Graduate Certificates

Saint Meinrad offers graduate-level certificates in several 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, liturgy, pastoral studies, Scripture and systematics.

Click on these links to learn more.

• Specialization
• Post-Degree Certificate
• Non-Degree Certificate
• Admissions
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Areas of Certificate Study
  • Church History Certificate
  • Liturgy Certificate
  • Pastoral Studies Certificate
  • Systematic Theology Certificate
  • Scripture Certificate
• Directed Research
• Supervised Ministry

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Post-Degree Certificate
A post-degree certificate is a focused area of theological study available to any master’s-level graduate. 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.

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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 and who meet the Saint Meinrad’s non-degree admissions criteria.

This certificate is ideal for persons who do not plan to complete 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 at Saint Meinrad. As individual education and experience will vary, prerequisites may be required.

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Admissions
Certificate candidates are awarded the same rights and responsibilities as degree-seeking students. Certificate programs must be completed in a maximum of ten years. All students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 in their area of specialization and a 2.5 GPA overall.

Given the specialized nature of the certificate program, transfer credits must be approved by the faculty member specific to the area of research and the Director of Lay Degree Programs. 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 in writing to the Director of Lay Degree Programs at least one semester prior to registering for Directed Research, Ministry Practicum or Field Education. Approval by faculty specific to the area of research is required. As class work will be considered, it is recommended that some coursework in the area of study be completed before applying. Admittance is not guaranteed.

To apply, the candidate must:

1. Submit a letter of intent to the Director of Lay Degree Programs, to include:
   1. The intended Specialization, Post-Degree or Non-Degree Certificate
   2. The anticipated faculty to direct research
   3. Year of graduation (if applicable)
2. Submit a one-page essay addressing:
   1. Reason for interest in the particular area of study
   2. Current competence
      1. Include current academic standing and related experience
      2. Include extracurricular experience related to area of study

Review of application for acceptance will include a review of current transcripts, previous class work, and an overall impression by previous instructors, as applicable.

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Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition is the regular graduate tuition rate (see Financial Information) and is subject to change. Students pursuing a specialization within their degree are eligible for financial aid as for other coursework. Saint Meinrad graduates pursuing a post-degree certificate are eligible for a 30% alumni tuition discount.

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Areas of Certificate Study

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Directed Research
Prerequisites:

1. Required core courses and electives satisfactorily completed
2. A GPA of 3.5 in area of study
3. Approval by faculty specific to the area of research is required

After completing at least 12 hours of courses, students may enroll in the Directed Research course particular to the certificate area of study. After consulting with the Director of Lay Degree Programs, the student will submit the name of a faculty member who has agreed to serve as director and reader of the directed research.

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 25- to 30-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 a Directed Research course cannot apply 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 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.

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Supervised Ministry

Prerequisites:

1. Required core courses and electives satisfactorily completed
2. A GPA of 3.5 in area of study
3. Approval by faculty specific to the area of research is required

Supervised ministry offers an opportunity for students pursuing a certificate in liturgy or pastoral studies to tailor a placement, in conjunction with representatives of Saint Meinrad School of Theology, specific to their needs.

A pastoral ministry supervisor or local agency representative is identified through the Office of Pastoral Formation to provide immediate and ongoing supervision and feedback to the student.

Supervisor Requirements:

1. Minimum master’s level degree in ministry or equivalent
2. Minimum of three years of appropriate experience
   1. Ministry experience and at least one CPE unit (or equivalent) in ministry (pastoral studies only)
   2. Liturgical experience in a Roman Catholic setting (liturgical practicum only)
3. Supervisory and leadership experience

Field Education Structure
Under direction of the Office of Pastoral Formation, an appropriate site and supervisor will be identified. Preparation for the supervisor is outlined prior to placement.

Supervisor Duties:

1. Devise method with student for theological reflection and ongoing evaluation, which may include: case study, verbatim, journaling, supervisor feedback, guided theological reflection on the experience.
2. For liturgical ministry, this may also include: written work/development materials, presiding, demonstrating knowledge.

Learning Contract must include:

1. Learning objectives based upon current strengths and weaknesses
2. Location, schedule and time commitment
3. The model and schedule for supervision and the nature of placement work

Method of Concluding Evaluation:
Careful planning of detailed requirements for supervision and clearly communicated expectations regarding student skills and their evaluation are vital. Included but not exhaustive criteria for evaluation:

1. Supervisors must document meetings at least monthly and no less than once for each 10 hours, throughout the placement
2. Provide opportunities for group and individual work
3. Require written work to be assessed regularly

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