Academic Certificates

Candler offers eleven academic certificates in conjunction with our master’s degrees. Choose one and focus on what fascinates you.

Baptist Studies

Available to students in MDiv and MARL programs.

Through the Baptist Studies Program, students may earn a certificate in Baptist studies, which prepares students for ordination in Baptist churches. Students should declare their interest upon matriculation, or as soon as decided, to the director of Baptist Studies and the registrar. The certificate is 11 hours in length, and the requirements include:

Academic

  • DS522: Systematic Theology in Baptist Perspective (2 hours)
  • DS521: The Baptist Tradition: History and Theology (2 hours)
  • DS523: Baptist Traditions and Church Praxis (2 hours)

Placement

  • Supervised placement in a Baptist setting for Contextual Education II (4 hours)
  • BAPS500: Baptist Studies Reflection Seminar during the Contextual Education II year (0 hours, both fall and spring semesters of Con Ed II enrollment)

Integrative Colloquy/Formation

  • A fifth semester evaluation by the director of Baptist studies
  • BAPS501: Baptist Studies Colloquy in the final semester of coursework (1 hour)

For additional information, email Khalia Williams or Damon P. Williams, co-directors of the Baptist Studies Program.

Learn more about the Baptist Studies Program.

Black Church Studies

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, and MTS programs.

Candler students who desire to expand their knowledge of the Black church may earn a certificate in Black church studies in conjunction with their degree programs. The Black Church Studies (BCS) certification process provides an opportunity to develop theoretical and practical knowledge about Black religion and Black church studies. Certification requirements include:

  • BCS504: Black Church Studies Retreat (no credit) at least once
  • BCS505: Black Church Studies Portfolio (no credit)
  • Seventeen hours of course credit, including:
    1. BCS501. Introduction to Black Church Studies (3 hours)
    2. Contextual Education II, in an approved ecclesial setting (6 hours) or other contextual experience taken for credit
    3. BCS500. Black Church Studies Reflection Seminar (no credit, must register both fall and spring semesters of Con Ed II)
    4. BCS502. Black Church Studies Colloquy, in the final semester (1 hour, graded S/U)
    5. Nine additional hours in approved BCS coursework from the following list:
      • BCS500: Black Church Studies Reflection Seminar
      • BCS501: Introduction to Black Church Studies
      • BCS502: Black Church Studies Colloquy
      • BCS504: Black Church Studies Retreat
      • BI617: African American Biblical Interpretation
      • CC617000: Memory, Culture, and Redemption OPUS class # 9541 (cross listed with SR617)
      • CC519: Nonviolent Strategies of Social Change
      • CH661: The Black Church
      • CM620: Music and Worship in the Black Church
      • DS551: Polity of the AME Church
      • ES560: Principles and Practices of Moral Leadership (cross listed with LA560)
      • ES625: Sexuality in the Black Church
      • ES628: The Civil Rights and the Black Consciousness Movement
      • ES629: Religious and Ethical Perspectives on the Civil Rights Movement
      • ES660: Moral Perspectives in the Black Church
      • HC633000: African American Religion & Culture OPUS class #9567 (cross listed with SR633)
      • P631: Contemporary Black Preaching
      • P642: Women and Preaching
      • PC501CE001: Contextualized education to Pastoral Care OPUS Class #8889
      • PC501CE002: Contextualized education to Pastoral Care (OPUS # 8890)
      • PC628: AUG Caring for Marginalized Populations OPUS class #8725
      • PC650CEE00P: Con Ed; International Perspective on Pastoral Care (teaching two sections 000 & 00P…OPUS course #8832)
      • LA560: Principles and Practices of Moral Leadership(cross listed with ES560)
      • LA612: Leadership and Administration in Black Church Traditions
      • SR617000: Memory, Culture, and Redemption OPUS class #9534 (Cross listed with CC617)
      • SR621: Howard Thurman: Spirituality and Community
      • SR624: Nonviolent Strategies of Social Change
      • SR632: The Black Church as Social Institution
      • SR633000: African American Religion and Culture OPUS class #9566 (Cross listed with HC633)
      • SR698: Issues in Sociology of Religion: African American Moral Thought
      • SR698: Issues in Sociology of Religion: Theoretical Issues in the Study of Black Religion
      • ST620: Black Theology and Ethics
      • ST636: Contemporary African Christian Theology
      • ST653: Christology in Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Theologies
      • ST660: Black Religion and Culture
      • WR698: Studies in World Religions: Rastafari Religion

A number of other Candler courses offer modules that examine traditions in Black religion. Candler students also may take courses in African American Studies or in other areas throughout the University.

How to Enroll

To participate in the program, interested students must submit an Application for Certificate Enrollment Form to the Candler Registrar.

For additional information, contact Nichole R. Phillips, Director of Black Church Studies.

Learn more about the Black Church Studies Program.

Catholic Studies

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, MRPL, and MTS programs.

