Non-degree learning opportunities are a great way to grow in your faith and skills. You can pursue a certificate, take individual classes, or even audit a course. In some cases the classes you take can be applied to a degree program, should you decide to head in that direction. Each of these opportunities provides access to our top-quality faculty and the rich, interactive atmosphere of a graduate-level learning experience.

Online classes are offered throughout the year in theology and biblical studies. Courses vary from six to twelve weeks in duration and require weekly interaction with the professor and peers through discussion forums, collaborative activities, and chat. Students in the master of divinity or master of arts programs may take up to 30% of their program online.

Certificate in Biblical Counseling

The Certificate in Biblical Counseling program provides an opportunity for those in a wide range of ministry service to bring current counseling skills to their ministries that will help people to grow and change. In addition to those who wish to examine the possibility of a future MA in Counseling degree, others who will benefit include pastors, church leaders, pregnancy counseling volunteers, crisis hotliners, educators, those in a social service environment, and anyone with a desire to explore counseling from a biblical perspective.

Certificate in Urban Missional Studies

Biblical Seminary and it's urban church leaders are concerned about urban issues and that is why we have developed the online Certificate in Urban Missional Studies. This certificate is designed to equip church leaders in an urban context with knowledge and application to strengthen one’s character, clarify one’s community, and be equipped to bring comfort to the community as it deals with issues of social injustice.

Certificate in Missional Theology

The Certificate in Missional Theology (CMT) was created to be an online tool to assist missional Christians who desire to enhance their awareness of how they are a part of the mission of God to bring righteousness, justice, and peace to those they serve. Courses are taught for application to ministry. The certificate offers each student the opportunity to interact and converse with both faculty and fellow students in the program, enhancing both intellectual and vocational growth.

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is an excellent way for non-professionals and professionals to strengthen their biblical foundation for Christian life and ministry. The certificate may also meet the requirements of mission boards for candidates who do not have a formal biblical education, and for Christian school teachers who need continuing education.

Certificate in Advanced Pastoral Studies

The Certificate in Advanced Pastoral Studies is designed for students who have completed a graduate ministerial degree (e.g., MDiv, MA in Ministry) OR students who have completed an academic MA in religious studies and who have at least 3 years of church pastoral staff experience. Qualified students who wish to continue their studies at the completion of the certificate may apply for the Doctor of Ministry program by fulfilling all of the DMin program admission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I simply attend one course?

Yes. An auditor may attend one or more classes for personal enrichment without receiving academic credit. The auditing student may participate in class functions at the discretion of the instructor, but will not be held accountable for tests or assignments.

Students may audit any course at Biblical except Greek and Hebrew language courses and MAC Courses (unless the specific course has already been completed for credit). In addition, students may not audit a class and subsequently pursue advanced standing (with or without credit; e.g., credit by examination) for the same class.

Students may sign up to audit a class at any point in the term (the audit fee remains the same). Those who wish to change from audit to credit must do so before the end of the first week of classes.

Do you offer any courses online?

Yes. Several of the classes within each degree program are offered online. The only exception is the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) degree program, which does not offer any courses online. However, many of the CAPC classes are available online. We also have two online certificates in the following areas:

• Urban Missional Studies: A certificate for students who are seeking to be or who are currently involved in urban ministry and desire graduate level education that will equip them to make an impact in their urban context.
• Missional Theology: A certificate specifically designed for students who want graduate-level studies in missionally theology but are not currently pursuing a seminary degree.