The Graduate Certificate in Spirituality Studies provides students with a foundational understanding of the Christian spiritual tradition. Through study of Christian spiritual and mystical writers, spiritual schools and movements, and focused topics in spirituality, students consider how Christian spirituality has been practiced and expressed in diverse historical and cultural contexts. They also reflect critically on the relationship of spirituality to various theological, ethical, ecclesial, and practical concerns and integrate insights and practices from the Christian spiritual tradition into their vocational settings and spiritual lives.
Program Goals / Student Learning Outcomes
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To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Christian spirituality in its classical and contemporary forms and the skills to integrate insights from the Christian spiritual tradition into their spiritual lives and vocational contexts.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:
Understand the major historical periods within Christian spirituality by identifying various movements, spiritual schools, and historical and contemporary spirituality literature.
Evaluate instances of Christian religious experience and dynamics of interior transformation as understood within the Christian mystical tradition.
Describe and evaluate diverse cultural expressions of Christian spirituality, with special attention to Hispanic influences.
Articulate the relationship between spirituality and practical concerns, including pastoral and public leadership, social justice and community service, and spiritual accompaniment.
Bring their own spiritual journey into critical dialogue with various spiritual traditions.
Nurture the spiritualities of others, including leading and guiding others in spiritual practices and reflection.
Curriculum & Degree Requirements
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The Graduate Certificate in Spirituality 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. Students can choose courses offered in the MA Spirituality program, as well as other OST course offerings in order to meet their own needs and academic goals
This program requires eighteen (18) Masters level credit hours.
Prerequisites (as needed): 18 Credit Hours of Undergraduate Philosophy and Religious Studies including: PL 4323 History and Method of Christian Thought
Tuition / Fees
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Rates for Fiscal Year 2027
| Fee Type |
Cost |
Notes |
| Application Fee |
$70 |
One-time fee |
| Course Costs (18 Credit Hours) |
| 1-Credit Hour Course |
$910 |
Per course |
| 2-Credit Hour Course |
$1,820 |
Per course |
| 3-Credit Hour Course |
$2,730 |
Per course |
| Continuing to Degree Program |
| Degree Continuation Fee |
$3,655 |
If continuing after certificate completion |
| Program Materials |
| eTextbook Bundle Tool Fee |
$35 |
One-time fee |
| eTextbook Resource Fee |
$60 |
Per semester; up to 4 resources per course. If more than 4 textbooks are required by the instructor, the fee may be incremented. |
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.
Apply to Certificate in Spirituality Studies
For more information, contact the Registrar: (210) 341-1366 ext. 240 or registrar@ost.edu
