Certificate Program

What are Certificates?

Certificates are widely recognized credentials given by many universities for short-term training in a variety of areas.

What are the benefits of Certificates?

Certificates allow individuals to pursue specialized study or training without having to commit to a full course of graduate level study. They can be beneficial in a variety of ways. Some individuals pursue certification simply to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and the Catholic faith. Others do it to test the waters of graduate school. Professionals in Church ministry pursue certificates to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of ministry, enhance their own ministry, or receive the skills and credentials they need to prepare for the next step in their careers.

What kinds of Certificates are offered?

At the Augustine Institute, there are three kinds of certificates offered:

I. Graduate Certificate

The graduate certificate program may be taken either on-campus or through our distance education program. This program is intended for those seeking a substantive graduate theological certificate for purposes of catechetical and/or ministry leadership. Admission into this program is the same as those specified for the Master of Arts in Theology program and the required courses may be applied to the Master of Arts program. All courses are graded at a graduate level according to the published standards of the Student Bulletin. Students must earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA to receive the graduate certificate and a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be admitted into the Master of Arts program.

Prerequisites: 6 credits

PHIL 501 (D) Introduction to Philosophy 3 credits
THEO 500: Introduction to the Graduate Study of Theology 3 credits

Courses: 15 credits

SCRP 501 (D): Salvation History
SCRP 502 (D): Jesus and the Gospels
THEO 502 (D): The Creed-Christ and the Trinity
THEO 504 (D): Moral and Spiritual Theology
THNE 501 (D): Theology of the New Evangelization

II. FORMED Certificate Program

Will be available during 2013-2014 Academic Year

The FORMED curriculum is intended for those seeking adult formation as evangelists and catechists or for personal enrichment. The program provides self-paced learning modules, taken on-line, on a pass/fail basis, which may be taken for a specific concentration that results in a certificate or on an at will basis for personal formation. This training will help students focus on developing the right vision, the relationships, and principles for dynamic evangelization and catechesis. Designed by veteran catechetical leaders throughout the country, this curriculum will help students focus on the essential areas that lead to fruitful, disciple-making outreach.

A. Basic Certification

This certificate is intended for students seeking entry-level training or personal formation. Students pace themselves through a series of one-hour on-line learning modules. All learning modules must be passed to receive the certificate. These courses may not be applied toward the completion of a Master of Arts; however, they do serve as a prerequisite to entry into our catechetical certificate program. Those not seeking a certificate may enroll in the courses at will through our on-line store.

Personal Spirituality and the Call to Holiness
An Introduction to Scripture and the Catechism
Salvation History: The Father’s Plan for Salvation
Jesus, Source of Life and Freedom
The Holy Spirit, Converter of Hearts
The Human Vocation to Love
The Liturgical Nature and Sacramental Life of the Church
Our Life in Christ: The Basics of Catholic Morality
Church History
The Church’s Mission
Catholic Social Teaching
Canon Law
John Paul II and the New Evangelization
Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization

Concentration in Youth Ministry

The Church’s Vision for the Family
A Vision for Effective Youth Ministry
Engaging Youth Culture
Incarnational Ministry: Relational Ministry with Teens
Recruiting, Training and Developing Teams
Methods and Practical Skills for Youth Ministry
Moving from Evangelization to Catechesis
Leading Community Prayer and Preaching
Effective Catechesis in a Youth Ministry Setting
Adolescent Development
Counseling and Pastoral Care with Teens
Theology of the Body: Teaching Catholic Sexuality to Teens
Fostering Service, Leadership and Vocations Among Teens
The Church, the Body of Christ: Working with Bishops, Pastors, Staff and Parents

B. Catechetical Certificate

This program is intended for those who have completed our Basic Certification Program or who have an adequate introductory foundation in theology or ministry and are seeking continuing education credits or personal enrichment. For this certificate, students pace themselves through a program of on-line studies utilizing our full-length graduate course videos. Every course in a designated concentration must be passed to receive a certificate. These courses may not be applied toward the completion of a Master of Arts. Those seeking personal enrichment only may purchase the courses at will through our on-line store