Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
For the ministry Practitioner
The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is for the ministry practitioner who wants to increase their knowledge and skills in pastoral ministry without committing to a full degree program.
This program is the ideal first step for those without a bachelor’s degree or looking for an on-ramp to a master’s degree.
21
Credit Hours
2-4
Years to Finish
In person or Online
Available in Spanish
Who should consider a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry?
Those who work in non-profit or church ministry.
Those who work in education either within a church or Christian school.
Still undecided about your specific career pathway? This degree is a perfect place to start.
Course Sequence
Courses can be taken one at a time to fit within students’ schedules. No bachelor’s degree is required.
Core Requirements
These four required courses can be taken in any order:
- New Testament Foundations
- Old Testament Foundations
- Theology for Ministry – or – Systematic Theology 1
- Church History II
No Bachelor's Degree?
Introduction to Theological Research will be required of all students who do not have a bachelor’s degree, its equivalent, or are admitted on academic probation.
Elective Courses
Twelve credits of electives provide students the flexibility to focus on their learning interests. Options include:
- Foundations of the Christian Life
- Worship Foundations
- Preaching Foundations
- Christian Interior Life
- Christian Life & Mission
- Practice of Counsel & Care
- Leading Christian Communities
- RCA Standards & Polity
- Take a look at the various courses available.
Soul Care Concentration
Western Theological Seminary offers its students the opportunity to engage in a retreat that is designed to re-fill their souls. Through our partnership with The Soul Care Institute (SCI), students can embark on a two-year journey of a group of peers meeting once every four months (six times over two years). Each retreat is filled with wisdom from experienced teachers, time to recover stillness, and encouragement from spiritual directors and peers.
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Contact Admissions to learn more.
YOU CHOOSE: ONLINE OR IN-PERSON LEARNING?
Are you an In-Person Learner?
Courses are completed at our Holland, MI campus. Students who take courses primarly in person tend to:
1
Prefer the physical environment of the classroom
2
Enjoy regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
3
Need a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats
4
Be committed to completing the degree in 2 years
5
Already live in West Michigan or are interested in moving to West Michigan
6
Plan to work part-time or less
Are you an Online Learner?
Online Learning is available to students in West Michigan and around the world. As an Online Learning student, you would typically:
1
Be a self-motivated, independent learner.
2
Wants the flexibility of organizing your own learning schedule.
3
Need maximum flexibility to fit school around your other commitments
4
Desire to stretch your degree out over many years
5
Live more than 150 miles from Holland, MI.
6
Plan to work full time while in school.
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Our application process is all online. Create an account, select your degree program, fill out the required form and wait for an email. Have questions? Email us at admissions@westernsem.edu.
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Important Dates
2023–2024 Academic Calendar
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
March
Deadline for international students
May
To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
August
Final application deadline for fall start
August
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
spring Semester (starts Early January)
Apply By
December
For best financial aid opportunities
December
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions