Clough School of Theology and Ministry
The information reflected on this page applies to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year. Please check back soon for details for the 2025鈥�2026 academic year.听
The 乱伦小可爱 Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) is an international theological center that serves the Church鈥檚 mission in the world as part of a Catholic and Jesuit university. The school prepares its students for ministries that are as diverse as the composition of the student body鈥擩esuits and other candidates approved for ordination studies, women and men for lay ecclesial ministries and for service rooted in faith. The CSTM is committed to the Catholic theological tradition, rigorous academic inquiry, interdisciplinary study, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and the engagement of faith and culture. The CSTM offers graduate degrees, including civil and ecclesiastical degrees, and certificate programs in theology and ministry that integrate intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, and personal formation.听The CSTM reaches out to larger theological and pastoral communities through the publication of New Testament Abstracts and through a variety of continuing education programs (online and on campus) that provide access to world-class theological and pastoral scholarship. For more information, visit the CSTM website at bc.edu/clough.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Applying to the Clough School of Theology and Ministry is straightforward; however, each program has specific requirements. Be sure to review carefully the requirements for your program of study. Access to the online application can be found through the CSTM website at bc.edu/stmapply.
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission
- Ph.D. and S.T.D.: January 15
- All other degrees: January 15 (for priority financial aid consideration)
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Summer Admission
- Post-Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Courage to Preach:听March 1 (early action deadline; rolling admissions after this date)
- Intensive on the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises:听March听 1 (early action deadline; rolling admissions after this date)
- M.A. and Non-Degree Programs: June 1 (for priority financial aid consideration)
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Spring Admission (Except Ph.D. and S.T.D.)
- November 1 (for priority financial aid consideration)
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Note:听With the exception of the Ph.D. in Theology and Education and the S.T.D., applications are still considered after the priority deadline, as space allows.
Admission Materials听
Application Form
The application form to CSTM must be completed online. In addition to demographic and academic information, applicants should upload their personal statement, resume, and transcripts at the time they submit their application forms.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible and before the posted deadlines. You do not need to wait until you have gathered all of your supporting materials to submit the application form.
Supporting Materials
- Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted. Fee waivers are automatically granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, veterans, and current CSTM students. We do not waive the application fee for other reasons. - Personal Statement
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the Application Form. Your statement should be three pages double-spaced and address the following:- The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to the CSTM. Include a sketch of your educational background and interests, any experience you have in ministry and/or religious education, and any other relevant professional and volunteer experience;
- Your understanding of theological education and/or ministry in the context of the Church鈥檚 mission;
- How you plan to apply your theological education;
- Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development;
- For the Ph.D., S.T.D., S.T.L., and Th.M. programs, please provide information outlining your specific area and field of academic interest, a proposed topic(s) for your research and dissertation/thesis, how your previous academic, professional, and/or pastoral experience has prepared you for studies within that particular field, and the CSTM faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work;
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of Recommendation
Degree applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system. Certificate applicants are required to submit at least one recommendation. Each recommender should be familiar with the applicant鈥檚 academic competence. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, the recommenders should be familiar with the applicant鈥檚 professional competence. For M.Div. and M.A. applicants, one recommender should be familiar with the applicant鈥檚 ministerial potential and experience. - GRE Scores
GRE scores are optional, but preferred if an applicant feels that their transcripts do not reflect their capacity for success in graduate studies, or if they do not have a background in the humanities. For students who send scores, they need to be received directly from ETS. Our GRE code is 2508. Please reach out to the admissions office if you have questions.
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541
- Personal Interview
A personal interview is required of master鈥檚 applicants. The Admissions Office will contact applicants to set up an interview virtually. - Writing Sample
A writing sample is required of Ph.D., S.T.D., and S.T.L. applicants only. The writing sample must be uploaded as part of the Application Form. The sample should be an academic paper, usually no less than 10 pages, not to exceed 25 pages. S.T.D. applicants are also required to submit a copy of their S.T.L. thesis upon its completion. - Transcripts
One copy of each transcript is required from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that an applicant has attended. If a college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to cstmapply@bc.edu. Unofficial copies of transcripts may be uploaded by the applicant with the Application Form. If transcripts must be mailed, they can be sent to the address below. If an official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application.
