Non-Conjoint Diplomas & Certificates
The Diploma Programs offer flexibility in course selection. Ten units of study constitute each diploma program. A student has a maximum of eight years within which to complete all requirements of the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Admission Requirements for all Diploma Programs
- A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, with at least a C standing, although a limited number of qualified mature students without a bachelor’s degree are admitted.
- Official transcripts of previous studies sent directly to the Faculty by the granting institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation sent directly to the Faculty by those writing the letters.
- A “Letter of Intent” from the applicant.
- Payment of a non-refundable application fee.
Purpose/Goal
The Diploma in Eastern Christian Studies is designed to provide a broad
theological, historical, and pastoral grounding in the Eastern Christian tradition.
Some courses are offered online as distance education through videoconference.
Five required foundational courses:
Introduction to the New Testament
Introduction to the Old Testament
Foundations of Eastern Christian Theology SMT1104H
General Introduction to the Eastern Churches SMJ161HF
Early Church History to 843
Remaining courses:
Five elective courses, at least one course from each of the following categories (please note this list is exemplary not exhaustive). It is highly recommended that students consult with the Programs Coordinator regarding course selection.
Category 1: Theology
The Three-Personed God: Eastern Christian Perspectives SMT2215H
Christ the Savior: Eastern Christian Perspectives SMT2210H
Introduction to Eastern Christian Ethics SMT2944H
Eastern Christian Doctrines RGT3563
Category 2: History
Eastern Christian Ecclesiology
History of Eastern Christianity RGH3430
Canon Law and the Church SMP2721H
Category 3: Liturgy
Byzantine Eucharistic Liturgy SMT3451
Introduction to Eastern Christian Worship SMP1102H
Byzantine Christian Sacraments SMT2141H
Introduction to Byzantine Liturgy
Category 4: Spirituality
Explorations in Eastern Christian Spirituality SMP2271H
Theology and Spirituality of Icons RGH3755
*At least 50% of all courses applied to the graduate diploma must be St. Michael’s courses.
If you would like to learn more about the Diploma in Eastern Christian Studies or would like some information about applying, please click the contact button below.
The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology is a leading, collaborative institution in ecological theology rooted in the Catholic tradition. Taking its foundational inspiration from the visionary work of cultural historian and priest Thomas Berry (1914-2009), the institute initiates and facilitates ecumenical and interdisciplinary scholarship and conversations that foster integrated knowledge and transformative visions for an inclusive, just, and ecologically sustainable society.
The task of ecological theology is to articulate an earth-honoring faith that draws together scientific knowledge with the wisdom of religious cosmologies.
As we are faced with accelerating climate change, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem collapse, it is essential that we recover our relationship to the earth, our kinship with non-human life, and the sacredness of creation. The task of ecological theology is to articulate an earth-honoring faith that draws together scientific knowledge with the wisdom of religious cosmologies.
Because ecological destruction affects poor and marginalized communities differently, the Elliott Allen Institute foregrounds an integrated approach to ecological theology that addresses the structural, intersecting injustices in our society and promotes integral human development and environmental justice.
In collaboration with the other member schools of the Toronto School of Theology (TST) as well as the School of the Environment and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, the Elliott Allen Institute offers a Certificate program for Master and PhD students seeking to specialize in Theology and Ecology. The Institute also offers a Diploma in Theology and Ecology as a continuing education program. The Institute regularly organizes webinars, conferences and lectures aimed at both academic and non-academic audiences.
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program aimed at professionals and students who wish to integrate the study of environmental issues and theology in their professional careers and for those who wish to study the theological and ethical dimension of environmental problems.
Purpose/Goals
Why study Theology and Ecology? As we are faced with increasing anthropogenic ecological pressures on eco-systems and the biosphere, we are hard pressed to recover our roots in the earth, our kinship with non-human life, and the sacredness of creation. The accelerated climate crisis further raises questions of meaning, justice, and equity. How do we answer to the anxiety and fear people experience in face of climate disaster and species’ extinction? How do we live in solidarity with, and achieve justice for poor and marginalized communities exponentially suffering the effects of climate change and increased environmental toxicity and destruction? Theology is uniquely positioned to address these concerns. Drawing on sources from scripture, tradition, experience, and scholarship, and offering critical analyses, hopeful visions, and spiritual practices, it speaks to the heart of the issues.
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is based in the USMC curriculum and the Toronto School of Theology. It draws on faculty resources in biblical studies, ethics, liturgical studies, pastoral care, spirituality, theology, and world religions and ecology. It spans the study of eco-theology; eco-spirituality; eco-feminism; theologies of embodiment, place, land, race, and indigeneity; environmental ethics; liturgy and creation; and cosmology and ecology.
