Certificate

Online Certificate in
Franciscan Theology

At a Glance

The Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology offers a blend of academic engagement and spiritual reflection, designed so you can complete coursework on your schedule while still being part of an online community in a respectful, down-to-earth environment. The program is grounded in the Catholic Franciscan tradition and provides a space where deep Catholic theology study meets compassionate action.

Program Format: Online
Program Length: 6 Months
Total Units: 9 units
Cost Per Unit: $835
Next Term Starts: September 1, 2026
App Deadline: July 31, 2026

Flexible Format

Courses are online and asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on a schedule that fits their lives. This flexible format brings together students from around the world.

3 Graduate Courses

The program consists of three, seven-week-long courses: two introductory courses and one elective of your choice.

MTS Degree Pathway

Courses can be applied to the online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology degree, creating a seamless pathway for students to carry their certificate into graduate study and stay on track for degree completion.

Designed for working professionals, this graduate certificate in theology offers a unique online option for those considering careers in religious education, parish support, ministry, or preparation for further academic work. This certificate is also suitable for those who wish to further their knowledge of Franciscan Theology or continue their personal faith formation.

Living into the Franciscan spirit of generosity, community, and joy, the FST faculty have collaborated to create a comprehensive, enriching, and thought-provoking curriculum for this certificate program. With a small student-teacher ratio, every student gets access to a wealth of knowledge and lived experience from their professor and classmates.

Program Curriculum

The Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology is delivered through the University of San Diego in an asynchronous format, allowing students around the world to contribute and collaborate. The program consists of nine units of study (equivalent to three courses) beginning with the following two courses:

Following Francis: An Introduction to the Franciscan Tradition (3 units)
What does the tradition of Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, and those who continue to follow in their footsteps offer our world today? The Franciscan way cultivates peace-making and care for creation, and forges solidarity with the poor and marginalized in a Christ-centered way of life that responds to the challenges of our world. This interdisciplinary course introduces major Franciscan figures, sources of the Franciscan tradition, and significant interpreters of this tradition.

Introduction to Franciscan Theology (3 units)
What is the “new paradigm” that Franciscan Theology contributes to the Catholic tradition? The significant authors of the Franciscan tradition shaped this new approach in the Middle Ages. This course will guide students through an introductory-level study of the themes of the Trinity, Creation, Incarnation, and the human person in major works by these writers.  Their relevance today, as expressed in documents of the Papal Magisterium, will be highlighted.

Elective Course Options

After the first two initial courses, students can choose one 3-unit elective course to complete the certificate. Potential elective courses include:

Old Testament: Our Jewish Roots: An Introduction to the Old Testament

If Jesus only had access to the Old Testament, should we not give it the importance that he gave it? Are stories about Adam and Eve relevant in today’s world? Is the God of the Old Testament different than the God of the New Testament? We will learn about the Old Testament through reading the writings that the peoples of the Old Testament left as their heritage. We will also study the material culture of these people that archaeologists have been able to unearth. We will do this in a manner consistent with various documents on the study of Sacred Scripture that the Roman Catholic Church has issued in the last century.

History: Unity, Diversity, Change Over Time

How do we make sense of a faith that develops over time? This course examines key moments of change in the history of the Church, its struggle to maintain unity while respecting the diversities of culture, language, geography, and societies. Special attention will be given to the movement of the early church from the Jewish to the Hellenistic world; the missionary developments and the cultural impact of the Germanic world; the 13th century social changes associated with the Franciscan movement; the mission to the “new world” and China; “Beloved Amazonia” and the challenges of the 21st century.

New Testament: The Cradle, The Cross, and The Community: An Introduction to the New Testament

Why are the infancy narratives in some gospels and not others? Why do some writings focus on the cross and others do not? Why do Catholics say that we are saved by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? We will learn about the New Testament through reading the writings that the peoples of the New Testament left as their heritage. We will also study the material culture of these people that archaeologists have been able to unearth. We will do this in a manner consistent with a sound historical-critical methodology.

Ecclesiology: Being the 21st-Century Church

The Catholic Church continues to grow as a global community of faith. Trace its new directions from Vatican II to 2021. How does the church respond to changes in society? What is the role of dialogue with other religions? How is decision-making changing? What are the emerging roles of lay leaders, women and men? This course will introduce the thinkers and documents shaping the Church in the 21st Century.

Moral Theology: Conscience and the Common Good

This course explores moral theology as a dynamic, living tradition that guides faithful discipleship while evolving to address contemporary challenges. Through a distinctly Franciscan lens, students examine key theological concepts including natural law, virtue ethics, conscience formation, and synodality. The course emphasizes moral theology’s nature as a wisdom tradition that balances enduring principles with adaptive responses to new contexts.

Christology: Who Do You Say That I Am?

At a critical point in his ministry, Jesus asked his followers: Who do you say that I am? How has Christian tradition grown in its understanding and affirmation of full divinity and humanity in Jesus Christ? How does the Franciscan tradition shed renewed light on the importance of the Incarnation and God’s universal salvific desire? In today’s global reality, how do we best give witness to our faith in Jesus Christ in dialogue with other world religions? These questions frame our study in this course in Christology as we focus on the development of early Church doctrine, the particular contribution of Franciscan thinkers, the importance of intercultural dialogue today, and the significance of Franciscan Christology for the third millennium.

Intercultural Theology: Theology in an Intercultural Context

How do we make sense of a faith that is diverse and at the same time unified? This course explores the complex issues of Catholic theologies, missions and indigenous cultures.

Spirituality: Spirituality for the Digital Age

Franciscan Spirituality addresses today’s ethical challenge by contributing to an “integral ecology,” (cf. Laudato Sì), that is a new understanding of economics, peace-making, intercultural communication and inter-religious dialogue. The Franciscan spiritual perspective helps to build a new relational paradigm for the Church. The course will underline that the new forms of media are gifts of God that can strengthen bonds of fraternal communication and build a more responsible lifestyle. However, they also present ethical challenges that must be addressed.

Tuition & Fees

Per Unit Tuition (courses are 3 units) = $835

Library Tech Fee = $110/semester

Total Program Cost (Tuition and Library Tech Fees for 2 semesters) = $7,735

Contact our admissions team to learn more about the Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology.

Admissions

Learn more about becoming a student

Step 1:

Create an online account to start an application and apply to FST graduate programs. Review the Steps to Apply page to see all requirements.

Step 2:

Connect with an FST enrollment advisor. An enrollment advisor can guide you through the process, and even get your application fee waived.

Step 3:

Gather additional application materials. Request an official transcript and the contact information for your letter of recommendation.

Step 4:

Submit your application. Once all application materials have been received, the Admissions Committee will review your application, and the Admissions team will contact you with the decision.

Discover the Franciscan Difference

The Franciscan School of Theology embodies Franciscan theology in a diverse world, offering an optimistic, Christ-centered perspective. We integrate pastoral and academic learning, nurturing both mind and heart, and, in partnership with the University of San Diego, share a commitment to Catholic identity, academic excellence, social change, and global awareness. On-campus students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, a supportive community, career-focused education, and access to USD resources.

Explore the Difference
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