The Catholic Studies certificate focuses coursework in a way that prepares students for lay ecclesial ministry and/or further study in Catholic contexts. In addition to a foundational course in Catholicism, the program is committed to exploring the rich diversity of U.S. Catholicism through course requirements in the areas of race, ethnicity, and gender, and/or global contexts with a Catholic focus. Required courses in liturgical/sacramental history and theology highlight the importance of liturgical and sacramental formation for Catholic students, and two additional courses selected from a curated list of courses that engage Catholic content allow students focus and flexibility to make the certificate their own. The option to count 3 credit hours of Contextual Education or an internship in a Catholic context as one of the two electives provides MDiv and MARL students with opportunities to engage in practical ministry and reflection in Catholic contexts.

Two zero-credit requirements—the Catholic Studies retreat and required attendance at four Catholic Studies lectures—help build community, extend the certificate beyond the classroom, and expose students to a wider range of Catholic scholarship and pastoral reflection.

Certificate Course Requirements

Students pursuing the Catholic Studies certificate will complete the following requirements for 15 hours of course credit:

  • Core Course: CCS/ST/HCxxx. Introduction to Roman Catholic Theology (3 hours)

In exceptional circumstances, SR/HC/ST665 Catholicism in America or ST 678 Modern Catholicism may be substituted for this course with the permission of the certificate director.

  • Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and/or Global Contexts Course with a Catholic Focus (3 credits)

Typically fulfilled with SR665/HC665/ST665. Catholicism in America: Migration, Transnationalism, & Devotion (recommended). Alternatively, students may choose a course from the list below to substitute for this requirement with permission of the certificate director:

• ST644. U.S. Latino/a/x/e Theologies*

• ST637. Asian and Asian American Theologies

• ST653. Feminist, Womanist, and Latina Approaches

• SRxxx. Sociology of Latinx Religions in the U.S.

• ST651. Theologies of Hope and Liberation

• Various Special Topics Course/MDiv Spring Seminars may also count for this requirement as approved by the certificate director.

  • One course in Liturgical/Sacramental History or Theology (3 credits)

Typically fulfilled with W669/ST639/HC639. The History and Theology of Eucharistic Worship. Alternatively, students may choose a course from the list below to substitute for this requirement with permission of the certificate director:

• ST627/W627. Theology of Church and Sacraments

• ST631. Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Renewal

• HC617. Early Christian Worship

• Various Special Topics Course/MDiv Spring Seminars may also count for this requirement as approved by the certificate director.

  • Six additional hours in approved Catholic Studies coursework (6 credits)

Students may choose from the following courses when they are offered:

  • HC502. Medieval Christian Thought
  • HC553. History of Theology from the Reformation to the Twentieth Century
  • HC609. Early Monastic Thought and Practice
  • HC612. Doctrines and Creeds of the Early Church
  • HC614. Earliest Christian Belief about the Holy Spirit
  • HC617. Early Christian Worship*
  • HC618/ES618. Ethics of Aquinas
  • HC620. Theology in the Monastic Tradition
  • HC621. Seminar in Thomas Aquinas
  • HC623. Theology of Augustine
  • HC625. Theology of Thomas Aquinas
  • HC641/NT641. Early Christian Women
  • HC671. History of Clergy and Their Office
  • HC669/W669. The History and Theology of Eucharistic Worship*
  • PT501. Introduction to Practical Theology
  • SR665/HC665/ST665. Catholicism in America: Migration, Transnationalism, & Devotion*
  • SR xxx. Sociology of Latinx Religions in the U.S.*
  • ST619. Liturgy and Architecture
  • ST627/W627. Theology of Church and Sacraments*
  • ST631. Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Renewal*
  • ST637. Asian and Asian American Theologies*
  • ST644. U.S. Latino/a/x Theologies*
  • ST645. Ecclesiology
  • ST651. Theologies of Hope and Liberation*
  • ST653. Christology in Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Theologies*
  • ST672. Trinitarian Praxis: The Trinity, The Human Person, and the Christian Life
  • ST 678. Modern Catholicism*
  • ST697 Systematic Theology Cuba Travel Seminar
  • 3 hours of Contextual Education or an internship in a Catholic setting.
  • Various Special Topics Course/MDiv Spring Seminars may also count for this requirement as approved by the certificate director

*Courses with an asterisk may be counted as Additional Catholic Studies Coursework only when they are not taken to fill other requirements of the certificate.

Other Certificate Requirements

In addition to the 15 credit hours above, certificate students will complete the following extra-curricular formational activities:

  • CCS508. Catholic Studies Retreat (no credit) All students pursuing the certificate are required to attend the retreat at least once during their degree program; it is encouraged for all students every year.
  • CCS502. Catholic Studies Lecture Attendance (no credit) All students pursuing the Catholic Studies certificate are required to attend—virtually or in-person—at least four approved lectures during the time of their degree programs, including at least one Aquinas Day Lecture. A list of approved lectures will be made available by the Director of Catholic Studies each semester.