For supporting material sent by the U.S. Postal Service, please use the following address:
乱伦小可爱 Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Simboli Hall 224
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS, please use this address:
乱伦小可爱 Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Simboli Hall 224
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
Jesuit Applications
Jesuit scholastic applicants must follow the instructions above. Jesuits requiring financial assistance should have their provincial be in touch with the Rector of the St. Peter Faber Jesuit Community as soon as possible, so he may submit names to the U.S. Jesuit Conference. The provincial will need to indicate an intent to mission the student to CSTM, request housing, and indicate if financial funding is needed. The rector will then let an applicant and his provincial know what steps need to be completed. All Jesuit scholastic applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
In addition, Jesuit applicants are asked to complete a FERPA release form as part of the application process. This form will be sent by the admissions office and allows us to communicate with the rector of the Saint Peter Faber Community and other religious superiors about your application and, potentially, academic and financial matters while you are a student at 乱伦小可爱.
Non-Jesuit Religious Applicants
Religious applicants who are not Jesuits must also follow the instructions above. Religious applicants requiring scholarship and parish or convent housing assistance should apply by January 15 for the fall semester. All religious applicants are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Lastly, if accepted, the Office of Admissions will work with the Office of International Students and Scholars to process all visa documentation for international applicants.
In addition, non-Jesuit religious applicants are asked to complete a FERPA release form as part of the application process. This form will be sent by the admissions office and allows us to communicate with your vocation director and/or other religious superiors about your application and, potentially, academic and financial matters while you are a student at 乱伦小可爱.
Permission of Superior
All diocesan priests and members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop or major superior. The letter must indicate complete knowledge and support for your studies indicating degree and semester of initial enrollment. The letter must be on official letterhead and signed by your superior or bishop. The letter should be addressed to the Associate Dean, Graduate Enrollment Management and must contain contact information.
Additional Information
No materials submitted as part of the application for admission can be returned or forwarded to a third party. The Admissions Committee will not consider an application until it is complete.
The Admissions Committee takes into account all of the material submitted with the application: grade point average (GPA), GRE or other standardized test scores (if applicable), TOEFL (for international students), letters of recommendation, work and/or volunteer experience, and personal statement鈥攚here we look for a high level of intellectual, social, and religious maturity.
Acceptance to an CSTM degree program is not guaranteed and is very competitive. Therefore, estimates of the likelihood of acceptance cannot be given to any applicant.
Scholarship and Grant Funding
As an international theological center providing outstanding academic resources and an intimate community for its members, we want to help you finance your studies and make it possible for you to join us. 乱伦小可爱 Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) offers generous funding through several types of financial assistance. When you complete the CSTM Application, you are automatically considered for all financial assistance for which you may be eligible from the CSTM.
Tuition scholarships are based on considerations of academic achievement, potential for ministry, demonstrated leadership, and financial need. Funding is generally renewable at the same level in years following the student鈥檚 initial award year, assuming the student鈥檚 need and academic standing do not change markedly. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the admissions office for questions regarding the funding of their studies.
Federal Student Loans
In addition to scholarship and grant funding, the University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Students can borrow up to the total cost of attendance, minus any funding they are receiving from the CSTM through the Direct Loan Program. To apply for the Stafford loan, you will need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and also complete and submit the 乱伦小可爱 Graduate Financial Aid Application/Validation. Information and forms are available through the 乱伦小可爱 Office of Student Services located in Lyons Hall. Go to bc.edu/gradaid or call 617-552-3300 for more information. Please note that Federal Stafford loans are only available for U.S. citizens and residents. Please also note that Federal loans are not available to S.T.B., S.T.L., or S.T.D. degree seeking students, certificate seeking students, or non-degree seeking students.
Notification of your funding will occur after a decision is made regarding your admission into the CSTM.
Please note that if you receive a scholarship after you receive your loan package, your loan package may have to be adjusted. Federal regulations limit the total amount of aid (including student loans) a student can receive. Contact the 乱伦小可爱 Office of Student Services if you have any questions about Federal loans.
International Student Admission Requirements
As an international theological center, CSTM represents the changing landscape of the Catholic Church on the global stage by training priests, lay ministers, and theologians from over forty nations. While we continue to attract and train students from North America and Europe, more and more, the future leadership of the Church is emerging from South America, Africa, India, and Asia. CSTM is a part of this movement, training some of the first indigenous professors of seminaries, universities, and theological centers in those regions.
