Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
Our Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies provides professionals, congregational leaders, and bivocational pastors with a foundation in theological and biblical study. You can complete the Graduate Certificate from our Elkhart campus, entirely online, or with a mixture of online and campus courses.
Design your own course of study
Since the Graduate Certificate requires only 21 credit hours, you can choose to complete it in one year with full-time study or over the course of several years with part-time study, including online and hybrid courses. See an overview of bg真人鈥檚 academic year and important application deadlines.
If you鈥檙e seeking basic theological training to enhance your participation in your congregation, profession or your own spiritual formation, the Graduate Certificate allows you to select courses that fit your special interest or ministry. In consultation with an assigned advisor, you can develop a plan of study tailored to your interests.
Select any courses
You may complete the Graduate Certificate fully online or with any combination of online, hybrid, and campus courses. (No transfer credits can be accepted into the Graduate Certificate program.)
See a list of upcoming courses and their descriptions.
Required course
As a part of your education at bg真人, the course Leadership Education in Anabaptist Perspective (LEAP) is required during your first semester in the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.
Recommended courses
The following foundational courses are recommended, but not required, for students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. For course descriptions and more details, download the bg真人 Catalog.
- Strange New World of the Bible 1 and 2
- One or both of the biblical languages or Introduction to Bible Study Tools
- Christian Theology 1 and 2
- God鈥檚 Shalom and the Church鈥檚 Witness
- Anabaptist History and Theology
Note: The certificate does not meet the gainful employment criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education.
Ready to take the next step?
We鈥檙e excited to walk alongside you as you take each step on your journey. Together we can experience the transformative presence of God in the work of being leaders for God鈥檚 reconciling mission in the world.
Why seminary?
Students and faculty share why and how they discerned attending their bg真人 program
鈥淚 really enjoyed taking courses with diverse students who came from different regions of the world.鈥�
Mariah Omer (Certificate), Addis Ababa, Kolfe Keranio, Ethiopia
Meet the bg真人 Admissions Team
From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, .
Yes, you can afford seminary!
bg真人鈥檚 low base tuition rate
+ generous need-based financial aid
+ scholarships for full- or part-time student
+ church matching grants
= an affordable seminary degree
Looking for more options?
Try an upcoming graduate-level course
Want to explore seminary study? Take an upcoming course!
Nonadmitted students get 50% off their first three credit hours!
Try an online short course
Looking to expand your theological knowledge?
Take one of our six-week discussion-based online short courses.
No grades, no papers!
Request a visit from an bg真人 instructor
Invite the faculty and staff of bg真人 to come directly to you in person or via videoconference.