Certificate in Theological Studies with Specialization in Spiritual and Pastoral Care

Certificate = 15 credit hours (five full courses or a combination of full and partial credit classes)

Course requirements:

As courses are taken for certificate and not degree credit, requirements for students are different: e.g. reading materials as assigned, engaging in class discussions and activities, and writing approx. 1 page of journal-like writing per day of instruction. See here for the expectations for the program.

Pre-requisites:

As the program is for certificate and not degree credit, no pre-requisites are required.

Cost:

$200.00/credit hour for Certificate (Continuing education bursary of 25% up to $100). A 3-credit hour course = $600.00.

Accessibility:

All courses (with the exception of some Pastoral Theology courses and intensives) may be taken on site or by distance learning. Many courses can also be taken asynchronously by watching class recordings later and offering written participation in class discussions. Class tech support is available for all semester courses.

Required courses:

6 credits in Spirituality/Pastoral Theology.

Mandatory:

3 credit courses

And choose from:

3 credit courses

1.5 credit courses

These occur in Summer School and change from year to year. Examples of past courses include:

0.5 credit courses

Learning Centre for Mission and Formation

3 credits of Biblical Studies and/or Theology

Choose from:

3 credit courses

1.5 credit courses

These occur in Summer School and change from year to year. Examples of past courses include:

3 credits in Anglican Studies

Choose from:

3 credit courses

1.5 credit courses

1 credit courses

0.5 credit courses

Learning Centre for Mission and Formation Courses

3 credits in Indigenous Studies, History, Liturgical or Mission Studies.

Choose from:

3 credit courses

1.5 credit courses

These occur in Summer School and change from year to year. Courses in Indigenous Studies, History, and Mission Studies are offered every summer.

See the Summer School listings.

0.5 credit courses

Learning Centre for Mission and Formation Courses

      • Deepening Understanding of Reconciliation – a four session course that explores film, discussion, personal history, and local and national Indigenous organizations in order to deepen capacity for reconciliation.
      • Transforming Questions: Exploring Faith – an 11 session course on the basic questions of faith. Who is Jesus? How should we read scripture? Why is there suffering? Each session includes video, discussion questions and resources to go deeper.
      • Understanding and Planning Anglican Worship – a primer on the deep structure and intentions of Anglican worship, with a focus on the Eucharist. How can we be faithful to tradition and to our current contexts?
      • Speaking of God in a Secular Age — an introduction to the secular culture we are immersed in and yet have trouble communicating with as Christians. A four session course to help us listen more deeply to our secular neighbours, experience Christ working in the here and now, and learn to speak of Christ in secular ‘terms’.

VST

VST offers several lecture series. For students, the lectures are followed by a half day workshop on a relevant topic for today’s church.

      • G. Peter Kaye Lecture series –Past speakers include: Hartmut Rosa, Amy Jill-Levine, Willie Jennings, John Bell, Sarah Coakley
      • Somerville Lecture – Past speakers include Joni Sancken, James He Qi, Martin Doblmeier
      • Cork Lecture – Past speakers include Andrew Root