Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are designed to expose students to new theological concepts or to deepen the experienced student’s understanding of specific topics. They are particularly appropriate for:
  • Individuals searching for a flexible program to expand their knowledge, faith, spirituality, and leadership abilities. These may include professionals seeking to strengthen the relationship between their vocational and spiritual life, lay ministers of the church, those with no previous theological education, seminary graduates, and clergy wishing to continue their education
  • Graduates of seminaries not affiliated with the Episcopal Church who are now preparing for ordination to its ministry may pursue a program of Anglican Studies to supplement their previous work
  • Individuals preparing for ordination as deacons, or those under alternate canonical provisions of the Episcopal Church who are not candidates for the MDiv degree may pursue a special program designed to prepare them for canonical examinations

Certificates of Theological Study

Although most certificate students will have a baccalaureate degree, it is not required. Our rolling admissions policy allows students to begin a certificate program in the Fall, January, Spring, or June terms. Students enrolled in EDS certificate programs are entitled to full library privileges and full cross registration in the other eight BTI schools. The details of each student’s program are developed to address their individual learning goals in the context of regular group meetings convened by EDS faculty. Some programs of study will involve more cross registration at BTI schools than others.

Certificates are generally completed in one full-time year and require eight courses. Students may also choose half-time study or the distributive learning option. Courses taken toward a certificate may be transferred toward a degree program. Students completing a certificate program, who have already attained a graduate degree equivalent to MDiv or MATS, will be awarded the Certificate of Advanced Theological Study. Those who have not completed an equivalent graduate program will be awarded a Certificate of Theological Study.

Students wishing to pursue a certificate program at EDS should see the admissions guidelines for submitting a proposed program of study with the application form. With the assistance of a faculty advisor, the student’s proposed program will be refined during the course of study. Students may select one of the following areas of concentration or design their own program of study:
  • Anglican Studies
  • Christian Spiritualities for the Contemporary World
  • Justice, Reconciliation, and Mission
  • Customized Program in Theological Study

The Boston Theological Institute Certificates

The Boston Theological Institute (BTI) offers certificate programs, which matriculated EDS  students are permitted to pursue concurrently with their EDS program of study. Certificates are available in International Mission and Ecumenism, and in Religion and Conflict Transformation. Contact the BTI directly for more information by visiting their website or calling (617) 527-4880.