The Public Theology Certificate (PTC) program is a five-course, 16-month program taught in partnership with Faith in Action (formerly the PICO National Network). The certificate explores and engages the arts of faith-based organizing as ecclesial practice for pastoral excellence, congregational vitality, and an active public theology. The Public Theology Certificate trains for a new model of leadership for seminarians and pastoral leaders that integrates disciplines and directs their application to current social problems.
Course Requirements
Introduction to Public Theology (core)
Community Organizing (core)
Religion and Society
Morality and Ethics
Internship (one semester)
Quick Facts
- Five courses can be completed in as little as 15 months.
- One semester internship with a mentor in student’s field of interest.
- Two core courses taken from BST; two electives from any of our partner schools (Graduate Theological Union (GTU), UC Berkeley).
- Access to the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, a world-class theological library (e-resources available), as well as the 26 libraries on the UC Berkeley Campus.
- Courses taught online and in remote formats.
- Can be incorporated as an emphasis in any BST accredited program or taken for certificate only.
- Rolling admissions.
BST is a founding member school of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) – a consortium of eight schools, six centers, six affiliates, nine projects and initiatives, and a world-class theological library.
One of the Most Interculturally Diverse Seminaries in the Country
Since our founding 150 years ago, the core values of soul freedom, service leadership, social justice, public witness, religious liberty, and the centrality of the Word (written and spoken) still guide and sustain BST to this day. These Jesus-centered values, rooted in our inclusive inter-cultural heritage, have made BST an attractive school for students of many faith and denominational affiliations.
Here you will truly enter a spiritual “world-house” of teaching and learning, with a world-class faculty and students from every habitable continent on earth.
