The Certificate of Christian Studies offers students an opportunity to complete a focused course of study or a sampling of master’s-level courses from the School of Intercultural Studies. It is an ideal program for practitioners who would like to take a few courses in the School of Intercultural Studies to supplement their ministries. It requires the successful completion of 24 quarter units and an integrative essay. By enrolling in convenient daytime or evening courses, students pursuing the certificate can gain an introduction to missiological, theological, and biblical basics at the graduate level.
Students can focus on either a specific curriculum or a sampling of courses to match their personal interests and goals. Since certificate courses may be applied to master's level degree programs, students can utilize their time as certificate students to explore the possibility of a School of Intercultural Studies master’s degree.
Curriculum
The Certificate of Christian Studies requires the completion of six master’s-level courses (24 units) and an integrative essay written at the conclusion of the coursework. Of the 24 units, 16 must be School of Intercultural Studies courses. A certificate may be awarded with a particular focus if at least four courses (16 units) are taken in one of several concentration areas.
Focus (16 units)
Students may choose a focus in one of the below areas:
Electives (8 units)
The electives can consist of School of Intercultural Studies, School of Theology, or School of Psychology courses.
Integrative Essay
The integrative essay consists of a one-paragraph summary for each of the courses the student completed during the certificate program and a 1,500 word essay reflecting on the program and its value/relevance to the student’s life and/or ministry.
Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will gain knowledge of missiological insights in an area of graduate's interest and goals.
- Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and integration skills in missiological and/or theological studies.
- Graduates will gain missiological training to strengthen their ministry skills and for the integration of their personal faith into their daily lives.
Recipients of Fuller’s Certificate of Christian Studies program are equipped for enhanced ministries as missionaries, church leaders, incarnational disciples in their communities and abroad, and professionals in the marketplace. They are also well-prepared to support others in ministry, both theologically and practically.
Admission Requirements
Admission standards for the Certificate of Christian Studies are basically the same as for admission to master’s degree programs. The Certificate of Christian Studies requires the completion of 24 units of master’s-level courses and an integrative essay. A certificate may be awarded with a particular focus if at least four courses (16 units) are taken in any one of a number of established above concentrations.