Diplomas & Certificates

Are you passionate about serving Jesus in a way that is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is deeply relevant to the ministry needs around you? Are you looking for both academic excellence and spiritual formation?

The Diploma in Christian Ministry is an 18 credit hour (6 courses) program made up of courses at the Master’s level.  The hours earned in this Diploma Program can be applied to a MAR or MDiv degree.

The Certificate in Christian Ministry is a non-credit version.  The Certificate student would be enrolled in the same courses; the level of work, however, is tiered (less reading, reduced requirements), and the course graded on a pass/fail basis. Certificate courses cannot be applied to a Master’s degree. 

Residential students generally take 2-3 courses per term in Fall and Spring, supplementing as desired with January & June intensives.  Most residential students graduate after 1 year of full-time study.  Distance students generally take 1-2 courses per term in Fall, Spring, and Summer, supplementing with January & June intensives.  Most distance students graduate after 1-2 years of part-time study.

A Lutheran track in partnership with the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) and a Presbyterian track in partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) are also available.  Please see Our Programs Additional Tracks section for more information.  More information about the NALS and EPC Partnerships is available here.

Application Deadlines

Fall Start: July 1

Spring Start: December 1

The Curriculum

Diploma/Certificate in Christian Ministry