We encourage clergy, religious men and women, and lay students from all countries to apply to our programs. Below is important information that you should consider before applying.
Visa Process
When Applying
Applicants only start securing a visa after they have been accepted to a program. No work on the part of the international applicant needs to be done toward a visa until after they receive a letter of admission, have confirmed intent to enroll, and have proven financial ability for studies. (See next page.)
After Being Accepted
After being accepted, the Admissions Office will send you the Declaration and Certification of Finances form for the I-20 document. Filling out and returning these forms to the CSTM Admissions Office will start the process of obtaining an F-1, or student, visa to study in the United States, as long as you meet the financial and English language requirements.
International students, who are also Diocesan priests, must obtain priestly Faculties to serve as priests in the Boston Archdiocese. The student鈥檚 bishop or major superior must write to the Archbishop of Boston, requesting housing and facilities to function as a priest in the area. A copy of this letter should be sent to CSTM. 乱伦小可爱 can only issue an I-20, after such facilities have been secured.
Additional Requirements
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be demonstrated by an acceptable score on the TOEFL or IELTS exams or by receiving a degree from a college or university at which English is the language of instruction.
Acceptable scores can be found below. Students cannot be accepted into any CSTM program without an acceptable score:
- TOEFL: 85. When taking the exam, include CSTM's institutional code鈥�3971鈥攕o that your scores may be sent directly to the school.
- IELTS: 7.5 (band score)
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These tests are not required if:
- You are a citizen of Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Guyana, an Anglophone country of Africa, or an English-speaking country of the Caribbean.
- You earned your prior college or university degree in the U.S. or one of the countries listed above.
- You are currently enrolled as a full-time student in a U.S. degree-granting program or at an American or English-speaking school in one of the countries listed above and will have completed two academic years of college/university work before beginning your studies at 乱伦小可爱.
Costs
The United States Government requires all international students to prove that they have the financial means to support themselves while studying in the United States. If you are a member of the clergy or a religious, you need to document by either a bank statement or letter of support from your bishop or congregation that you have funds to live and study in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy will not issue you a visa if you do not have the necessary funds. Any tuition costs not covered by CSTM scholarship funds must be documented.
Financial Aid Scholarships
The cost of higher education in the United States is high. CSTM awards partial tuition grants to international students, depending on availability, to help ease their financial burden. Students must be enrolled in a degree seeking program. Students must exhibit an exemplary academic record and personal potential. Students should be aware that, even if receiving a tuition grant, they still must obtain support to pay for their living expenses. Unfortunately, Federal loans are not available to those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
All international students must show that they have sufficient funds or resources to pay for their tuition and living expenses during the course of their studies, whether support comes in the form of scholarships, grants, or support from a religious order or personal bank account. Applicants do not need to supply evidence of sufficient resources with their applications. Once accepted, the admissions office will send a form where one can document resources. No additional funding will be available to international students once they arrive in the United States.
Housing
乱伦小可爱 does not offer on-campus housing for graduate students. International lay students are encouraged to contact the CSTM admissions office and the 乱伦小可爱鈥檚 Off-Campus Housing Office, if they are interested in learning more about resources to help them locate housing. International diocesan priests and members of religious orders usually find housing with area parishes or religious communities. International religious sisters are encouraged to contact the admissions office if they are in need of housing.
Graduate Degree Programs
The Clough School of Theology and Ministry offers graduate students a number of degree-granting programs. Our degree programs prepare students for ministries that are as diverse as the composition of the student body鈥擩esuits and other candidates approved for ordination studies, women and men for lay ecclesial ministries and for service rooted in faith, and scholars preparing for a career in academia.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The School鈥檚 most comprehensive program, the three-year M.Div. program offers a course of theological, pastoral, and spiritual formation to prepare students for ordained ministry, professional lay ecclesial ministry, or doctoral studies. M.Div. students at the CSTM have a demonstrated passion for ministry and service to the world, and often go on to careers in parish ministry, campus ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, and non-profit work.
Student Learning Outcomes for the M.Div. Program
Upon completion of the M.Div. Program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic theological tradition.
- Bring the insights of the Catholic theological tradition into dialogue with contemporary social and religious issues.
- Integrate theological thinking and ministerial practice.
- Demonstrate capacities conducive to effective ministry.
Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.)