Applying for the Certificate

To participate in the Catholic Studies certificate program, interested students must submit an Application for Certificate Enrollment to the Candler Registrar by the completion of their first 24 hours of degree credits.

For more information on the program, email Tony Alonso, director of Catholic Studies.

Chaplaincy Studies

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, MRPL, and MTS programs.

The 18-24-hour Chaplaincy Studies certificate requires 18 total hours of coursework including CHP501. Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 hours), one three-hour PC 500-Level course, one three-hour WR course, and nine hours of additional courses from an approved list. Chaplaincy certificate students must complete at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and either report it for zero credit (CE 697R) or enroll for credit through the Office of Contextual Education (CE 696R or CE600CPEa/b or CE600CPHa/b; up to six hours total).

Finally, Chaplaincy Studies certificate students will be required to complete two zero credit requirements. First, students must attend at least four lectures or events related to Chaplaincy Studies. Second, students must participate in at least one of the annual Chaplaincy Studies retreats. These events are designed to introduce students to experts in the field, build their awareness of the breadth and depth of chaplaincy as a profession, and enrich relationships between students.

Students pursuing the Chaplaincy Studies Certificate will complete the following requirements for 18 hours of course credit:

  • Core course: CHP501. Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 hours)
  • Any PC-500 level class (3 hours)
  • Any WR class (3 hours)
  • Nine (9) additional course hours taken from approved courses The remaining 9 credits will be chosen from among the following courses or others approved in advance by the Certificate Director. All courses are offered for 3 hours of credit unless otherwise noted.
  • BI640. Bible and Health
  • OT616. Job
  • OT617. Psalms
  • OT659. Texts of Terror
  • NT622. The New Testament and Healing
  • ST605. God and Evil
  • ST610. Redeeming the Body
  • ST651. Theologies of Hope and Liberation
  • ES585. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Human Rights
  • ES609. Theology of Social Ministry
  • ES610. Religion, Ethics, and Public Intellectuals
  • ES620. Black Theology and Ethics
  • ES621. Christian Sexual Ethics
  • ES624. Feminist and Womanist Ethics
  • ES632. Pastoral Ethics
  • ES671. Skills in Conflict Transformation I (1 credit)
  • ES672. Skills in Conflict Transformation II (2 credits)
  • ES674. Approaches to Criminal Justice Ministry
  • ES675. Restorative Justice
  • RP660. Reading Lives: Narrative and Identity
  • RP648. Readings in Psychology of Religion
  • RP651. Shame, Guilt, and Reconciliation
  • SR536. Religion and Health in Context: HIV
  • SR593. Religion and Health: Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • SR615. Immigration, Religion, and the American Church
  • All CHP electives (beyond CHP 501)
  • All RE classes
  • All PC classes
  • All WR classes

Various Special Topics Courses/MDiv Spring Seminars may also count for this requirement as approved by the Director. The Director may approve other courses to fill the requirement at their discretion.

Other Certificate Requirements

  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) In addition to the above 18 hours of academic courses, Chaplaincy Studies certificate students will complete at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at an ACPE accredited site. CPE may be taken for credit or for a 0-credit option (CE696R and CE697R respectively). Students in the MDiv program may fulfill the CPE requirement with CPE completed for Contextual Education II credit.
  • CHP508. Chaplaincy Studies Retreat (no credit) All students pursuing the certificate are required to attend the retreat at least once during their degree program; it is encouraged for all students every year.
  • CHP502. Chaplaincy Studies Lecture and Event Attendance (no credit) All students completing the Chaplaincy Certificate must attend—in-person or virtually—at least four approved lectures or events during their degree program. The Director will release a list of approved lectures and events each term.

To participate in the program, interested students must submit an Application for Certificate Enrollment with the Candler Registrar by the completion of their first 24 hours of degree credits.

For more information email Danielle Tumminio Hansen, certificate director or visit our Chaplaincy page.

Episcopal and Anglican Studies

Available to students in the MDiv program only.

The Certificate in Episcopal and Anglican Studies enables MDiv students seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church or another church in the Anglican Communion to certify their preparation for ordination. Participation in the certificate program requires that a student be a postulant or have the written permission of his or her bishop. The certificate is 33 hours in length, and certification requires the following:

Academic

  • DS531. History and Polity of the Episcopal Church (3 hours)
  • DS533. Anglican Theologians (3 hours)
  • DS534. Episcopal Prayer Book (3 hours)
  • W620. Practicum in Liturgical Leadership (3 hours)
  • Course in Liturgical/Sacramental Theology (3 hours), as determined by the Director of Episcopal Studies. (usually HC/W669)
  • Course in Pre-Reformation Theology (3 hours), as determined by the Director of Episcopal Studies. (Examples: HT609, HT623 or HT625)

