ChristianStudiesAnchor
CERTIFICATE OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES
The Certificate of Christian Studies offers students an opportunity to complete a personalized, short-term nondegree program to meet a wide range of goals, from training for a specific church or parachurch ministry to personal and spiritual enrichment. It can be designed as a focused course of study or a sampling of master's-level courses from the Schools of Theology and Intercultural Studies. By enrolling in convenient daytime or evening courses at any Fuller location, or in any of the courses available through Fuller's Distance Learning Programs, or any combination of these, students pursuing the certificate can gain an introduction to theological, biblical, or missiological basics at the graduate level. The program may help students assess the possibility of pursuing a seminary degree. Although the certificate is not awarded to students already admitted to degree programs, all courses earned toward a certificate can be credited toward a degree program upon later admission to that program (if appropriate to the curriculum, and subject to certain degree requirements, such as residency or distance learning limits).
Admission standards for the Certificate of Christian Studies are the same as for admission to a master's degree program.
The Certificate of Christian Studies requires the completion of six master's-level courses (24 units) and an integrative essay written at the conclusion of coursework. All work must be completed at Fuller; no transfer credit is accepted toward the certificate.
The integrative essay consists of a one-page summary for each of the courses the student completed during the certificate program and a 1,500 word essay reflecting on the program and its value/relevance to the student's life and/or ministry.
All work for the certificate must be completed within seven years.
RecoveryMinistryAnchor
CERTIFICATE IN RECOVERY MINISTRIES
The Certificate in Recovery Ministry is designed for people who wish to develop their understanding and skills in working in situations of additions and abuse. Because addiction and abuse are among the largest public health problems on the planet, it is difficult to do ministry of any kind without feeling the impact of these problems. This certificate provides students an opportunity to study some basic insights into the dynamics of addiction and abuse and help them respond in productive ways to persons struggling with these issues. Although the certificate is not awarded to students already admitted to degree programs, all courses earned toward a certificate can be credited toward a degree program upon later admission to that program (if appropriate to the curriculum, and subject to certain degree requirements, such as residency or distance learning limits).
Admission standards for the Certificate in Recovery Ministry are the same as for admission to a master's degree program.
The Certificate in Recovery Ministry requires the completion of six masterís-level courses (24 units). With the exception of NS500, which is available at most Fuller locations and through distance learning, the coursework for this certificate is only available in Pasadena. All work for the certificate must be completed within seven years.
Curriculum
Biblical Studies (4 units)
Recovery Ministry (20 units)
Choose three of the following (12 units)
- EV532 Recovery Ministry in the Local Church
- CN553 Pastoral Care and Abuse
- CN557 Pastoral Care and Addictions
- CN558 Pastoral Care and Sexuality
- YF509 Handling Crisis in Youth and Family Ministry
- YF511 Ministry to At-Risk Youth
Choose one of the following (4 units)
- CN504 Family Therapy and Pastoral Counseling
- FS500 Family Systems Dynamics
Choose one of the following (4 units)
- CN571 Practicum in Recovery Ministry
- Any course designated as SPIR in the quarterly schedule
- Any of the course listed above not already taken
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CERTIFICATE IN YOUTH MINISTRY
The Certificate in Youth Ministry provides youth ministers in church and parachurch organizations with practical and theological training foundational to effective youth ministry. This unique nondegree program can be completed with a minimum of time away from ministry commitments. Although the certificate is not awarded to students already admitted to degree programs, all courses earned toward a certificate can be credited toward a degree program upon later admission to that program (if appropriate to the curriculum, and subject to certain degree requirements, such as residency or distance learning limits).
Admission standards for the Certificate in Youth Ministry are the same as for admission to a masterís degree program.
The Certificate in Youth Ministry requires the completion of six master's-level courses (24 units) essential for effective youth ministry, including two six-month field education practica conducted in each student's home ministry area under the supervision of a qualified mentor (for a total of 4 units of credit).
Curriculum
Required Courses (16 units)
Choose one of the following (4 units):
- YF500 Foundations of Youth Ministry
- YF501 Introduction to Youth Ministry
Take each of the following (8 units):
- YF502 Leadership in Youth Ministry
- YF503 Youth Outreach and Evangelism
- Any course with the prefix OT, NS, or NE
- Any School of Theology elective
Biblical Studies Elective (4 units)
School of Theology Elective (4 units)
Youth Ministry Practica (4 units)
The Certificate in Youth Ministry in overseen by Fuller's Institute of Youth Ministry at the Colorado Springs regional campus. Two of the classes are available at the triannual National Youth Workers Convention. Classes taken at Pasadena or any of the seminary's regional campuses, as well as through distance learning, may be credited toward the certificate. All work for the certificate must be completed within seven years.