The M.A. in Theology and Ministry prepares students for a wide variety of ministries. Designed for students of all ages and career backgrounds, this two-year program combines theological study with the pastoral arts. Graduates of the program go on to careers in parish ministry and administration, ministry in Hispanic and/or multicultural communities, campus ministry, religious education, high school religion teaching, spiritual direction, faith-based social service, and hospital chaplaincy, among others.
There are three ways to complete the M.A.T.M. program:
- M.A.T.M. 48-credits: for on-campus students, with or without a concentration
- Ideally suited for full- and part-time students who want to take most courses on-campus. The 48-credit M.A.T.M. can be completed with or without a concentration and includes an internship.
- M.A.T.M. Concentrations
- Religious Education
- Latino/Hispanic Christianity and Ministry
- Spirituality
- Faith and Public Life
- Theology and the Arts
- Theology and Women鈥檚 Studies
- M.A.T.M. 36-credits, summer and online combination听
- Designed for those currently engaged in active ministry and/or who have extensive experience in ministerial settings or faith-based contexts, the 36-credit M.A.T.M. is completed through three-week summer residencies during CSTM Summer Session 2 and online or on-campus courses during the academic year. The M.A.T.M. 36 credit program does not require an internship and does not have an option for concentrations.听
- M.A.T.M. Dual Degree with options in counseling, education, business, and social work
- Dual Degree programs at the CSTM pair our M.A.T.M. degree program with one of four master's programs in other professional schools at 乱伦小可爱 (M.S.W., M.B.A., M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Through integrative inquiry, these programs form students to become agents of change and transformation in a variety of fields, prepared to address sensitive and complex challenges with compassion, faith, and courage.听听Dual-degree students may choose to enroll in either the M.A.T.M. 48-credit program or the M.A.T.M. 36-credit program.
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Student Learning Outcomes for the M.A. in Theology and Ministry
Upon completion of the M.A. program, students should be able to:
- Bring informed theological, biblical, and pastoral resources to interpret and to enhance the life and ministry of faith-based communities and programs of service;
- Embody the intellectual, pastoral and spiritual formation that is needed to provide leadership and empowerment to diverse communities of faith through various functions of education, ministry and service;
- Demonstrate leadership (ecclesial, educational, ministerial, and public) that is well grounded in theological and pastoral studies, and that affirms the values of justice and diversity, enabling persons and communities to integrate life and Christian faith in accord with these values;
- (Dual Degree Only) demonstrate the ability to integrate their studies in theology and ministry with their other fields of study
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
The two-year M.T.S. program (48 credits) offers a broad study of theology with the option to specialize in an area of particular interest. With a flexible curriculum and a special focus on scholarship, the M.T.S. is especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in theology. The program is also appropriate for students seeking personal reflection and theological development.
Student Learning Outcomes for the M.T.S. program:
Upon completion of the M.T.S. program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible, its historical contexts and methods of interpretation;
- Articulate methodologies of moral reasoning in relation to Scripture, Tradition, and experience, demonstrated by literacy in a specific area of interest;
- Demonstrate knowledge of Christian tradition, articulated in systematic thought on Christology, ecclesiology, or fundamental theology;
- Demonstrate critical knowledge of the historical development of the Christian church, its institutions, practices and teachings; and
- Articulate methodologies of pastoral studies and practical theology, and demonstrate a capacity for interdisciplinary and contextual analysis for Christian discipleship.
- Articulate the value of engaging the contributions of scholars of non-dominant races, ethnicities, genders, and nationalities in order to examine a social issue in light of justice.
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
The Th.M. is a one-year, post-master鈥檚 degree (24 credits) that is intended to deepen and focus a student鈥檚 foundational knowledge of theological disciplines and ministerial practice. Th.M. graduates come from various backgrounds and go on to use their experience in a diverse array of professions. Graduates take their Th.M. education and serve as teachers, administrators, medical doctors, advocates for refugees and human rights, and ecumenical ministers, as well as in numerous other capacities. Lay students who have already completed a master of divinity and who are interested in pursuing doctoral work, but believe they need additional course work, might also consider the master of theology.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Th.M. Program
Graduates of the Th.M. program will be able to demonstrate:
- At the completion of the Th.M. in Advanced Theological Study, a student will be able to demonstrate competence in a particular area of theological studies beyond the Master鈥檚 level (i.e. at the level of an advanced master鈥檚 degree). (THM-ATS)
- At the completion of the Th.M. in Ministerial Practice, a student will be able to articulate an advanced theological understanding of and demonstrate competence in a focused area of ministry. (THM-MP)
Doctor of Philosophy, Theology and Education (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. program educates scholars in the interdisciplinary field of religious education. Participants take courses in theology, education, and religious education; faculty members from each of these areas serve on both the comprehensive examination committee and on the dissertation committee.
Ecclesiastical Degrees
The ecclesiastical degrees are part of a three-degree cycle offered by an ecclesiastical faculty and granted in the name of the Holy See. The degrees provide training in advanced theological areas, preparing students to teach in a seminary or for religious and lay leadership positions in the Catholic Church.
The听Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.)听is a first-level, three-year ecclesiastical degree granted in the name of the Holy See through the ecclesiastical faculty of the Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) by virtue of its status as an Ecclesiastical Faculty accredited by the Vatican Congregation of Catholic Education. Admission to the S.T.B. Program requires two full years of coursework in philosophy (30 credit hours). The S.T.B Curriculum is fundamentally academic with an established curriculum of required courses determined by Veritatis Gaudium. Unlike the M.Div., it does not include electives or course work in Pastoral/Ministerial Studies, other than those courses specifically required for ordination. It prepares one to pursue the Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), a second-level, research-oriented ecclesiastical degree also offered by the CSTM.
Student Learning Outcomes for the S.T.B. Program
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Word of God and the Catholic theological tradition.
- Demonstrate an ability to bring the insights of the Catholic theological tradition into dialogue with contemporary social and religious issues.
- Integrate theological thinking with spiritual and pastoral practice.
The Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) is the second degree in a three-degree progression of ecclesiastical degrees. The S.T.L. enables students to build upon previous work and focus more on a particular subject or field within a Catholic context. An advanced degree, it provides students with two full years of work above and beyond the S.T.B. or M.Div. Students use the S.T.L. to continue work in Catholic theological studies, prepare for doctoral work, or teach or build competence for working within the Church. Officially, it is 鈥渢he academic degree which enables one to teach in a major seminary or equivalent school.鈥� The S.T.L. can open many doors for service in the Church, and in a number of official capacities within dioceses, religious communities, and institutions of higher learning.
Student Learning Outcome for the S.T.L. Program
Students will be able to demonstrate advanced mastery of a particular area of theological studies beyond the first cycle Ecclesiastical degree.
- Students will employ the hermeneutical principles and research methods germane to their selected area of concentration.听
- Students will employ historically, philosophically, and critically informed knowledge of the Catholic tradition in assessing theological positions.听
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the interplay between faith and culture including, where appropriate, underrepresented voices and contextual perspectives in addressing theological and/or ministerial issues.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of their academic studies to the advancement of the Church鈥檚 mission in the world.
The Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) is the culminating step in the three-degree ecclesiastical program. The purpose of the S.T.D. program is to create scholars who combine broad knowledge of a certain area, a critical knowledge of theological methodology, and an ability to contribute original research in a chosen field of study. Most students who complete the S.T.D. go on to teach in university faculties, seminaries, and theological centers. They also contribute to Church administration and pastoral work, using their extensive study, training, and expertise as resources for their community. Students interested in the S.T.D. usually have discerned a vocation of working within the Catholic Church or a related environment. As with the S.T.L., the S.T.D. can open many doors for service in the Church, and in a number of official capacities within dioceses, religious communities, and institutions of higher learning.
Student Learning Outcomes for the S.T.D. Program
At the end of the S.T.D. program, students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the student鈥檚 area of concentration
- Articulate how the student鈥檚 area of specific interest relates to the area of concentration, including global and contextual scholarship in the field
- Contribute to the scholarly life of the Church and academy through an original and constructive dissertation
Non-degree Programs
The Clough School of Theology and Ministry is committed to providing the opportunity for professional development and ongoing formation for today鈥檚 Church. Every person interested in exploring the important issues of the Church today can find a workshop, lecture, or course to meet his or her interest鈥攚hether professional or personal. Our programs are designed to fit into a variety of schedules, with day, evening, weekend, and online programs during the academic year, as well as one- or three-week courses held during the summer at CSTM.
Academic Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificates
Certificate in Theology and Ministry
The Theology and Ministry Certificate is a flexible 18-credit program for individuals who wish to study either a specialized area of ministry or an expansive range of theological areas, but not enroll in a full master鈥檚 program.