Placement/Integrative Seminar

  • Contextual Education I:  CE551A/B or CE551HYBAA/B (3 hours each semester), including 4 hours of supervised site work per week in an approved site
  • Second and Third Year: Supervised placement in EAS context each semester
  • Second  Year Contextual Education II for EAS: CE600ANGa/b  or CE600ANHa/b (3 hours each semester)
  • Third Year (and Beyond) Contextual Education III for EAS: CE653ANGR or CE653ANHR (2 hours each semester)

How to Enroll

Those wishing to enroll for the Episcopal and Anglican Studies certificate must first be accepted and registered for classes in Candler’s MDiv degree program, and typically be an aspirant or postulant under the supervision of a bishop or obtain the written permission of a bishop. (Students should consult with a bishop before applying to Candler. However with permission of the Director, students without Holy orders may enroll as well.) Those preparing for ordained parish ministry under the supervision of a bishop may enroll in the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Certificate program in conjunction with the MDiv degree. All academic courses in the program are open to any Candler student.

For further information, please contact John Thompson-Quartey Director of the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program.

Learn more about the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program.

Human Rights

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, MRPL, and MTS programs.

The Emory Graduate Certificate in Human Rights is an integrated, innovative, and cooperative approach to human rights scholarship and training. The certificate combines the teaching and research strength of Emory University with the applied programs of Emory’s professional partners, including CARE USA, The Carter Center, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among others. The Certificate is available to students in all of Emory’s professional schools, pending approval by each school, and is awarded by each professional school.

The Human Rights Certificate is overseen by the Executive Director of the Emory Institute for Human Rights, Dabney Evans, a faculty member at the Rollins School of Public Health. The certificate is available to students in all of Candler’s degree-seeking programs and only awarded in conjunction with a Candler degree.

Students are required to complete three courses and a practicum or final paper. The director approves the available courses and the practicum, and confirms that requirements have been met.

For additional information, refer to the Emory Graduate Certificate in Human Rights website, or contact Dabney Evans, Director.

Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, MRPL, and MTS programs.

The Certificate in Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation (JPACT) equips religious leaders to work effectively with conflict for the purpose of constructive change. Integrating theological reflection, spiritual practices, and practical skills, this certificate forms leaders for nonviolent resistance, community organizing, restorative justice, and conflict transformation. The JPACT Certificate prepares students for leadership in a variety of contexts: community ministries, criminal justice, churches and denominational bodies, environmental advocacy, education, and non-profit organizations, international nongovernmental organizations.

Master’s degree students who wish to focus on JPACT, may enroll in the certificate in Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation. Students in the certificate will complete the following requirements:

  • JPCT508. JPACT Professional Development (0 hours)

All students pursuing the JPACT certificate are required to participate—virtually or in-person—in at least one approved training (minimum of eight (8) hours) related to a skill necessary for justice, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation work during the time of their degree programs. A list of possible trainings will be made available and the Director will work with students to identify opportunities that align with the goals of the certificate and their vocational aspirations.

Also, JPACT participants are expected to attend certificate-sponsored programs and events throughout the year(at least one per semester from the time they declare the certificate) to (1) orient them to the certificate and the related fields of scholarship and practice, (2) meet with practitioners, and (3) learn about issues and opportunities.

JPCT508 (zero credit) will be added to the student’s schedule following completion of the requirement, or by the end of the add/drop period of the student’s final semester if they will complete the requirement during the final semester, at the request of the certificate director.

  • Core courses on Skills in Conflict Transformation (3 credits total)
    These practice-based courses provide introductions to conflict analysis, dispute mediation, and circle process facilitation.

    • JPCT/ES 671 Skills in Conflict Transformation I (1 hour)
    • JPCT/ES 672 Skills in Conflict Transformation II (2 hours)
  • Additional Course (Nine (9) hours) taken from approved courses)

The remaining 9 credits will be chosen from among the following courses or others approved in advance by the Certificate Director. All courses are offered for 3 hours of credit unless otherwise noted.

