Mennonite Studies

Mennonite Studies certificate

The Mennonite community has played a leadership role in the development of the social, economic, intellectual, and religious life of the Fraser Valley for well over a century. With approximately 25% of the population in Abbotsford identified as currently affiliated with a Mennonite church or having a Mennonite background, the impact of this group is unquestionable.

Whereas Mennonites are widely recognized for their religious commitments and institutions, their numerous other endeavors and achievements have often been overlooked in the broader community. Throughout the Fraser Valley, Mennonites have founded businesses, educational institutions, credit unions and cooperatives, relief and development organizations, and health care facilities. Mennonites are also represented in the public realm, as university faculty, political officials, and in the arts. The interdisciplinary field of Mennonite Studies, which is widely recognized in North American academic work, analyzes the broad experiences of the Mennonite community in terms of its historical and cultural development over the span of five centuries, and relates that examination to the contemporary expression of Mennonite life, in a wide range of contexts.

This 20-credit certificate, which draws its offerings from across a number of UFV Arts disciplines, is designed for students who are considering – or who are currently involved in – careers in teaching, public service, community development, social policy, and church work. Students will develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in developing their careers and pursuing further studies in these areas, as well as in preparing them to be thoughtful, critically informed, and engaged citizens of an increasingly complex world.

Entrance requirements

New students should apply to Qualifying Studies. Students will be required to meet the admissions requirements for the university, as well as meet course prerequisites.

Students currently enrolled in post-secondary programs are required to meet only the course prerequisites.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Other than the $25 graduation fee, there are no additional fees for the certificate.

Program requirements

Students must complete the core program, totaling a minimum of 19 credits from at least 6 courses, as follows:

Core courses: 6 credits

Four courses from the following electives: 13-16 credits

Note 1: Only one language course may be counted toward the certificate.
Note 2: Directed Studies courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Residency

Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in courses required for the certificate at UFV.

Graduation requirements

Students are required to achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in all courses applied to the certificate.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.