Certificate in Religious Education
The Religious Education Certificate is an 18-credit program for individuals who wish to study religious education, but not enroll in a full master鈥檚 program. Intended for educators in Catholic high schools and catechists in parishes who want to concentrate their knowledge, this certificate program is designed to adapt to student鈥檚 needs.
Certificate in Hispanic Ministry
The Hispanic Ministry Certificate is an 18-credit program designed to prepare students, ministers, and educators who are already working or are interested in doing so in the context of Hispanic communities anywhere in the U.S.
Certificate in Christian Spirituality
The Christian Spirituality Certificate is an 18-credit program that enables persons who are personally or professionally interested in the study of Christian spirituality to delve into historical and contemporary Christian spiritual traditions, themes, and practices with an eye toward effective spiritual leadership today. Teachers, pastors, ministers, and those drawn to spiritual formation work will benefit from this focused study of Christian Spirituality.
Certificate in Ignatian Spirituality
The Ignatian Spirituality Certificate is an 18-credit program that prepares persons to assume leadership in specifically Ignatian spiritual formation. It makes possible careful study of a highly influential Christian spiritual tradition, giving sustained attention to Ignatian and Jesuit spiritual themes and practices, pedagogy and leadership.
Certificate in Spiritual and Pastoral Care
The Spiritual and Pastoral Care Certificate is an 18-credit program that provides nurses, counselors, social workers, and parish pastoral care givers with an opportunity to explore the intersection of Spirituality Studies and Pastoral Care in ways that deepen their ministerial and faith-based service.
Advanced Certificates
Post-Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation
The Post-Master's Certificate prepares ministers with a prior master's degree in theology or a related field to be spiritual mentors for persons and Christian faith communities. This program highlights three themes鈥攑rayer and discernment, the art of spiritual direction, and working within faith communities.
Courage to Preach: a Post-Master鈥檚 Certificate
The Post-Master's Certificate prepares ministers with a prior master's degree in theology or a related field , to read and interpret Scripture and use it as a foundational collection to preach on contemporary issues, such as racial, economic, and environmental justice. The program will teach methods for preaching and teaching diverse audiences. It is especially attuned to the various opportunities, contexts, and media that can be most effective for reaching young adults.
Summer at CSTM
The CSTM offers an array of courses that can be used toward a degree program or taken for personal or professional development. We offer online and in-person courses, as well as one-credit options that take place over a one-week period. Students in the M.A. Hybrid program often complete much of their in-person coursework during the听summer session.
Individual Courses
Special Student
Special Students at 乱伦小可爱 are those students wishing to take one or more classes in the academic year. As a Special Student at CSTM you may earn academic credit without enrolling in a degree program. Regular tuition applies and up to 12 credit hours may be taken. Should you later enroll in an CSTM degree program, the credits you earn will count toward your degree. Special Students may cross-register at other BTI schools, as long as they take one course at CSTM. Special Students are also allowed to take select courses for audit for one-half of the credit cost.
Minister-in-the-Vicinity
乱伦小可爱 CSTM offers a special audit rate for those currently engaged in full-time ministry (ministers, lay ecclesial ministers, priests, rabbis, and others) who live in the vicinity and who hold a theological degree. Minister-in-the-Vicinity students can audit one course per semester at the rate of $100 per credit hour.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Integrity at 乱伦小可爱
Academic integrity is taken quite seriously at 乱伦小可爱 and by the dean and faculty of the Clough School of Theology and Ministry in particular. CSTM abides by the University policy on academic integrity to be found in the听Policies and Procedures section of this Catalog. The roles and responsibilities of students, faculty, and deans with regard to promoting academic integrity can be found there as well. CSTM students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with these policies and procedures, as they are held responsible for this knowledge. Students with questions regarding what constitutes a violation of 乱伦小可爱鈥檚 Academic Integrity Policy, especially with regard to specific courses and assignments, are invited and encouraged to ask these questions of their professors and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
CSTM Academic Integrity Procedures and Tutorial
Each member of the Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) community is responsible for supporting a teaching and learning environment that cultivates the necessary habits of heart and mind that are rooted in the Gospel. Because each violation of academic integrity鈥攚hether intentional or unintentional鈥攈arms our common goal to create an academic culture of honesty, all violations are taken seriously at the CSTM. Faculty members are responsible for promoting academic integrity in their courses by including a clear statement in their syllabi of the school鈥檚 policy and by discussing this policy in class at the beginning of the semester. Faculty are also responsible for promptly reporting violations of academic integrity as they occur. Consistent with the expectations set forth at 乱伦小可爱, CSTM students are personally responsible for upholding academic honesty in all aspects of their work and should hold their peers accountable when they suspect that a questionable act of academic dishonesty has taken place, either by directly addressing the violation as it is happening or by informing the appropriate individuals (a trusted faculty member or dean).
