Search

Students sitting around a conference table

Certificate of Anglican Studies (CAS)

The Certificate of Anglican Studies is designed for a variety of students who wish to participate in the academic, spiritual, and communal life of CDSP without earning a degree. For instance, it is suitable for those who already possess the M.Div. or the equivalent from another seminary and who wish to pursue special study of the Anglican tradition. It might also be appropriate for persons seeking ordination under special canonical provisions of the Episcopal Church. The Hybrid CAS is a low-residence program that utilizes online courses during the semesters along with on-site intensives.

The requirements for admission to the Certificate program are the same as those for admission to the M.Div. program. Applicants seeking ordination will be expected to secure the recommendation of their Bishop.

Students admitted to the CAS program may subsequently apply to the CDSP M.Div. degree program by completing a Change of Program Request Form, which is available from the Registrar’s Office and online. If they are admitted, they may be granted credit for all courses normally applicable to that program. Coursework must fit within the maximum time limit for completion of the program—10 years.

Outcomes

  • Students will articulate a coherent theological understanding of God’s mission, grounded in Scripture and in Christian heritage, particularly in its Anglican distinctiveness.
  • Students will demonstrate skill in contextual analysis that informs and deepens the church’s commitment to the common good, particularly in Anglican ministry settings.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to work with peers and others to develop and lead Anglican worship that gathers, forms, and transforms the Christian community for the sake of individual and corporate participation in God’s mission.
  • Students will exhibit knowledge of a variety of spiritual practices that foster lively faith and healthy leadership that can build up the Christian faith and ministry of individuals and communities in an Anglican context.
  • Students will show the capacity to engage with sources and resources in the Anglican tradition and beyond, in order to formulate their own critically reflective theologies of the place of evangelism in God’s mission, in relation both to those who are willing to receive the Gospel and those who are not.

Courses

Earning the Certificate of Anglican Studies normally requires the completion of the equivalent of eight 3-credit courses while enrolled at CDSP, during which time the student will work with a faculty advisor. Foundations for Ministry is required. The remaining courses, selected in consultation with the advisor, normally include work in core areas of Anglican studies: history; theology and ethics; liturgics; and pastoral studies (including homiletics). Formation. Students participate in a spiritual formation program under the direction of the Dean of Students and Dean of Chapel. See description of formation in the M.Div. curriculum description.

Formation

Students participate in a spiritual formation program under the direction of the Dean of Students and Dean of Chapel. See description of formation in the M.Div. curriculum description.

Application Requirements

  1. Online application
  2. Two reference letters (one must be a clergy reference)
  3. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  4. A signed and returned Bishop’s letter (sent to the diocese from our office)
  5. Interview with a faculty member
  6. Submit a FAFSA indicating CDSP as their school of choice (optional). Find out more about applying for financial aid.
  7. Submit a CDSP institutional financial aid application (optional). Find out more about applying for financial aid.
  8. Submit an on-campus housing application (optional)