  • BI620. Bible, Race, and Reception History
  • BI623. The Bible and Asian America
  • BI627. Bible and Postcolonialism
  • BI640. Bible and Health
  • OT659. Texts of Terror: Strategies for Interpreting Troublesome Texts from the Hebrew Bible
  • OT667. Hebrew Bible and Political Theology
  • NT619. Revelation and its Interpreters
  • NT622. The New Testament and Healing
  • HC/EV/M653. World Evangelism in an Age of Empire
  • HC659. U.S. Religion and Politics since the Civil War
  • ST604. Theology of Atonement
  • ST605. God and Evil
  • ST637. Asian and Asian American Theologies
  • ST644. Latino/a/x/e Theologies
  • ST647. Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  • ST651. Theologies of Hope and Liberation
  • ST652. Global Feminist Theologies
  • ST653. Feminist, Womanist, and Latina Approaches
  • ST659. Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • ST658. Theology of James Cone
  • ST660. Womanist Theology
  • ST676. Theological Arguments for Criminal Punishment Reform
  • ES524. Feminist and Womanist Ethics
  • ES/LA560. Principles and Practices of Moral Leadership
  • ES609/M619. Theology of Social Ministry
  • ES615. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Human Rights
  • ES/P622. Preaching Politics
  • ES628. Religion, Ethics, and Civil Rights
  • ES661. Christianity and Politics
  • ES663. Religion, Violence, and Peacebuilding
  • ES669. Theology of Ethics and Reconciliation
  • ES673. Voices of Nonviolence
  • ES/PT674. Approaches to Criminal Justice Ministry
  • ES675. Restorative Justice
  • ES676. Justice, Crime, and Punishment
  • SR536. Religion and Health in Context: HIV
  • SR593. Religion and Health: Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • SR615. Immigration, Religion, and the American Church
  • SR647. Sociology of Latinx Religions in the U.S.
  • SR/CC617. Memory, Culture, and Redemption
  • SR620/CC619. Nonviolent Strategies for Social Change
  • SR621. Howard Thurman: Spirituality and Community
  • WR614. Socially Engaged Buddhism
  • WR650. Islam in America
  • WR652/HC651. History and Practice of Christian-Muslim Relations
  • WR655. Jewish-Christian-Muslim Dialogue
  • WR673. Krishna Meets Jesus: Hindu Christian Interactions on the Indian Subcontinent
  • WR/M675. Interfaith Dialogue as Congregational Mission
  • CC/PT635. Fearless Dialogues
  • M/CC655. The Church on the Border
  • PC610. Crisis Ministry
  • PC612. Spirituality and Health
  • PC628. Caring with Marginalized Populations
  • PC/CHP635. Trauma, Theology, and Pastoral Care
  • PC 655. Care of Souls, Care of World
  • RE527. Peacebuilding with Youth
  • RE605. Dynamics of Difference
  • RE610. Be(com)ing Christian: Theology, Education, and Public Life
  • RE623. Spirituality and Liberative Pedagogy
  • RE630. Learning and Empathy
  • RE636. Religious Education and Our Ecological Context
  • RE645. Teaching Peace in Congregations

For additional information, email Elizabeth Bounds, Director of the Justice, Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Certificate Program

Religion and Health

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, and MTS programs.

The certificate in Religion and Health provides an opportunity for the interdisciplinary study of health and health promotion practices as they intersect with various religious or spiritual traditions and practices. Through the integration of perspectives from a variety of disciplines in the health and social sciences, particularly those in nursing, public health, theology, and religion, students will develop theories and practices in which the personal, communal, and social dimensions of health intersect. This interdisciplinary perspective will provide students with resources to analyze the way in which faith, understood as constituted by a set of religious and/or spiritual beliefs and practices, may contribute to the promotion or inhibition of health of persons and communities from various religious traditions.

Students in the master’s degree programs wishing to complete the 18 hours (12 hours plus 6 hours of approved CE 500-level, CE 600-level, internship, or CPE) certificate must meet the following academic requirements:

  • PC612. Spirituality and Health or another core course chosen in consultation with the director of the certificate.
  • Six additional hours of Religion and Health approved electives. Students are encouraged to take at least one certificate course either concurrently listed from outside Candler or offered only outside of Candler.
  • FH503. Religion and Health Integrative Paper (3 hours)
  • MDiv students must participate in a Contextual Education 500-level, 600-level, Internship, or CPE site which allows the student to address issues of faith and heath and actively engage these issues.

For further information, please refer to the Religion and Public Health Collaborative website, or email Emmanuel Lartey, certificate coordinator.

Religious Education Ministries

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, and MTS programs.

The Certificate Program in Religious Education Ministries prepares persons for ministries related to teaching and learning in faith communities, schools, and the wider society. It is designed for Candler MDiv, MARL, and MTS students who see some aspect of Christian religious education as central to their vocational identity, whether that be in ministry with youth, college students, and young adults; in popular education initiatives in their communities; in academic settings; or in congregations.

Most requirements for the certificate may be met within a student’s program of study, adding minimal additional burdens to a student’s schedule. Requirements include:

  • Eight hours of professional development through workshops, conferences, and retreats reported to the director of the Religious Education Program. (RE508. 0 credit hours)
  • Design of a curriculum or other educational event, submitted as an assignment in a Religious Education course and forwarded to the director of the Religious Education Program.
  • 12-15 credit hours, allocated as follows:
    • Contextualized educational ministry experience: For MDiv students, Contextual Education 600-level or CPE meets this requirement; for MTS students, an internship (placement approved by the director of the Religious Education Program) of at least three credit hours meets this requirement. For MARL students, internship or other approved contextual engagement (e.g. CPE or participation in a year of Contextual Education) meets this requirement. This placement may include serving on the staff of the Youth Theological Initiative. (6 hours for MDiv students enrolled in Contextual Education 600-level or CPE; minimum of 3 hours for MTS students enrolled in internships; minimum 6 hours for MARL students).
    • Two RE courses (6 credits), at least one of which must be at the 500-level;
    • One additional religious education (RE) course at the 600-level or another course from a list of preapproved courses determined in consultation with the Director (3 credit hours).

