The Faith Seeking Justice Christian Leadership Certificate is a 12 credit program that integrates 鈥渒nowing, being and doing.鈥
It aims to prepare and empower individuals who are committed to spiritual formation, leadership development, and justice advocacy as integral aspects of the church鈥檚 ministry in a global context. The curricular component involves four religion courses. To complement the curricular requirements with practical experience, students in the program will participate in co-curricular activities related to the themes of Spiritual Formation, Leadership Development and Doing Justice in a three-year cycle. These activities include, but are not limited to being part of a covenant group, attending conferences and retreats, and participating in service and/or ministry opportunities.聽
Learn More About This Program
Our program is unique with respect to its commitment to serving the Christian community and specifically the United Methodist Church through the academic study of religion. Shenandoah also enjoys a cooperative relationship between its Department of Religion and the Office of Spiritual Life.
To learn more about the Faith Seeking Justice Christian Leadership Certificate Program, email spirituallife@su.edu.
四虎影视’s聽College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You鈥檒l learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Co-Curricular Requirements
Students will be required to engage in 20 hours of approved co-curricular opportunities each year as a way to deepen their understanding of the theme of that year through experiential learning practices.
Internship Possibilities
You will apply and practice your academic learning through immersive experiences in the Office of Spiritual Life, as well as other faith-based ministries.
The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Classes
Through this leadership program, you will learn:
- Basic biblical and theological knowledge relevant to an understanding and analysis of the Christian faith tradition
- Introductory knowledge of the great religious traditions of the world and more in-depth knowledge of at least one non-Christian tradition
- How to read and think critically about religious faith in a context where faith is respected
- How to communicate effectively, especially in writing, as well as orally
- How to explore and experience different models of leadership in multiple contexts
- About issues of justice both globally and locally, and how to engage in them, connecting this to your faith
- Different spiritual disciplines, practices, and ways to engage your faith
- How to be an ethical, effective leader
Major in whatever field of study you like, and graduate with a certificate in Christian Leadership, too. Along with the Christian Leadership Certificate Program, the聽Religion major prepares you for seminary and leadership in the 21st century church.
You鈥檒l have the opportunity to study with a diverse core of deeply qualified and broadly experienced faculty with specialized expertise in spirituality and ethics.
You鈥檒l read and write extensively about the Christian religious tradition and have your own religious perspectives challenged and broadened.
Course Requirements
Faith Seeking Justice Christian Leadership Certificate
Required Courses (12 hours)
- Religion 110-The Global Context of Christian Leadership
- Religion 112-Christian Discipleship
- Religion 21x- Any course on the Bible
- Religion 301-Christian Theology
Elective Course (3 hours)
- Religion 320-Christian Education
- Religion 321-Church Leadership
- Religion 330-Christianity in the United States
- Religion 332-Christianity in the African-American Experience
- Religion 340-Religion and Ecology
- Religion 341-Gender and Religion
- Religion 421-Practicum in Ministry
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Faculty
You鈥檒l have the opportunity to study with a diverse core of deeply qualified and broadly experienced faculty with specialized expertise in spirituality and ethics.
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who鈥檝e already done what you dream of doing. You鈥檒l be in a small class 鈥 the average class size is approximately 12 students 鈥 with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you聽pursue your academic and career goals.
Application Information
Application Information
Faith Seeking Justice Christian Leadership Certificate Application Information:
You must be admitted to 四虎影视 in order to apply to the Christian Leadership Certificate program.
Apply for admission to 四虎影视
If you are already a current student at 四虎影视, you only need to submit the .
四虎影视 works聽on rolling admissions聽and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Annual Events Will Broaden Your Perspective
Each year, our program focuses on one of our three themes of spiritual formation, leadership development, and justice advocacy and plans an event or trip based on that theme. Faith Seeking Justice students will have the option of being part of this event, which will allow a deeper engagement of the theme.
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. 聽These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
四虎影视 is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
四虎影视 also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. 聽These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. 聽All partner universities offer courses taught in English.