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Non-Degree and Certificates

Flexible, non-degree options for continuing your theological education.

Non-Degree and Certificates Overview

FST offers a number of options for students who wish to advance their education without enrolling in a full degree program. These include theology certificate programs, continuing education courses, and personal enrichment opportunities. Visit our How to Apply page for more information about applying for our special programs.

Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology

The Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology offers a blend of academic engagement and spiritual reflection, designed so you can complete coursework around your schedule while still being a part of an online community in a respectful and 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.

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.

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
History: Unity, Diversity, Change Over Time
New Testament: The Cradle, the Cross, and the Community: An Introduction to the New Testament
Ecclesiology: Being the 21st-Century Church
Moral Theology: Conscience and the Common Good
Franciscan Christology: Who Do You Say That I Am?
Intercultural Theology: Theology in an Intercultural Context
Spirituality: Spirituality for the Digital Age

Tuition

$7,200. Each course costs $800 per unit or $2,400 per class.

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

Contact Admissions

Certificate in Priestly Formation

Those seeking ordination will be required to earn a Master of Divinity plus a 19.5-unit Certificate in Priestly Formation in the sciences and skills necessary for ordination. Note that completion of the MDiv and Certificate does not entitle the recipient to ordination. Admission to ordination is the decision of local diocesan ordinaries or superiors of religious orders who may have further requirements or expectations.

Special Requirements for Admission

Ordination candidates must present:

A letter of approval from their ordinary or religious superior
A certificate of completion issued by the applicant’s ordinary or religious superior stating that the applicant has taken a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of undergraduate philosophy or its equivalent as prescribed by the USCCB Program for Priestly Formation

We invite you to explore the curriculum of the Certificate in Priestly Formation here:

Explore Curriculum

Certificate in Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic Ministry

The objective of this program is to provide a culturally focused formation of pastoral leaders, both professional staff and volunteer laypeople, who serve the growing number of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Catholic communities around the United States.

We will look at immigration histories, cultural and religious practices, and Catholic teachings and traditions from the API perspective. We will also unpack the U.S. Bishops’ document, Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters, to see what practical guidance it offers for those working on the ground with API communities.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will:

Know the immigration history, religious practices, and sociological challenges of API Catholics in the U.S.;
Gain a broad overview of Catholic teachings and theology as well as church history and structure, scripture, liturgy, catechesis, and API immigration history in the US;
Be able to more effectively understand the needs of API Catholic communities;
Be better equipped to implement culturally effective ministerial strategies for various API communities.

Course Modality

Online meetings twice per month + one in-person closing session in Oceanside, California

Certificate Completion Requirements

Attend the in-person gathering
Attend all online meetings
Complete all course assignments. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a final pastoral project proposal, addressing a topic of API ministry, to be chosen by the student and approved by the program directors.

Tuition

$1,200 (includes accommodations for the in-person gathering in November). Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

View last year’s topics and course schedule here:

View Topics

Program Directors

Fr. Linh Hoang, OFM, Ph.D.
Ms. Eunice Park, MTS, MAMC

Certificate in Hispanic Catholic Ministry “Haciendo Caminos”

This program is designed to provide a culturally focused formation of Latino/a Catholics as pastoral leaders who serve the growing number of Hispanic communities in Southern California. Emerging from the directives of the V Encuentro and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, it will provide a foundation in Catholic teachings and traditions, cultural and religious practices, and the Church’s role in our present times. Students will be given opportunities to grow in their faith through reflection on their experiences in light of the teachings of the Church, in a supportive and welcoming community of faith.

Open to all Latino/a adults over 18 in the San Diego area; no previous experience necessary. Sessions will be held in English; conversations can be in English or Spanish.

Course Objectives

Articulate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the Catholic faith.
Reflect on life experiences through the teachings of the Church and Scripture.
Engage in dialogue on the role of the laity in Church ministry today.
Build community with others on a similar path.

Course Modality

Presentation combined with small group conversations. Participants will be provided with all necessary materials plus references for further exploration.

Tuition

$100; $50 payable at registration and $50 due on January 31, 2025. Participants under 35 years of age pay only $75 ($50 at registration and $25 by January 31, 2025).