How to Enroll

To participate in the program, interested students must submit an Application for Certificate Enrollment with the Candler Registrar.

For additional information, email Lauren Calvin Cooke, Interim Director of the Religious Education Program.

Women’s Studies in Theology and Ministry

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, and MTS programs.

Students who desire to focus attention on women in theology and ministry may enroll in Candler’s Women’s Studies in Theology and Ministry (WTM) Certificate Program. This program integrates required and elective work and seeks to (1) create an intellectual and supportive community focused explicitly on women in theology and ministry; (2) explore critical issues and enlarge perspectives on women and religion; and (3) nurture students’ professional identities and assist vocational discernment. A total of 13 hours is required, including:

  • WTM502. Special Topics in Women, Theology and Ministry (3 hours) or PT503. Vocational Discernment for a Sustained Life in Ministry (3 hours)
  • WTM505. WTM Integrative Project (1 hour taken after the completion of 12 hours of coursework.)
  • WTM500. Professional Development. Met either through participation in an Academic Conference (5 hours) or the WTM Mentoring program (5 hours.) {No credit hours given for either requirement}
  • WTM501. Women’s Forum. Attendance at the WTM Forum once during the student’s academic program
  • Nine hours of elective credit from the approved list of electives:
    • OT670: Bible and Care of the Earth
    • NT639: Sexuality in the Bible
    • ST607: Doctrine of God – Women’s Voices Past and Present
    • S653: Christology in Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Theologies
    • ST660: Womanist Theology
    • ST683: Theological Anthropology in Womanist Thought
    • ST687: Womanist Theology and Narrative Identity
    • ES621: Christian Sexual Ethics
    • ES624: Feminist and Womanist Ethics
    • ES625: Sexuality in the Black Church
    • ES632: Pastoral Ethics
    • ES663: Religion, Violence and Peacebuiliding
    • SR613: Gender in US Religion
    • PC640: Pastoral Care of Women
    • P620: Prophetic Voices for a New Century
    • P642: Women and Preaching
    • RE501: Religious Education as Formation and Transformation
    • LA613: Women in Religious Leadership and Administration

Check the current course schedule for courses are offered in a particular semester. Students may petition the WTM Director for approval of additional courses meeting the following criteria:  (1) The topic of study is relevant to the mission of the WTM program and/or the primary perspective of the course is informed by Feminist/ Womanist theory or theology (broadly defined); (2) A majority of the assigned readings present feminist/Womanist perspectives and/or deal with issues related to women, theology, and ministry; (3) A major project on women and religion, or feminist/womanist perspectives on theology or practices of ministry is completed for the course.

How to Enroll

To participate, interested students must submit an Application for Certificate Enrollment Form to the Candler Registrar.

For additional information, email Susan Hylen, director of the Women, Theology, and Ministry Program.

Learn more about the Women, Theology, and Ministry Program.

World Christianity

Available to students in MDiv, MARL, MRPL, and MTS programs.

World Christianity is an interdisciplinary area of study that centers upon the study of Christianity as a global phenomenon or from a global perspective. It allows students to…

  • gain competency in the study of Christianity as a faith present throughout the world.
  • attain a working knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and national diversity of Christians in the U.S. and globally, including how patterns of global migration have shaped such diversity.
  • appreciate the importance of cultural analysis and contextual approaches in mission and world Christianity.
  • acquire increased understanding of cross-cultural, cross-racial, interreligious, and/or global ministry.
  • master theories, models, new rationalities, and methodologies (including intercultural critique and ethnographic study) central to the field of world Christianity.
  • acquire working knowledge of at least one major region of the world (especially non-Western societies) in order to better study Christian engagement and encounter with a diversity of cultures.

Master’s degree seeking students who wish to focus on the study of World Christianity may enroll in the certificate in World Christianity. A core course focused on the study of world Christianity lays the foundation for the certificate. Students pursuing the World Christianity Certificate will complete the following requirements:

  • one core course focused on the study of world Christianity lays the foundation for the certificate.
  • one course that involves the study of a geographic regions outside their own home context
  • an additional course that allows students to explore additional topics of interest.
  • a capstone project in keeping with the options available within their degree program.
  • WC508. World Christianity Colloquia. (0 credits)

Students enrolled in the World Christianity certificate will be expected to:

  • participate in extra-curricular academic forums (e.g. lectures and colloquies) for engagement of World Christianity topics.
  • attend public events organized by the World Christianity program and required to participate in regular colloquia (usually 3 every semester) that bring together World Christianity students (masters and PhD) and faculty.

The latter serves as a forum for intellectual engagement, informal training, and community formation. Every effort will be made to ensure the participation of non-residential (Hybrid) students in these events. To fulfill this requirement students must participate in a minimum of two (2) certificate sponsored events per semester from the time the certificate is declared. In the final semester of a certificate student’s enrollment, WC508 World Christianity Colloquia (zero credit) will be added by the end of the add/drop period at the request of the director to indicate that a certificate student is on track to satisfy this requirement. A grade of “S” will be awarded at the end of the final semester assuming the requirement has been satisfied.