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, plagiarism. Students are responsible for educating themselves about what constitutes plagiarism and the inappropriate use of sources in an academic context. Any reference to the ideas or insights of others, either in direct quotation or in paraphrase, should be given explicit and clear attribution; to fail to do so is intellectually dishonest. Other instances of academic dishonesty include:
- Unauthorized collaboration on papers, presentations, assignments, and exams
- Unauthorized use of materials and sources in assignments and examinations
- Collusion with the intent to deceive
- Knowingly allowing your work to be used by others in an academically dishonest way
- Submitting the same work for two different courses
- Misrepresenting work that has been purchased or written by someone else as your own
- Lying in order to secure an extension on an assignment, to reschedule an exam, or to manipulate an outcome of a course requirement
- Cheating or copying from another student
- Fabricating stories or otherwise misrepresenting data in conversations related to training in counseling, CPE, and spiritual direction
- Inappropriate use of confidential information and inappropriate use of privileged access to spaces or information
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In order to cultivate an academic culture of honesty, faculty are asked to document all instances of academic dishonesty, even if the assignment itself is not graded or the violation did not result in a grading penalty. Violations of academic integrity are taken seriously because of the mission of the CSTM to prepare students for leadership in teaching and active ministry in the global Church where students will be expected to promote a culture of integrity after leaving the CSTM.
CSTM Review Process
Cases are reviewed by the Academic Integrity Committee (AIC), which is constituted by (usually four) members of the faculty, one student, and the associate dean for academic affairs (hereafter 鈥渁cademic dean鈥�). The chair of the AIC is a faculty person appointed by the Dean of the CSTM. All cases are handled with strict confidentiality. When a faculty member determines that a student鈥檚 work violates the standards of academic integrity, that faculty member should discuss the violation with the student, ideally in person, or in writing. The violation should be described and documented in a letter and sent to the academic dean along with the following supporting documents:
- Course syllabus with the instructions for the assignment highlighted
- The student鈥檚 work
- Evidence that a violation has taken place (e.g., copy of the original publication)
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Along with the supporting documentation, the faculty person should clearly state if the violation will or will not incur a grade penalty, and, if so, what the faculty member thinks that penalty should be.
For instances where there is no grade penalty, either because the assignment itself is not graded or because it is a low-weighted assignment, faculty should submit the necessary documentation and a clear explanation for why no penalty was issued in a confidential sealed envelope addressed to the academic dean. The chair of the AIC and the academic dean will meet to determine whether or not a violation has taken place. For these instances where a violation does not incur a grading penalty, an individual meeting between the student and the academic dean may or may not be scheduled. The academic dean will issue a warning letter documenting the violation to the student and to the faculty member. All paperwork associated with the violation will be archived in the office of the academic dean in a confidential file until the student graduates, at which point it will be destroyed. Such instances are considered to be minor violations or warning violations.
If the faculty member decides that the violation is serious enough to warrant a grade penalty, the following procedure will be followed: The faculty person should meet with the student in person or explain the situation by email. This communication should discuss the nature of the academic integrity violation and also how to avoid such violations in the future. There should be a clear statement about the grade for the work without the violation and the additional penalty that is being imposed for the violation. The penalty for the academic integrity violation should take into account the severity of the violation, the complexity of the assignment, and the weight of the assignment. Grade penalties for students found guilty of academic integrity violations should also consider the degree of premeditation involved. If violations of academic integrity occur towards the end of the semester, faculty should issue the final course grade of 鈥淚鈥� until the AIC review process has been completed. The faculty person should document, in a letter addressed to the AIC, the meeting with the student, and the grade and grade penalty for the assignment, and forward this letter and all supporting documentation to the academic dean in a confidential file.
Every violation that incurs a grade penalty will fall under full review by the AIC and the academic dean. Upon receiving a report of an academic