The Certificate in Spirituality Studies provides an in-depth understanding of Christian spirituality that enables students to “draw from the deep wells of the tradition” in order to more carefully respond to their spiritual needs and be in service to others. Students study various Christian spiritual and mystical traditions in order that they might more fully understand the relationship of spirituality to various theological, ethical, ecclesial, and practical concerns.
Program Goals / Student Learning Outcomes
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The goal is to provide a comprehensive academic background in Christian Spirituality with an emphasis on principal classical and contemporary traditions.
Student Learning Outcomes
To present a summary overview of major historical periods within the history of Christian spirituality by identifying various movements, spiritual schools, and relevant classical spirituality literature.
To evaluate instances of Christian religious experience and dynamics of interior transformation as understood within the Christian mystical tradition.
To describe and evaluate the various contributions to Christian spirituality which have emerged from within our culturally diverse society, notably with respect to Hispanic influences.
To be able to see the connection between one’s own spiritual journey and practical concerns, social justice and ministry.
To integrate their own spiritual journey in critical dialogue with the various spiritual traditions covered in the program and to be prepared to apply it in ministry and/or further academic research endeavors.
Curriculum & Degree Requirements
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Beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year the Certificate in Spirituality Studies will allow each student to choose courses offered in MA Spirituality program as well as other OST course offerings in order to meet their own needs and academic goals.
The Certificate requires students to successfully complete eighteen (18) total credit hours with a total GPA of 2.75 or higher. Two introductory courses are required and are listed below. In addition, students will be able to specialize in one (1) of two (2) possible areas: The Spirituality of Aging and Spiritual Formation for Faith Communities. This specialization would require a student to take nine (9) credits designated for the area of concentration.
The Spirituality of Aging would incorporate already existing elements of the Forest Dwelling Program and have them taught in regular rotation as three (3) credit classes.
Spiritual Formation would draw on already existing courses offered across the curriculum at OST. The MA director would determine which courses could be taken to satisfy the nine (9) credit requirement for specialization.
For all students this program requires eighteen (18) Masters level credit hours.
Curriculum
Tuition / Fees
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| Fee Type |
Cost |
Notes |
| Application Fee |
$70 |
One-time fee |
| Course Costs (18 Credit Hours) |
| 1-Credit Hour Course |
$885 |
Per course |
| 2-Credit Hour Course |
$1,770 |
Per course |
| 3-Credit Hour Course |
$2,655 |
Per course |
| Continuing to Degree Program |
| Degree Continuation Fee |
$3,655 |
If continuing after certificate completion |
Admission Requirements
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See the Admissions & Registrations section of the OST Catalog or visit the Apply page for a full outline of Admission Requirements.
See the section in the Catalogue under General Admission Requirements for Graduate Studies.