  • CORE COURSES (3 CREDITS)—CHOOSE ONE*
    • HC 509 The Making of World Christianity (Hanciles)
    • HC 676 Modern Christianity as a Global Phenomenon (Hanciles)
    • EV/HC/M653. World Evangelism in an Age of Empire (Jones)
    • RLR 700. World Christianity Approaches to the Study of Religion (Hanciles) (instructor permission required to enroll)
      *Any course on this list not utilized as a “core course” may be selected to fulfill additional certificate categories described below
  • ONE COURSE WITH A FOCUS/COVERAGE OUTSIDE THE STUDENTS’ ORIGINAL CONTEXT OR HOMELAND (3 CREDITS)**
    Selection of this course requires approval from the Certificate Director and can include

    • courses with strong coverage of a geographical region—especially those in which contexts outside the Western world form a primary focus.
    • M698. Special Topics in Christian Missions (approved topics)
    • WR698. Special Topics in World Religions (approved topics)
    • Appropriate Emory College or GDR Courses (require instructor permission to enroll and undergraduate classes require students to contract the course up to graduate level)
    • travel seminars
    • directed study projects
    • CE 695. Ministry Internship
    • International study or international internships
      **This is to ensure breadth of geographical coverage—not a reference to area of interest.
  • ONE ADDITIONAL COURSE (3 CREDITS)***
    • EV/M/WR697. World Methodist Evangelism Seminar
    • ES697. Moral Leadership in Context: Travel Seminar
    • HC/M610. Survey of African Christianity: From Apollos to Adelaja
    • HC/M675. Modern Christianity as a Global Phenomenon
    • HC652/WR651. History and Practice of Christian-Muslim Relations
    • HC 557. History of Middle Eastern Christianity
    • BI627. Bible and Postcolonialism
    • BI640. Bible and Health
    • BI625. Global South Biblical Hermeneutics
    • HC662. Pacific Crossings: Religion, Race, and Encounter
    • M612. The Church in Asia
    • M/CC655. The Church on the Border
    • M/CC660. Short-Term Missions and International Development
    • M/SR634. Globalization and the Church’s Ministry
    • PC650/PC650. International Perspectives on Pastoral Care
    • SR615. Immigration, Religion, and the American Church
    • SR622. Ethnographic Research for Ministry in Congregations and Local Communities
    • ST652. Global Feminist Theologies
    • ST653. Christology in Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Theologies
    • ST698. U.S. Latinx Theologies
    • WR630. Sacred Space in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
    • WR645. Spiritual Care in African Religious Cultures
    • WR673. Krishna Meets Jesus
    • WR640. Religions of Atlanta
    • WR645. Spiritual Care in African Religious Traditions
    • RLR 400. African American Religion: African Religious Cultures in the Americas and the Caribbean (Stewart) (instructor permission required for Candler students to enroll)
    • WR655. Jewish-Christian-Muslim Dialogue
    • W503. Global Perspectives on Christian Worship
    • Other courses such as Special Topics courses or MDiv 600 topics that fit with the concentration may be approved in consultation with the director or may be designated as certificate courses on the course schedule each semester.
      ***May include courses under section 1 not utilized as a “core course”
  • CAPSTONE COURSE (3 CREDITS)
    Students are required to undertake a capstone project to fulfill this Certificate. Fulfilling this substantial research and writing project requirement requires advanced consultation with and approval by the Certificate director coordinator. Students may request to fulfill the capstone with one of the following options based in part on options available within each degree program:

Master of Divinity

  • A substantial writing project (3 credits)
    • a research paper related to a course in World Christianity (such as courses that appear on list D above) and not being used to fulfill any of the first nine hours of the certificate (requirements B, C, and D above)
    • a paper length of 20-30 no less than 15 pages is expected and must meet the page requirements set by the course instructor
    • the paper will be composed in accordance with both course guidelines and World Christianity capstone guidelines in conversation with both the course instructor and certificate director.
  • MDiv 650 MDiv Thesis (3 credits)
    • eligibility and writing guidelines will be based on Candler’s eligibility criteria and requirements.
    • thesis interest must align with learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • thesis adviser will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
  • a directed study (3 credits)
    • in conformity with Candler regulations regarding the number of directed study credits allowed in for the student’s degree program (for MDiv, 3 hours total are allowed) according The Catalog and Handbook.
    • the instructor for the directed study will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
    • the topic of the directed study must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • evaluation for the directed study should include a research paper of no less than 15 pages.
    • an application for directed study must be submitted by the deadline announced by the Candler registrar for the semester in which the directed study will be taken

