Two New Certificate Programs Available Fall 2019
The School of Theology is pleased to announce two new certificate programs that will be available for student enrollment starting this fall semester. These certificates may be earned as part of and simultaneously with other School of Theology (STH) degree programs. According to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Bryan Stone, “These new certificates are timely and build on faculty expertise while contributing creatively to the richness of the academic offerings at the School of Theology.”
The certificate in Theology and Latinx Studies signifies a student’s concentrated development of research and/or practical competencies in Latinx history, theology, and religious culture. The goal of the certificate program is to both prepare students for meaningful and effective work in Latinx communities of faith, and to explore the rich depth of Latinx religious traditions. This program offers academic training in methods of contextual analysis through the following means:
- Urban ministry courses and travel seminars,
- Courses in biblical and historical studies, which introduce students to the traditions of biblical interpretation as well as the spiritual practices and religious, political, and social influences that have shaped Latinx Christianity, and
- The study of the history and sociology of migration from Latin American countries.
Successful completion of the program consists of passing four approved courses in these subject areas.
The certificate in Faith and Ecological Justice indicates a student’s concentrated development of research and/or practical competencies in ecotheology, environmental ethics, and ecologically-informed spirituality and practices. The goal of the certificate program is to prepare students for meaningful and effective work in faith-based environmental initiatives, and to explore the rich depth of religious resources for such work. This certificate will be completed through the following:
- Theology and ethics courses will introduce students to the ways that religious traditions have portrayed human relations to the natural world as well as how they have responded to environmental challenges, and
- Travel seminars and colloquia offer students training in ecologically-informed spiritual practices and activism.
Successful completion of the program consists of passing three approved courses in the subject area and completing three one-credit colloquia.
“These two certificates mark the commitment of the School of Theology to prepare students with depth in Latinx Studies and Ecological Justice,” says Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore. “With excellent faculty and resources, and with students who are passionate about this specialized work, we could not be more excited.”
Information about these certificates are posted on the Certificates page. Questions about these certificates can be directed to the Registrar’s office at sthregfa@bu.edu.