Overview
The Certificate in Eastern Christian Scripture at Agora University is offered through Holy Transfiguration College.
This short-term, 100% online graduate certificate focuses on the scriptural traditions of Eastern Christian communities and their reception. It provides customizable training through Eastern Christian biblical studies courses suitable for educators, church or parachurch ministries, and personal enrichment.
The program is comprised of 4 courses and 12 credit hours and may be completed in one calendar year. Students take courses in the order they are made available.
Outcomes:
- Recall a basic knowledge and matters important to the history, culture, and theology of early and Eastern Christianity through the focused study of sacred scripture in the Eastern Christian tradition.
- Explain ideas and concepts pertinent to Orthodox Christian biblical studies.
- Utilize research methods and theoretical frameworks rooted in Eastern Christian approaches to and exegesis of sacred scripture for engaging contemporary paradigms.
- Think theologically and critically about the Orthodox Christian approaches to scripture both historically and within contemporary church and society.
- Construct and defend a position rooted in Orthodox Christian approaches to scripture.
- Produce new and original work articulating a holistic understanding of Orthodox Christian approaches to sacred scripture.
Accreditation
Agora University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in the United States. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Church History: The Early Church
- History of Ethiopic Christianity
- Oriental Church History: The Alexandrian Church
- History of Nubian Christianity
- Church History : The Oriental Church
Audience
The certificate is intended for educators, church servants, parachurch leaders, ministry workers, adult learners, and students seeking graduate-level theological enrichment. It is also suitable for learners considering future study in the Master of Theological Studies program.
Lecturers
Faculty include theologians, historians, biblical scholars, and specialists in Eastern Christianity, with degrees from institutions such as Oxford, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Durham, UCLA, Toronto, Catholic University of America, Claremont, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Key information
Duration
- Part-time
- 12 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
- StartingApply anytime.
- StartingApply anytime.
- Application & Registration: Open Enrollment
- Fall Term: September 1 – December 15
- Spring Term: January 15 – May 15
- Summer Term: May 15 – August 25
Language
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Credits
Delivered
- Fully structured
- Only feedback on assignments and exams, Continuous support with feedback on request, Proactive tutoring and support
- Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions), Online group works/assignments
Campus Location
- Burke, United States
Disciplines
History Theology and Religious Studies Christian Studies View 7 other Short Courses in Theology and Religious Studies in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
Students must complete 12 credit hours to satisfy certificate requirements. Students must pass all required courses and remain in satisfactory academic standing. Special admissions students must maintain a B average. Certificate students may proceed toward the MTS while maintaining satisfactory progress.
English requirements
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Other requirements
General requirements
- Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.
- Each applicant must submit their undergraduate degree transcript and diploma in the English Language. Non-English language Transcripts must be translated and submitted for evaluation by the World Education Services (WES). Average GPA of 3.0 in USA and the equivalent of 85% or a “B” worldwide.
- Evidence of passing English language proficiency requirements
- Submit two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
- Complete Admission application and financial declaration forms.
- All applicants must submit a 2000-word writing sample.
- All applicants must submit a Government issued Photo ID.
- All applicants must submit a passport sized photograph (in JPEG format, recent color photo, plain/white background, bright, centered/front view of full face, eyes open and visible and cropped from just above the top of the head to the collarbone
- Submit an updated Resume/CV
Work experience
Professional work experience is not formally required. The certificate is suitable for educators, church servants, ministry leaders, parachurch workers, adult learners, and students seeking theological enrichment. Relevant ministry, service, academic, or community experience may support the application review.
Technological requirements
Students should have access to:
- Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB memory, 256GB hard drive
- 15.6” HD display, wireless adapter, webcam, and microphone
- Reliable high-speed internet and email access
- Windows or Mac operating system
- Updated browser, PDF reader, and word processor such as Microsoft Word
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents2664 USD / year≈ 2664 USD / year - Out-of-State2664 USD / year≈ 2664 USD / year
Additional Details
- Tuition: USD 222.22/credit
- Credits: 12
- Fees: USD 50 app; USD 100 tech/year; USD 100 library/year; USD 50 grad
Funding
Eligible Holy Transfiguration College students may apply for tuition assistance and scholarships, including need-based aid through TAP and merit-based support through the Bishop Epiphanius Scholarship. Awards are subject to eligibility, funding availability, and program rules. Learn more: https://htc.agora.edu/scholarships/