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The University of Mary’s certificate in Sacred Scripture will provide you with deep knowledge of Scripture’s story of salvation history and its interpretation according to the Church’s historic tradition.

From apostolic times to today, the Church has cherished and venerated Sacred Scripture. Yet in our age of distraction, many lack knowledge of its content and ways of interpretation and application. In this certificate program, you will learn the story of salvation history that the Bible tells and how to interpret it in accord with the Church’s teaching as you discern its letter and its spirit by employing the historical significance. Moreover, you will be enriched in your own scriptural prayer and devotion as well as in your abilities in communicating its glories and depths to others in evangelism and catechesis. This certificate can be combined with the certificates in Marriage and Family and Prayer and Spiritual Direction to complete the requirements of the MA in Applied Catholic Theology.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission.
We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

88%
Percent of those who read scripture weekly have prioritized faith within their life

Program Length

1 semester / 9 credits

Format

  • Online 

Tuition per Credit

In keeping with our commitment to supporting the catholic professional seeking further education, we offer each eligible candidate up to $3,000 in scholarships.

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Directors of Religious Education (DREs)
  • Diocesan and Parish Personnel
  • Clergy
  • Volunteers involved in faith formation
  • Individuals interested in the salvation story, history, and interpretation of Sacred Scripture

Career Paths

  • Theology and Religion Instructor
  • Church Leader
  • Missionary Work
  • Director of Religious Education

What You’ll Learn

  • How to understand and encounter God's word in Scripture

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

The Mystery of the Sacred Page

Address the philosophy and fundamental theology requisite for the proper and fruitful interpretation of Sacred Scripture with a view towards making true and faithful judgments regarding its content, as formed by the life and teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

The Mystery of Israel: The Old Testament

Interpret the story of the Old Testament according to its letter and Christian spirit, focusing on the various sections of the Scriptures of Israel, its reception and interpretation by Jesus and the Church, and the divine pedagogy that leads to mystagogy and the Scriptures’ fulfillment in Christ.

The Mystery of Jesus and the Church

Explore the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline corpus in depth, as well as Hebrews, the Catholic Epistles, and Revelation, in order to illuminate and deepen comprehension of the content of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teaching of His Church.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.

    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?

  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online