Home » Graduate Certificates » Graduate Certificate in Ecotheology

Grow in practicing ecological justice through our Graduate Certificate in Ecotheology! 

Rooted in AMBS’s commitments to peace, justice and environmental sustainability, this certificate program offers an intersectional exploration of ecological concerns across theological disciplines. The coursework gives particular attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Global South and marginalized communities.

You can complete the 21-credit-hour program over two years of part-time study by taking two courses each semester and one Summer Term course.

The certificate can pave the way for further study or be an added specialization if you already have a degree. Note: It does not meet the gainful employment criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education. No transfer credits can be accepted into the Graduate Certificate programs.

Design

Students can complete the program from a distance through synchronous and asynchronous online courses. (Synchronous online courses meet at specific times via videoconference; asynchronous courses have weekly online assignments that you can do on your own schedule.) 

Those who would like to study on our campus in Elkhart, Indiana, can take a combination of in-person and online courses. 

Sample courses include:

• Ecological Hermeneutics
• Earthkeeping
• Practical Theology of the Climate Crisis
• Spiritual Practices: Faithful Living with Climate Change
• Spiritual Practices: Water of Life
• Spiritual Practices: Trees of Life
• Electives from the History, Theology, and Ethics Department

Students are required to take an orientation course, Leadership Education in Anabaptist Perspective (LEAP), in their first semester.

Want to go deeper?

AMBS offers a Peace Studies: Ecotheology major in our 80-credit-hour Master of Divinity and an Ecotheology concentration in our 52-credit-hour Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies.

Students who complete a Graduate Certificate and choose to continue studies toward a master’s degree will be eligible to apply for merit scholarships and/or reapply for need-based financial aid.

Ready to take the next step?

We’re excited to walk alongside you as you take each step on your journey. Together, we can experience the transformative presence of God in the work of being leaders for God’s reconciling mission in the world.

Apply today

Why seminary?

“In my favorite course from seminary, Earthkeeping, Malinda [Berry] facilitated really amazing learning opportunities among an incredibly international and intercultural group of both online and in-person students. Discussing creation care in such a diverse community was an unparalleled experience.”

Isaiah Friesen of Saint Paul, Minnesota (MDiv 2024)

Meet the AMBS Admissions Team

From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, we’re here to help you.

Mary Ann Weber, MA

Director of Enrollment

Janeen Bertsche Johnson, MDiv

Admissions Counselor

Paul Keim, PhD

Coordinator of Student Services

Teresa Thompson Sherrill, MDiv

Financial Aid Manager and Enrollment Coordinator

Yes, you can afford seminary!

AMBS’s low base tuition rate

+ generous need-based financial aid
+ scholarships for full- or part-time student
+ church matching grants
= an affordable seminary degree

See how affordable it is