Certificate in Religion and Public Life

Students walking across HDS campus

The certificate in religion and public life (CRPL) is designed to prepare HDS graduates with the tools, skills, and experience to explore professional pathways in service of a just world at peace.

Through the CRPL, MTS and MDiv students engage in a structure of coursework, experiential learning, and creating. Students explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when a nuanced understanding of religion is employed within a particular professional context. 

Certificate Requirements

For HDS students, the certificate is awarded upon the completion of all MTS or MDiv degree requirements as well as three certificate-specific courses and internship:

Required Courses

  • HDS 3300: Religious Literacy and the Professions (MTS students must enroll in Year 1; MDiv students may enroll in either Year 1 or Year 2. Students explore a relevant profession for the duration of the class and CRPL program.)
  • HDS 4000A/B Religion and Public Life Internship (A two-credit course associated with the CRPL internship.)
  • HDS 4581 CRPL Capstone Seminar (Only offered spring semesters. MTS students must enroll in spring semester Year 2; MDiv students may enroll in either Year 2 or Year 3. Students complete a public-facing final project in their chosen profession and in consultation with a project advisor.)

A minimum grade of "B" is required in all certificate in Religion and Public Life courses.

CRPL Internship

The CRPL internship provides students with relevant work experience related to their chosen profession and the opportunity to work with a supervisor who is experienced in that field. Students evaluate and apply theories and methodologies explored in HDS 3300 to the context of their internships in order to gain skills and experience in communicating how a robust understanding of religion enhances professional and civic competence within a particular profession for the purpose of advancing just peace.

The CRPL internship requires 280 hours of work, including onsite supervision. Internships can begin only after the completion of HDS 3300 and must be completed prior to beginning the CRPL capstone project.

Please see the CRPL Handbook for more internship details, including compensation and supervision.

Obtaining the Certificate

Upon successful completion of all requirements for the CRPL, RPL informs the Registrar. The Registrar posts receipt of the certificate on the student’s transcript.

Resources

You can also visit the RPL website for further information about the Religion and Public Life program.