Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate Programs

Certificates in Areas of Specializations, Post-Degree Certificates and Non-Degree Certificates
In an effort to provide initial and ongoing formation of “a well-educated, inquiring and vocal laity” (Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium), and in accord with the mission of the School of Theology, Saint Meinrad offers graduate-level certificates in areas of specialization. These areas of study require 18 hours of academic concentration and are designed to educate, develop leadership and promote competence in the areas of Church history and systematics, with other areas to follow in subsequent years.

Specialization
A specialization is a focused area of study in conjunction with the pursuit of a Saint Meinrad MA or MTS degree. A specialization is ideal for persons who are interested in a particular field of study due to current ministry or personal enrichment. Elective credits may be used to complete a specialization.

Post-Degree Certificate
A post-degree certificate is a focused area of theological study available to any master’s-level graduate committed to lifelong learning and continuing his or her theological education. A certificate is ideal for persons interested in deepening their knowledge in a particular area of competence, moving into a different type of ministry, teaching in a particular focus area or seeking a regimen of study in conjunction with a sabbatical or renewal.

Non-Degree Certificate
A non-degree certificate is a focused area of theological study available to individuals with a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent. This certificate is ideal for persons who do not anticipate the completion of a graduate degree program but seek personal enrichment, enhanced participation in parish leadership or diversified ministerial roles. Credits are graduate level and can be applied toward a master’s degree. As individual education and experience will vary, prerequisites may be required.

Admissions
Admission requirements for a certificate/specialization are the same as admissions for any master’s level course of study. Certificate candidates are awarded the same rights and responsibilities as degree-seeking students. Certificate programs may be completed in one year and must be completed in a maximum of seven years. All students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 throughout certificate coursework. Given the specialized nature of the certificate program, no transfer credits are accepted. Previous coursework from Saint Meinrad School of Theology may be applied toward completion of a certificate.

To be eligible for a certificate, students must apply to the Director of Lay Degree Programs, in writing, a minimum of one semester prior to registering for the directed research course.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition corresponds to regular graduate tuition rates published elsewhere in this catalog and subject to change. Students pursuing a specialization within their degree receive any applicable financial aid as with other graduate courses. Saint Meinrad graduates pursuing a post-degree certificate receive a 50% alumni tuition discount. No financial aid is available for those pursuing a non-degree certificate or for alumni of other graduate institutions pursuing a post-degree certificate.

Available of Certificate Specialization

Directed Research
Upon completion of at least 12 hours of core and elective courses, students must enroll in the Directed Research course particular to the certificate area of study. In consultation with the Director of Lay Degree Programs, an appropriate faculty member will identified to direct a focused research project. The director will assist the student in developing a bibliography, choosing a topic and planning a calendar of dates for drafts of the paper and its final completion, as well as grading the final product.

The purpose of directed research is twofold: to demonstrate a proficient breadth of knowledge across the general subject area and to bring that content to bear upon a particular area of focus. The successful candidate will gather material around a particular topic from the wider area of study and accurately communicate that information in a way that illuminates expertise in that broader area. The student will write a 15- to 25-page research paper that demonstrates achievement of theological literacy in the particular area of concentration.

A letter grade is to be assigned to the paper with written comments for the student. A grade of B- or above must be obtained before the student is awarded a certificate. Credit for the Directed Research course cannot count toward MA or MTS degree requirements.

A student who is unable to complete the paper within the semester of enrollment may, at the paper director’s discretion, receive an extension up to six weeks. Any paper not completed after the six-week extension period will receive a failing grade, unless the student arranges with the director to receive a grade deferral (DF). The DF grade may be replaced by re-registering (tuition will be charged) for the appropriate Directed Research course in a subsequent semester and earning a satisfactory grade.