Programs of Study

Diploma of Theological Studies

The Diploma of Theological Studies is designed for Christians who desire intensive training in Biblical studies, theology, and practical ministries. This 66-credit-hour approach to ministry training is especially attractive to pastors and lay persons in that the training occurs as a part of the church’s own Bible Institute and is tailored to involve the laity in the ministries of the local church.

Advanced Certificate of Theology

The advanced certificate is designed to acknowledge each student’s accomplishment by completing half of the Diploma curriculum. Students will be awarded the Advanced Certificate of Theology upon completing of 33 hours of Diploma curriculum. In addition to recognizing the accomplishment, the advanced certificate will also provide incentive for students to finish the Diploma program.

Short-Term Theological Certificates

Short-Term Theological Certificates provide options for churches wanting to offer shorter training for their workers than the 33-credit-hour Advanced Certificate of Theology or the 66-credit-hour Diploma of Theological Studies and yet use the same curriculum. These 19-credit-hour certificates also provide options for Bible Institute students who need a short-term incentive to aim for or who, for one reason or another, cannot complete the 33- or 66-hour program. Once students have completed the 19-credit Short-Term Theological Certificate, they will receive a joint certificate and can continue on toward the Advanced Certificate of Theology. We are offering six specialized certificates with required courses and electives in each. Each certificate requires a 1-credit-hour Ministry Practicum course to provide hands-on practical ministry training experience. The certificates available are as follows:

A. Christian Workers Certificate (for short-term training as a Christian worker in the local church or ministry. See page #16 for more information)

B. Christian Education Certificate (for those in church Christian education programs such as Sunday school, children’s church, youth ministry, cell group ministry, etc. See page #17 for more information)

C. Christian Caregiving Certificate (for training lay counselors in the local church. See page #17 for more information)

D. Christian Mission Certificate (for training in evangelism, church planting, and missions. See page #18 for more information)

E. Biblical Studies Certificate (for students who want to focus on Biblical studies See page #18 for more information)

F. General Theological Studies Certificate (for students who do not want a specialized certificate, but rather, a variety of general theological studies. See page #19 for more information)