Global Ministries University

Global Ministries University offers a mini, undergraduate and graduate World Religions Certificate. The Certificate in World Religions can be custom designed and earned completely online.  This outstanding certificate program is ideal for those who need specific ministry training and/or continuing education in a specific area of World Religions.  

Mini-Certificate: The mini-certificate in World Religions consists of two courses selected from the list below and a project or paper.  The cost of the mini-certificate program is $450, which can be paid in three monthly installments of $150, plus a $50 application fee.

Undergraduate: The undergraduate certificate in World Religions consists of four courses selected from the list below and a project or paper.  The cost of the graduate certificate program is $1,000, which can be paid in eight monthly installments of $125, plus a $100 application fee.  

Graduate: The graduate certificate in World Religions consists of four courses selected from the list below and a project or paper.  The cost of the graduate certificate program is $1,400, which can be paid in eight monthly installments of $175, plus a $100 application fee.  

CERTIFICATE IN WORLD RELIGIONS CURRICULUM

TH504 Introduction to Buddhism This course provides basic information on the core beliefs, values, practices, and philosophy of the main Buddhist traditions: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism). Historical and Cultural contexts are covered throughout, including modern Buddhism and the transmission of Buddhism to the West.

TH585 Globalization and the Meaning of Islam This course will take theoretical and practical journeys into the Muslim world and local communities. On the theoretical level, we will address the struggle within Islam. We will also look into issues related to the assumed Clash of civilizations. This course will also discuss the possibility of a theoretical framework for better alternatives to the “us versus them” paradigm. On the practical level, the course will occasionally invite guest speakers to address relevant issues and will also try to visit some institutions within the local Muslim community with the hope of initiating a constructive dialogue on issues of shared concerns.

TH515 Comparative Religion Introductory survey of world religions using a comparative model of exploration. The focus will be on the nature of religious experience and the forms and expressions it takes in diverse cultures and diverse parts of the globe. One of the main purposes of the course is to acquaint students with religious pluralism and encourage greater understanding and toleration for a variety of religious or non-religious beliefs.

TH577 Religious Traditions of the World Beginning with stories from the scriptures of the religions, we look at the various dimensions of religion as part of the total human experience -- past and present, narrative, conceptual, ritual, practical, emotional, and social. 

TH576 Interreligious Dialogue This course will be conducted primarily from a Catholic Christian perspective sensitive to the breakthroughs of Vatican II in understanding and dialoguing with other world religions. It will begin with a close reading of the assigned text, "Steps toward Vatican III” and "Nostra Aetate."

TH582 Korean Shamanisn Ancient in its origin,Shamanism boasts of its popularity as an indigenous religion of Korea. This course leads students to explore a gamut of various issues and topics among which included are the function of Shamans known as Mansin and their rituals, particular histories, and gender/social/religious significances.

TH537 Gender and Sexuality in East Asian Religions This course is designed to help students explore and/or research a particular topic within the broad themes of gender and sexuality in East Asian religious traditions, which include Buddhism, Daoism, Shamanism, and goddess traditions.

Project/Paper Student will submit a project or paper that is related to world religions coursework and/or practical use of information acquired.  Subject matter of project or paper to be approved by GMU Dean of Continuing Education.