Diploma in Anglican Studies
The Diploma in Anglican Studies (DAS) is a one year qualification designed to meet the needs of those seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church. Normally, students will have either completed a Master of Divinity in a non-Episcopal school or have initially studied for ordination with a diocesan school or program. The DAS is also suitable for clergy coming from another communion or for laity who want a foundational education in Anglican theology, spirituality, and polity. An Anglican studies year is a rare opportunity to combine classroom study of Anglicanism with living and praying within an Episcopal community, being formed by its ethos and spirituality.
Our DAS students come with varied backgrounds in theological study and lay ministerial experience. The DAS is designed, therefore, to provide the flexibility needed to meet diocesan requirements as well as student interests. The program's director, the Rev. Nathan Jennings works individually with students in planning their year and helping them get the very best from their program.
Field education is a vital component of all training for ordained ministry. The Austin area has a superb range of opportunities that allow us to match our students' needs and strengths with a particular parish. Our professor of Contextual Theology, the Rev. Kathleen Russell, works with the DAS students and a team of clergy supervisors to ensure the most pedagogically effective experience. Field placements require long lead time to arrange. DAS students desiring a field placement should submit their applications by April 1st; otherwise, a field placement cannot be guaranteed.
DAS students also take up responsibilities for worship and preaching in the seminary chapel. Opportunities exist for education, mandated by dioceses, in anti-racism, professional sexual ethics, "Safeguarding God's Children" and "Title IV".
The diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed a minimum of 24 credits. Normally, this diploma is taken over one year of full-time study; however, students may extend their diploma to take further courses, over a longer period, if desired.
Prior to being awarded the diploma, a candidate must fully discharge all financial obiligations to the seminary and all requirements must be completed within three calendar years from the date of entry into the program.
COURSES:
The Diploma in Anglican Studies requires a minimum of 24 credits. Students may extend their diploma to take further courses, over a longer period, if desired. For those not taking the DAS for the purpose of ordination, 24 credits may be taken in Anglican Faith and Practice.
Anglican Faith and Practice (12 credits)
Including courses in liturgy, Anglican theology, history, spirituality, and moral theology. In the case of students with only limited foundations in theology, general courses in bible and introductory theology may be recommended.
The Pastoral Arts (12 credits)
Including courses in homiletics, pastoral theology, Christian education, leadership, and field education. Those interested in cross-cultural ministry, with special reference to Hispanic communities may take our January placement and missiology course.