Advanced Certificate in Theological Studies

This advanced certificate program offers students who have already earned a Master of Arts in Theology or a related field opportunities for extended, specialized graduate study. This advanced certificate program offers students who have already earned a Master of Arts in Theology or a related field opportunities for extended, specialized graduate study. The program is an excellent choice for those who wish to update their theological knowledge while earning a new credential. It is also well-suited for teachers who wish to develop deeper understanding of a specific area of theology or for pastoral ministers who wish to enhance their professional pastoral competence through further graduate study.

Our program offers considerable flexibility, allowing you to tailor your study according to your unique interests and professional goals. You can complete their advanced certificates completely online or through a combination of online and face-to-face courses on our Queens, NY campus.

Our faculty are well-known in the field and have active research agendas. As a result, the program curriculum draws upon contemporary theological scholarship, offering you a more rigorous theological education and broader perspective than local seminary education typically provides.

To qualify for the Advanced Certificate in Theological Studies, you must have earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology, a Master of Theological Studies degree, a Master of Divinity, or an appropriate ecclesiastical degree with a 3.0 average or better.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended a postsecondary institution in which English is the language of instruction must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for admission.

Applicants who have taken the SAT can have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived

Applicants who have attended an American high school abroad or an American university can have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived

Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score: American Samoa; Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada (except Quebec); Dominica; Eswatini; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Grand Cayman; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritius; New Zealand; Nigeria; Papua New Guinea; Sierra Leone; Singapore; South Africa; St. Kitts and Nevis (St. Christopher); St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Isle; Uganda; United Kingdom; U.S. Pacific Trust; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. This list is subject to change.

International students are encouraged to submit their application for admission and all required credentials by May 1 for fall semester admission and November 1 for spring semester admission.