In order to serve effectively in various human professions one must understand the religious and cultural beliefs and values of those with whom one works. This 12 credit hour graduate certificate is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to increase both their knowledge and appreciation of the religious diversity they encounter. Prerequisites will be waived for the certificate.

Admission

Submit a Graduate College Application to apply for the program. (For those currently attending Missouri State University as a master’s or specialist student, no additional application fee will be required.) Admission to the certificate program does not constitute admission to any other Missouri State University graduate program.

A student must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., or equivalent training in a foreign university, and have a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Plan of Study

Following admission to the certificate program, submit a completed Plan of Study to the Graduate College. Work with the certificate program advisor to determine which courses will be taken towards the certificate. Keep in mind that courses taken for undergraduate credit may not be used on a Plan of Study for a graduate certificate.

If it becomes necessary to change a course originally listed on the approved Plan of Study, a Change of Certificate Plan of Study Request Form should be completed and submitted to the Graduate College.

Required Courses

Students must complete four three-hour courses at the 500-level in the department of Religious Studies*. The four courses must represent three different areas of specialization within the department. The areas of specialization are:

1. History of Religions (REL 540)
2. History of Christianity and Judaism (REL 550)
3. Biblical Studies (REL 510, 520, 570, 571)
4. Religion, Self, and Society (REL 530)

*Please Note: REL 580 (Seminar) counts toward the certificate, but it does not count toward meeting an area of specialization requirement.

GPA Requirements

Students must have a B or better grade in each course.

Completion Requirements

During the semester in which the final course requirement is being completed, a Notification to Complete a Certificate Program Form must be submitted to the Graduate College to initiate the final check.  The information on this form is also used to generate your formal certificate.

Students must also participate in an exit interview at the conclusion of their program

For additional information on this program, please contact:

Dr. Mark Given

Department of Religious Studies

Phone (417) 836-6261