The department also offers a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). This program is for students who have already acquired a master’s degree in a recognized academic discipline. While in itself this certificate does not guarantee Religion Teacher or Pastoral Ministry Certification in the Diocese of Cleveland, the proper selection of courses within the certificate program can lead to such certification.

Program Requirements
To attain the Certificate of Advanced Studies a student must complete 18 graduate credits in Religious Studies beyond the master’s degree.

Certificate Program Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the CAS Program a candidate must:

• Have attained a master’s degree in a recognized academic discipline.
• Present 18 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate work in religious studies, theology, or their equivalent. 

Specific courses and requirements will be determined according to the needs and interests of each student by the student’s advisor after discussion with the student and with the approval of the chair of the department. Ordinarily the program will comprise at least one course in each of the following areas: Scripture, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, and Religious Ethics.  Students who already have graduate‑level experience in a specific area need not fulfill further requirements in that area. For the certificate, no transfer credits are allowed.