The vision for the Diploma in Theology and Ecology is shaped by Catholic Social Teaching, and especially Pope Francis’s landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si’: On the Care for Our Common Home (2015). The program is further informed by the insights of cultural historian and theologian Thomas Berry (1914-2009). Berry’s scholarship on Cosmology and Religion has been foundational to the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology at the University of St. Michael’s College.
Diploma Requirements
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program. Most courses require 12 hours of contact time, with scheduling set by the instructor – e.g., four classes of three hours each, or a weekend with two six-hour days.
The program requires students to take five required courses, one in-depth course, 2 ecology and theology electives, one experiential course, and a capstone project worth one unit of study.
Whereas foundational courses offer an introduction to and foundation for the study of theology and ecology, elective courses offer the opportunity to further explore an area or topic of interest within theology and ecology. The field experience course is intended to integrate the study of theology and ecology trough field experiences in eco-justice ministry, eco-spirituality, and/or interfaith engagement.
Courses
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category:
Five Required Foundational Courses
Introduction to the Old Testament
Introduction to the New Testament
Foundations of Theology
Introduction to Eco-Theology
Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Category 1: In-depth (One course)
One in-depth course from among the following:
Catholic Social Teaching
Christology
Trinity
Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
Fundamental Themes in Christian Ethics
Israel’s Wisdom Tradition
Category 2: Ecology and Theology (Two courses)
Students may choose two elective courses. Elective courses allow for further exploration of a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of theology and ecology. Courses that count towards the elective requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice; food and food justice; nature mysticism; gender and ecology; Indigenous spirituality; and environmental racism. Examples of elective courses are:
Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications SMT 3370/6370
Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet EMT 3950/695
Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews EMT2XXX
Theological Significance of Wendell Berry RGT 3532/6532
Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr RGT 3661/6661
Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness TRB 3831/6831
Taste and See: A Theology of Food TRT 2872
Category 3: Experiential (One course)
Students will need to complete one experiential course. Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study theology and ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; and/or multi-faith engagement.
Experiential Course Offerings:
Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice SMT 2610
Interfaith in the City SMT3540
A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada SMH2801
ln-culturation and Spirituality SMT3633
*At least 50% of all courses applied to the graduate diploma must be St. Michael’s courses.
Category 4: Capstone Project (One unit of study)
This requirement can be completed in consultation with the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute and the Programs Coordinator.
If you would like to learn more about the Diploma in Eco-Theology or would like some information about applying, please click the contact button below.
The Certificate in Theological Studies (Post-Baccalaureate), conjointly awarded by The University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto, provides university graduates with a general university-level foundation in Christian studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Theological Studies is a 7-course certificate geared towards students who may be interested in studying theology but are not ready to commit to a full master’s degree.
These courses can be transferred if a student wishes to pursue a master’s degree.
Courses in Eastern Christian Studies taken in conjunction with the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute may be applied to this certificate.
Funding may be available for full-time students.
If you would like to learn more about the Certificate in Theological Studies (Post-Baccalaureate) or would like some information about applying, please click the contact button above.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, college, or Indigenous Institute with a CGPA of 2.7. Normally this should be a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in a field of the humanities or social sciences.
- Where applicants have a different post-secondary background, TST may require them to begin their conjoint Certificate with courses that will build their skills of research, critical thinking, and expository writing.
The following courses are required of the certificate:
- Introduction to the Old Testament (SMB1007)
- Introduction to the New Testament (SMB1501)
- 1 course in Introductory Systematics (1000 level course)
- 1 History overview course (1000 level course)
- 1 introductory course of your choosing (1000 level course)
- 2 courses at an advanced level (2000-3000 level)
For further details, please consult the Recruitment and Enrollment Officer.
The Sheptytsky Institute offers primarily graduate university degree programs in Eastern Christian Studies.
At this level, there are two professional (pastorally oriented) basic degrees: M.Div. and M.T.S., with an emphasis on Eastern Christianity, as well as two research-oriented advanced degrees: the M.A. and the Ph.D. Sheptytsky Institute professors teach in four general areas of specialization: Spirituality-Doctrine, Liturgical Studies, Historical Studies, and Ecumenism and Eastern Christianity.
Some courses are offered online as distance education through videoconference.
If you would like to learn more about the Certificate in Eastern Christian Studies or would like some information about applying, please click the contact button above.