree)  

The GTU’s interreligious chaplaincy program is designed to provide the skills and interreligious understanding to meet the spiritual and religious needs of increasingly diverse populations, while also offering expertise in religious traditions that have traditionally been underrepresented among institutional chaplains. Students can earn a Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy, while also pursuing an MA in Islamic, Jewish, or Hindu Studies. Coursework will incorporate practical pastoral skills, interfaith training, and classes on counseling, chaplaincy models and methods, and spiritual care. The progam is designed to prepare students to be eligible for certified chaplaincy, while also offering training relevant for a wide variety of social service and advocacy work. The certificate program is also open to students who have previously earned a qualifying master’s degree.

Students interested in the combined MA and certificate should apply to the GTU MA program, indicating their interest in pursuing the certificate in interreligious chaplaincy along with an MA in Jewish, Islamic, or Hindu Studies. Students seeking to enter the chaplaincy certificate program who already possess a qualifying master’s degree, or who are currently enrolled in the MA program at the GTU, should contact admissions@gtu.edu.

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 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 Hindu 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 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 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.

Students who wish to apply for the Certificate in Swedenborgian Studies as a stand-alone certificate should apply to the Dean of CSS, Rebecca Esterson: resterson@gtu.edu

If you cannot apply online for the above certificates, you may download an application and submit it with a check paybale to Graduate Theological Union for $15

 

Additional Certificate Options available to students in GTU degree programs:

    Certificate in Women’s Studies in Religion

    This program is for enrolled GTU students who wish to concentrate on women’s studies in theology and Religion, and draws upon the innovative work of women faculty and students at both the GTU and UC Berkeley. Completion of the certificate requires the Women’s Studies in Religion seminar offered every year, completing three additional courses (at least two with a religious or theological component) at the GTU or UC Berkeley, and participate in three colloquia of Women’s Studies in Religion series.

    To register, submit an Intent to Enroll form.

    Special Students

    Prospective degree students who are not certain which degree program best suits their interests, community members, or individuals who may have missed an application deadline and want to begin course work may apply to the GTU or one of the member schools for Special Student status.

    Take a Class at the GTU as a Special Student 

    If you have a bachelor’s degree you may apply to take a course through the GTU or one of its member schools. Review the Schedule of Courses and contact the school of the faculty member offering the course to apply, at least two weeks before classes begin in a term. If the instructor is from the GTU or a Center, apply to the GTU and submit an official transcript to the GTU Admissions Office, 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA 94709.

    Cost per course can be found on the tuition and fees page. 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).

    Deadlines for all applications and transcripts for Special Student Status is two weeks before the first day of any semester. 

    If possible, please apply online, but if the online application is impossible for you, you may download our PDF application, fill it out, and email the completed form to admissions@gtu.edu.  Please make your check out to Graduate Theological Union for the amount of $15. 

    Summer Session

    The Pacific School of Religion coordinates a Summer Session of one week courses from June through August. Any adult can register for courses. Typically the student body consists of clergy, members of religious orders, active lay persons, seminary students (both from GTU schools and other seminaries), graduate and undergraduate students at other institutions, persons considering attending seminary, artists, teachers and professionals from all walks of life and many others. There is no requirement for formal admission.