Master of Theological Studies

  • MTS Portfolio (3 credits)
    • Portfolio projects must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate
    • Portfolio elements based on research paper(s) from coursework should be from courses used for the World Christianity Certificate. This would normally take the form of a research paper of 15-20 pages with a title and focused on a specific theme related to World Christianity.
  • A substantial writing project (3 credits)
    • a research paper related to a course in World Christianity (such as courses that appear on list D above) and not being used to fulfill any of the first nine hours of the certificate (requirements B, C, and D above)
    • a paper length of 20-30 no less than 15 pages is expected and must meet the page requirements set by the course instructor
    • the paper will be composed in accordance with both course guidelines and World Christianity capstone guidelines in conversation with both the course instructor and certificate director.
  • MTS 650 MTS Thesis (3 credits)
    • eligibility and writing guidelines will be based on Candler’s eligibility criteria and requirements.
    • approval of both the MTS program director and World Christianity certificate director is required to utilize this option for the certificate capstone.
    • thesis interest must align with learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • thesis adviser will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
  • a directed study (3 credits)
    • in conformity with Candler regulations regarding the number of directed study credits allowed in for the student’s degree program according The Catalog and Handbook.
    • the instructor for the directed study will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
    • the topic of the directed study must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • evaluation for the directed study should include a research paper of no less than 15 pages.
    • an application for directed study must be submitted by the deadline announced by the Candler registrar for the semester in which the directed study will be taken

Master of Arts in Religion and Leadership

  • A substantial writing project (3 credits)
    • a research paper related to a course in World Christianity (such as courses that appear on list D above) and not being used to fulfill any of the first nine hours of the certificate (requirements B, C, and D above)
    • a paper length of 20-30 no less than 15 pages is expected and must meet the page requirements set by the course instructor
    • the paper will be composed in accordance with both course guidelines and World Christianity capstone guidelines in conversation with both the course instructor and certificate director.
  • a directed study (3 credits)
    • in conformity with Candler regulations regarding the number of directed study credits allowed in for the student’s degree program The Catalog and Handbook.
    • the instructor for the directed study will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
    • the topic of the directed study must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • evaluation for the directed study should include a research paper of no less than 15 pages.
    • an application for directed study must be submitted by the deadline announced by the Candler registrar for the semester in which the directed study will be taken

Master of Religion and Public Life

  • MRPL Integrative Paper (3 credits)
    • writing guidelines will be based on Candler’s requirements for the MRPL Integrative Paper
    • approval of both the MRPL program director and World Christianity certificate director is required to utilize this option for the certificate capstone.
    • Integrative paper topic must align with learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • Integrative paper adviser/primary reader will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
  • A substantial writing project (3 credits)
    • a research paper related to a course in World Christianity (such as courses that appear on list D above) and not being used to fulfill any of the first nine hours of the certificate (requirements B, C, and D above)
    • a paper length of 20-30 no less than 15 pages is expected and must meet the page requirements set by the course instructor
    • the paper will be composed in accordance with both course guidelines and World Christianity capstone guidelines in conversation with both the course instructor and certificate director.
  • a directed study (3 credits)
    • in conformity with Candler regulations regarding the number of directed study credits allowed in for the student’s degree program (for MDiv, 3 hours total are allowed) according The Catalog and Handbook.
    • the instructor for the directed study will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
    • the topic of the directed study must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • an application for directed study must be submitted by the deadline announced by the Candler registrar for the semester in which the directed study will be taken

Master of Theology

  • ThM Project Paper (3 credits)
    • writing guidelines will be based on Candler’s requirements for the ThM Project
    • approval of both the ThM program director and World Christianity certificate director is required to utilize this option for the certificate capstone.
    • ThM Project topic must align with learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • ThM Project adviser/primary reader will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
  • A substantial writing project (3 credits)
    • a research paper related to a course in World Christianity (such as courses that appear on list D above) and not being used to fulfill any of the first nine hours of the certificate (requirements B, C, and D above)
    • if the course is offered at the regular master’s level, it may be contracted up to ThM Level by adding ThM 600, but is not required to be; if ThM 600 is added, a total of 4 hours will be awarded for the course.
    • a paper length of 20-30 no less than 15 pages is expected and must meet the page requirements set by the course instructor
    • the paper will be composed in accordance with both course guidelines and World Christianity capstone guidelines in conversation with both the course instructor and certificate director.
  • a directed study (3 credits)
    • in conformity with Candler regulations regarding the number of directed study credits allowed in for the student’s degree program according The Catalog and Handbook.
    • the instructor for the directed study will be a faculty member associated with the Certificate or another appropriate person approved in advance by the Certificate director.
    • the topic of the directed study must align with the learning goals of the World Christianity Certificate.
    • evaluation for the directed study should include a research paper of no less than 15 pages.
    • an application for directed study must be submitted by the deadline announced by the Candler registrar for the semester in which the directed study will be taken
    • if the directed study is to be used to fulfill a ThM-Level requirement, a total of 4 hours will be awarded and amount of related reading and writing must meet the standard for that amount of credit

For further information, contact Dr. Jehu J. Hanciles, Director of World Christianity Program, jjhanciles@emory.edu.