Graduate Certificate in
Liturgical and Sacramental Studies
Program Duration: 1-2 years (Part-time or Full-time)
Total Credit Hours: 27
Program Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Liturgical and Sacramental Studies is designed to provide advanced education and practical understanding in the areas of liturgy, sacraments, and worship practices. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of Christian worship, whether they are pursuing ministry leadership roles, chaplaincy, academic study, or liturgical design. The certificate offers a comprehensive study of liturgical history, theology, sacramental rites, and pastoral applications, with a focus on both traditional and contemporary worship settings.
Admission Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A background or interest in theology, ministry, or religious studies (preferred but not required).
A personal statement outlining the student’s goals for the program.
Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Liturgical and Sacramental Studies will:
Have a deep understanding of the theological, historical, and practical aspects of Christian liturgy and sacraments.
Be equipped to plan, lead, and innovate in liturgical contexts, whether in traditional or contemporary settings.
Be prepared to engage in liturgical ministry, teaching, or further academic study in theology.
Understand and apply ecumenical perspectives in liturgical practice and be prepared for pastoral ministry roles that require liturgical leadership.
Graduation Requirements:
Completion of 27 credit hours (18 core, 9 elective).
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Successful completion of the Capstone Project.
A final review and approval of the Capstone Project by faculty.
Program Structure:
Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Liturgical Studies (3 credits)
- An overview of the history, theology, and practice of Christian worship. Topics include the development of liturgical traditions, the role of ritual in the Christian faith, and current trends in worship.
Sacramental Theology (3 credits)
- A study of the theology and history of the sacraments within the Christian tradition. Focus will be given to the sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, and ordination, exploring their theological significance, historical development, and contemporary practice.
Liturgy and the Church Year (3 credits)
- A detailed exploration of the liturgical calendar, including the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, as well as the celebration of feasts and saints’ days. Emphasis on the theological themes and liturgical practices associated with each season.
Theology of the Eucharist (3 credits)
- In-depth exploration of the Eucharist in Christian theology, its biblical foundations, historical development, and its role in the worship life of the church. Students will study various denominational views and liturgical practices regarding the Eucharist.
Liturgical History and Reform Movements (3 credits)
- A survey of the history of liturgical practices from the early church to the present, including major reform movements such as the Reformation, Vatican II, and the liturgical renewal movements of the 20th century.
Practical Liturgical Leadership (3 credits)
- A practical course focused on the planning, leadership, and execution of liturgical services. Topics include the role of the presider, the preparation of worship spaces, music in liturgy, and the integration of the congregation in worship.
Elective Courses (9 Credit Hours)
Students can choose 3 electives based on their interests in specialized areas:
Liturgical Music and Hymnology (3 credits)
- The study of music’s role in worship, with a focus on the historical development of hymns, liturgical chants, and contemporary worship music. Students will learn to analyze and plan music for liturgical services.
Pastoral Care and Liturgy (3 credits)
- This course explores the intersection of liturgy and pastoral care, particularly in sacramental rites such as baptism, marriage, and funerals. It emphasizes the role of liturgy in supporting the spiritual needs of individuals and communities.
Theology of Baptism and Confirmation (3 credits)
- A focused study of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, including their biblical roots, theological significance, and variations in practice across Christian traditions.
Ecumenical Perspectives on Worship (3 credits)
- A comparative study of liturgical practices across Christian denominations, with a focus on ecumenical dialogue and the efforts to unite diverse liturgical traditions.
Ritual and Symbol in Christian Worship (3 credits)
- A theological and cultural examination of ritual and symbol in worship, focusing on the significance of liturgical actions, gestures, and the symbolism of liturgical items such as altars, vestments, and chalices.
Christian Initiation and the Liturgical Rites of Passage (3 credits)
- This course examines the liturgical rites marking significant transitions in the Christian faith, such as initiation rites (baptism, confirmation, communion) and rites of passage (weddings, funerals, ordinations).
Capstone Project (3 Credit Hours)
Capstone Project in Liturgical and Sacramental Studies
- Students will complete a capstone project that synthesizes their learning from the program. The project could take the form of a research paper, a liturgical planning guide, or a case study of a church’s liturgical practices. The project will be designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate theological and practical aspects of liturgy and sacraments.