6 Courses (18 Credits)
Available 100% online or residentially at our Charlotte campus.
6 Courses (18 Credits)
Available 100% Online
The Graduate Certificate in Theology and the Arts equips Christians to integrate theological and biblical insights with artistic practices, forms, and vocations.
Artists and ministry leaders often sense a deep connection between creativity and faith but lack opportunities to develop it thoughtfully. The Graduate Certificate in Theology and the Arts is designed for artists and art appreciators seeking theological training, as well as Christian leaders desiring a richer understanding of artistic expression.
Through engagement with a range of artistic traditions—including visual art, literature, film, music, theatre, and architecture—you will gain a biblical-theological perspective on the role of the arts in Christian formation, discipleship, ministry, and mission. Be equipped to thoughtfully integrate creativity into your vocation with theological depth and clarity.
This certificate program is ideal for:
- Artists
- Pastors
- Ministry leaders
- Arts advocates
Courses
Six courses (18 credits): 2 Required & 4 Electives
Divine Revelation, the Arts, and Christian Formation
This course elucidates the biblical and theological foundations for the arts and offers a holistic framework for how the arts impact Christian theology and spiritual formation. This course uses examples from diverse artistic genres to explore practical implications for discipleship, worship, pastoral leadership, mission, cultural engagement, and creative fidelity in everyday life.
The Triune God, Creation, and Human Creativity
This course examines the dynamics of divine creation through the work of the Father, Son, and Spirit and how human creativity mirrors and participates in the creative activity of the triune God. This course integrates theological reflection with practical explorations of creativity, artistry, culture, and vocation.
Electives (Choose 4 of the 5):
Christianity and Visual Art
This course equips students to engage visual art within historic and contemporary Christianity, with a focus on the Western tradition. This course explores case studies, controversies, and interpretive tools to understand art as a site of theological expression, cultural dialogue, and spiritual formation.
History and Theology of Black Music: From Spirituals to Afro-Futurism
This course surveys the history of Black music and its relationship to theology-making. This course explores how music has shaped theological formation and biblical interpretation in the African diaspora and the Black Church, engaging themes of resistance, identity, and cultural expression across traditions from spirituals to Afro-futurism.
C.S. Lewis' Life, Works, and Spirituality
This course explores the writings and spiritual pilgrimage of one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. This course traces the life and work of C.S. Lewis—from County Down to Cambridge, through two World Wars, and into Narnia and Perelandra—examining his contributions as a scholar, apologist, and author.
Tolkien’s Apocalyptic Imagination
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien from a biblical and theological perspective. This course gives special attention to the relationship between Tolkien’s imaginative world and apocalyptic literature in Scripture.
Film and the Christian Story
This course examines theology and film as an aspect of a theology of culture. This course develops critical skills for film interpretation through the viewing and discussion of selected films and engagement with theological approaches to film criticism.
Further Study
Our Graduate Certificates are intentionally modular, allowing you to stack certificates together to build towards (or even complete) a master’s degree.
Christian Studies
Theology and the Arts
MATS
MA in Theological Studies
Combining the Christian Studies Certificate fulfills 60% of the requirements for the MATS (12/20 courses or 36/60 credit hours).
Have Questions?
Someone from our friendly admissions team would be happy to reach out to you.
