Statue of Jesus is seen through pink tree blossoms.

Seminary Academics

Christian Studies Certificate Requirements

This 8 credit hour (plus 1 field education credit) certificate is a basic orientation to Christian thought, spirituality,  and practice at the masters level.  It is intended to be an intro to seminary and is often used as a gauge, for students who are either uncertain about their call to seminary or have struggled with past academics, to see if one is ready for a full seminary degree program.

Total Semester Hours: 8

Required course (1 sh):

  • MNST 6105 Academic Writing

One of the following (3 sh):

  • BIBL 5240 New Testament 1: the Texts and Their World
  • BIBL 5210 Old Testament 1: Pentateuch and Interpretation
  • HSTY 5210 Christian History 1: The Early Church to the Early Reformation (1-16c)
  • THEO 5110 Christian Theology

One of the following (3 sh):

  • MNST Ministry Elective
    OR
  • CEDF Christian Education and Formation Elective
    A student may take any 3-credit-hour course in the ministry or Christian education field that does not have a pre-requisite.

One of the following (1 sh):

  • SPFM 5201 Journey: The Story of Our Lives
  • SPFM 5211 Intercultural Spirituality: Praying Together

Required Field Education Course (1 field ed. hour):

  • FLDC 5300 Vocational Excellence

Detailed description of these courses can be found in our Academic Catalog (Full Seminary Catalog) on pages 63-77

Class Format

The courses are taught in a variety of formats including online, week-long intensives, and traditional on-campus, allowing for distance learning.