This page is part of the seminary catalog
Certificate Program
The seminary recognizes the value of its educational programs for certain persons who have not completed a college degree but who can benefit from graduate-level studies by reason of age maturity and significant experience in Christian ministry. Maturity of age will be evaluated on a case by case basis but is generally understood as at least 35 years of age. Significant ministry experience is interpreted to mean five years (or its cumulative equivalent) of multi-faceted church-related ministry.
The fulfillment of these criteria would be expected at the point of enrollment in the seminary. While the certificate program is not a degree program, the student participates in course work as a regular student. The minimum amount of study required for a certificate is 24 semester hours. (At least 12 semester hours of course work must be taken in residence. See residency requirements. See exception for online certificate below.) Persons with a college degree may enroll in this program if they choose not to pursue a degree.
The certificate program has three options:
- Certificate in
Ministry Studies - intended for persons
who have been serving in the pastoral ministry and desire
a year of leave for personal enrichment and development of
pastoral competency.
- Certificate in Theological Studies - recognizes the value of theological
study for persons in other ministry roles or in any vocation
who desire a more informed faith
- Certificate in Online Theological Studies - completion of eight online courses (see below).
In either of the first two certificates offered above an advisor will assist the student in the choice of courses appropriate to the student's interests and needs. Courses selected should reflect a balance of the various disciplines of study.
Students are also able to earn a certificate for online theological studies by completing eight courses (24 semester hours) offered in an electronic distance learning format. A student will need to go through the full admissions process used for other certificate and degree programs. The certificate for online studies can be applied to either the M.Div. or MACL degree programs should the student decide later to pursue a full degree.
If a student without a college degree successfully completes a certificate program and wishes to continue in seminary studies, application may be made for acceptance into a degree program on condition that the person have a GPA of 2.50 or above. The seminary will accept a limited number of such applications each year into any of the degree programs except the MAR program.
