This seminar introduces seminary students to graduate-level research and writing skills with specific attention to academic writing, theological research, citations, and elements of writing style. The seminar introduces the nature of theological reflection and “thinking theologically” concerning various topics and issues they encounter in academic study and ministry. This course will also cover a basic introduction to Populi including how to use your school email account, access files, submit assignments etc... This course is a prerequisite for all certificates and degrees. 

SYNC via Zoom: Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm PST

This course introduces students to the basics of reading Coptic (Bohairic dialect). No prior knowledge of the ancient Egyptian language or Greek is required. The course will include grammar, morphology, syntax, and hundreds of vocabulary words. Following this course, students should be able to read passages in the New Testament. This course is required for those who are seeking enrollment in the Coptic Studies or Masters' Degree Programs. This course fulfills a core requirement for all MTS and is a general elective for all other programs or certificates. 

Live In-Person Dates: May 27, 2026 & July 15, 2026.

The eucharistic liturgy in the Coptic tradition is the result of centuries of historical evolution 

throughout the medieval period. In this course, this historical evolution is explored in its major 

phases through the available textual evidence of historical witnesses, liturgical manuscripts of the 

Bohairic Coptic tradition, and relevant works of Copto-Arabic literature. The course is structured around the major sections of the Coptic eucharistic liturgy: The prothesis, the Liturgy of the Word, the pre-anaphora, and the anaphoras of Basil, Gregory, and Cyril. This course fulfills a general elective for all programs and certificates. 

This is a survey of the structure and content of the biblical books of the Old Testament, and associated literature. Additional topics covered include the manuscripts of the Holy Bible, development of the Old Testament Canon, different patristic methodologies for interpreting the Old Testament as well as modern interpretive approaches. This course fulfills a core requirement for all programs and a core requirement for the OSC. It is a general elective for all other certificates.  

This course focuses on the Orthodox doctrine of the knowledge of God—the Trinity, the humanity and divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Other topics discussed include the doctrine of Creation and cosmology, biblical inerrancy, the nature of the Church, and the means of grace and salvation, and eschatology. This course fulfills a core requirement for all programs and a core requirement for the OSC. It is a general elective for all other certificates. 

SYNC via Zoom: Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00pm PST

This graduate seminar examines the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the modern era, with a focus on the transformative 40-year papacy of Pope Shenouda III (1971–2012). The course explores theological, social, political, and ecumenical developments, situating Pope Shenouda’s leadership within Egyptian society, Christian-Muslim relations, and the global Coptic diaspora. Key themes include Church expansion, ecumenism, state-church relations, and Pope Shenouda’s contributions to theology and education. This course fulfills a general elective for all programs and certificates. 

This course is an introduction to the New Testament, the Orthodox understanding of the New Testament and its interpretation, as well as an introduction to the field of modern biblical studies. Together we will survey the history, culture, geography, literary aspects, authorship, theology and important themes of the New Testament and its books. We will also explore the formation of the New Testament canon, manuscripts, and issues of translation. We will study the persons, interpretive style and techniques of important early patristic interpreters as well as the theories and methods employed in modern biblical studies. This course is a core requirement for the MTS and OSC certificate and a general elective for all other programs or certificates.