Christian Studies

Our certificate in Christian studies provides you with a comprehensive overview of theology and ministry. The courses required for this certificate are the same nine units of required courses for all of our Master of Arts degrees. After these requirements are fulfilled, you can choose a variety of courses in theology, history, ministry and mission to complete your certificate.

Highlights

Purposeful community of learners and leaders
Experienced and published faculty
Theologically diverse student body
MFT and ministry students integrated in foundational courses
Option to study in Israel each summer
Option to attend the Hispanic Summer Program
Diverse practicum opportunities
Online courses available
Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Career opportunities

This certificate gives graduates a deeper knowledge of the Scriptures and a greater understanding of theology improving your current ministry leadership skills.

Program director

Brian Ross, D.Min.

Associate Professor, Program Director, Christian Ministry, Master of Divinity & Ministry Leadership and Culture

Faculty

Mark Baker, Ph.D.

Professor of Mission and Theology

Tim Geddert, Ph.D.

Professor, Program Director, New Testament

Lynn Jost, Ph.D.

Professor, Program Director, Old Testament, Director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies

Admission requirements

Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Online application and fee ($90)
Personal profile questions
Three letters of reference
Writing sample

Download the Admissions Checklist to get started

Course listing

Required Courses (30 Units)

Code	Title	Units
BIB 720	The Church and God’s Mission in the World	3
BIB 725	Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture	2-3

Must be taken as a 2 unit course

Code	Title	Units
MIN 704	Discerning Vocation and Calling	1
THEO 730	Discipleship and Ethics	2-3

Must be taken as a 3 unit course

Electives

Select 21 units from the following

Code	Title	Units
MIN 750A or MIN 762 or MIN 750C or MIN 750D or	Cross-Cultural Encounter: Los Angeles or Exegeting and Serving Your Neighborhood or Cross-Cultural Encounter: International or Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco or Intercultural Studies course	1.5
	Bible courses	3-9
	Theology or history courses	3-9
	Ministry or mission courses	3-9
BIB 709	Bible Knowledge Requirement Seminar	0

Must be taken as a 0 unit course

Disclosure Documents