Black Church Studies, Adv. Cert.
[Black Church Studies - 2301.00]
The Advanced Certificate in Black Church Studies is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of the history, theology, and biblical interpretation unique to the Black Church. The Advanced Certificate program is designed to equip men and women to be scholars, church practitioners, and transformative leaders in urban or suburban congregations and other settings within African American culture. This program is an excellent option for those who seek to be prepared and equipped to pursue further academic scholarship in the field of the Black Church experience and social justice. Students who enroll in a master’s program at the Seminary may apply appropriate courses taken in the Advanced Certificate program to any master’s degree program upon matriculation.
Admissions Process:
Northeastern Seminary seeks students whose personal and professional lives are characterized by honesty, integrity, and commitment to high academic, moral, and ethical standards. Applicants must present credentials that demonstrate aptitude for the academic work they will pursue and which indicate they meet other criteria of character and conduct.
Persons seeking admission must complete an online application with the Admissions Office of the Seminary. Along with the online application itself, applicants must also furnish:
- Two recommendations able to speak to the student's aptitude for ministry and academic study. Persons providing recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
- An autobiographical statement: In this statement, the applicant will narrate his or her spiritual pilgrimage, history and vision for Christian service, and career goals and plans.
- Official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has received a degree (i.e., associate's, bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral) or any program you hope to use for graduate or post-graduate transfer credits. Those who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of applying may be accepted under the non-baccalaureate designation. Note: Additional documentation is required along with the application for those seeking admission in this category.
- In the case of international students who have not done previous studies in an English language institution, a TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required
Courses in the Program:
- Required courses (12)
- GHST/GSOC 6800 History of the Black Church (3)
- GTHE 6830 Black Theology (3)
- GBIB 6810 Biblical Interpretation from a Black Perspective (3)
- GMIN 6820 Leadership in the Black Church (3)
- Choose 2 elective courses from: (6)
- Social Ethics (3)
- Leadership (3)
- Biblical Studies* (3)
*See prerequisite requirements in course descriptions.
Minimum Total Hours: 18
Minimum Graduation Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a completed degree application submitted to academic services by October 1 prior to the May Commencement in which the student intends to graduate.