Black Ministries Certificate Program

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Black Ministries Certificate, students must successfully complete eight (8) courses. The following are the required courses; all others are electives selected from the BMP curriculum.

If any required course is waived, the student must take an additional elective to ensure the total remains eight courses.

Required Courses

1. Survey of the Old Testament
2. Survey of the New Testament
3. The Art of Communication
4. Theology and the Black Experience

In addition, students must complete the BMP Residency requirement by attending one BMP Retreat in person.

Black Ministries Program Residency

Replaces the Bible Institute

BMP Residency weekends occur twice each academic year; in early October and early March. These residencies serve as intensive, in‑person learning experiences facilitated by Howard Thurman Center faculty.

Residencies provide opportunities for:

• Face‑to‑face theological colloquy
• Embodied learning and reflective practice
• Community formation across cohorts
• Spiritual grounding and ministerial renewal

Residency Requirement & Support

• One in‑person residency retreat is required to complete the BMP Certificate.
• HTC provides scholarships covering the cost of one required residency.
• Students and alumni may attend additional residencies.
• Funding for more than one residency is subject to available grant resources.

BMP Residency Coordinator

Beverne Cordner, HTC Director of Operations
bcordner@hartfordinternational.edu

Convocation and Banquet

The BMP year concludes with the Black Ministries Program Convocation and Scholarship Banquet.  It is a celebration of academic achievement, spiritual growth, leadership development, and community impact.

This signature event includes:

• Recognition of certificate recipients
• Presentation of scholarships
• Celebration of academic excellence and ministry leadership
• Fellowship among students, alumni, families, faculty, and community partners

The banquet affirms the legacy and future of the Black Ministries Program and the communities it serves.

BMP Pathways

The BMP Pathways to Theological Education initiative creates structured routes for BMP students, whether they hold a bachelor’s degree or not, to advance toward graduate theological study. Supported by the Howard Thurman Center and Lilly Endowment funding, BMP Pathways expand academic readiness, reduce barriers, and promote equitable access.

Pathway Options

BA‑BMP Pathway: For students with a bachelor’s degree entering MA, MDiv, Chaplaincy, or similar graduate theological programs.

nonBA‑BMP Pathway: For students without a bachelor's degree needing structured preparation while enrolled in BMP, and special admission to HIU to enroll in MA‑level courses 

Program Benefits

• Academic advising and mentorship
• Graduate readiness support
• Funded MA‑level coursework
• Special admissions pathways
• Partnerships with Howard University School of Divinity, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, and others

BMP Policies

Program Costs

• Tuition: BMP courses cost $235 per course
• Application Fee: A non‑refundable $40 application fee is required
• Scholarships: Limited scholarship assistance is available
• Payment Requirements:
  • Courses must be paid in full before the start of the next class
  • Payments may be made by check or credit card
  • Cash and money orders are not accepted
  • Contact the Business Office (860‑509‑9524) to arrange payment
• Tuition Assistance: Students needing assistance should select from the financial assistance options in the application
• Books & Materials: Students are responsible for purchasing their own books and course materials

*A $65.00 graduation fee is assessed at the end of the program.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance must be requested at the time of application. Assistance is administered by the Howard Thurman Center and awarded based on available funding.

Hybrid Synchronous Learning

Students attend courses both on campus and online, meeting in real time via remote instructional technology. The residency component provides opportunities for in‑person colloquy, community building, and embodied learning.

Attendance

Missing two or more class sessions places a student in danger of failing the course.
Students facing attendance or personal challenges must meet with the BMP Coordinator for support.

Incompletes

The BMP does not offer academic “Incomplete” grades.

Withdrawals

Students must follow the HIU withdrawal process and notify the BMP Coordinator to ensure proper academic planning.

Black Ministries Program Student Support

BMP students have access to:

• Academic and writing support
• Community‑building and enrichment events
• Spiritual care and pastoral accompaniment
• Guidance and connections to campus resources

BMP Coordinator: Rev. Althea Walker
BMPCoordinator@hartfordinternational.edu

Library Resources

BMP students have full access to the HIU Library, including:

• Research databases and e‑resources
• Theological and reference collections
• Remote and in‑person research assistance

Student Resources

Student Resources | Hartford International University

Student IDs

All BMP students receive an official HIU Student ID, allowing access to campus facilities, library services, and student resources.

Student Email & Technology Support

All BMP students receive an HIU Student email to ensure more consistent communication and to better serve you. This email address will be used as the official communication channel, therefore students are responsible for making sure they check the account, or forward it to another email address. Official Email Policy. If you have any problems with your student email please contact the Registrar’s Office. Student Technology Support | Hartford International University

Student Handbook

Student Handbook | Hartford International University

Learning Opportunities

Auditing BMP Courses

• HIU students and alumni may audit courses for $235 per course
• BMP graduates receive a special audit rate of $75 per course

Alumni Seminars 

A collaborative learning experience bringing BMP alumni together for advanced theological conversation, leadership development, and community‑building. The Alumni Seminar series are announced in the Fall.

Continuing Education

Biblical Hebrew | Hartford International University Taught by Dr. Cleotha Robertson, Faculty & HTC Director, Biblical Hebrew is a continuing education course designed to introduce the basic principles of Hebrew grammar and syntax.  The course seeks to avoid unnecessarily complicating the learning process with massive amounts of vocabulary or technical explanation of grammar. The ultimate purpose behind mastering the basic grammatical/syntactical structure is to read, study, interpret, teach, and preach the Old Testament Scriptures with greater accuracy and authority.

God's Word in Greek | Hartford International University Join one of our two online groups reading Greek in non-credit, no-pressure sessions that emphasize enjoyment and personal growth through translation. This class, which includes participants from around the country, will get you back in the swing of translation. Your guide, Dr. Edward Duffy, has a passion for teaching Greek and refuses to leave any student behind. He believes studying sacred text in the original language is a "treasure waiting to be unlocked."

BLACK MINISTRIES PROGRAM and PROGRAMA DE MINISTERIOS HISPANOS

The Black church has long been known for its dynamic praise and worship experience. This course will explore contemporary trends of praise and worship in the Black church in light of the historical, biblical roots to provide participants with insights and skills to develop sound contemporary praise and worship teams and music ministries for the Black church context.

Instructor: Rev. Lisa Clayton 

 

Spring Retreat - Friday-Saturday (In-Person) Dates: March 6 - 7, 2026

Dr. Walter Fluker, Facilitator

 

REGISTER HERE FOR THE SPRING RETREAT

 

OR SCAN THE QR CODE ON THE RIGHT TO REGISTER FOR THE SPRING RETREAT

 

 

BMP-280: Black Theological Ethics - A Case Study Approach 

Fridays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Friday’s Online Only | Saturday’s, In-Person & Online)

Dates: Apr. 17, 18, 24, 25, May 1, 2

*Connotes a required course.

If you are a newly admitted or returning student:
Click here to complete the online registration form to register for classes.