Earn Your Biblical Studies Graduate Certificate Online
Follow your faith and renew your personal devotion to Christ with a biblical studies certificate. Grand Canyon University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Biblical Foundations is designed to prepare the faithful for service in teaching ministries. Develop your biblical knowledge and become competent in the interpretation of Scripture. Explore how to embrace God’s message and apply Christian principles to all aspects of life.
Offered by the College of Theology, this graduate certificate in biblical studies program takes students on a spiritual journey from the Old Testament to the New Testament. There is an emphasis on the development of the Christian character, and on the fundamentals of becoming a spiritual leader for your local Christian community.
With GCU’s flexible online learning options, modern students can deepen their understanding of their faith no matter where they are. Continue to meet your professional and familial obligations while broadening your understanding of Scripture and its ethical applications. The online learning platform enables students to engage in lively discussions with their Christian peers, while learning from fully qualified instructors. Earn your graduate certificate after just 18 credits of study. Most of the online courses are eight weeks in length.
What Are the Benefits of a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies?
The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Biblical Foundations empowers students to examine their own personal devotion to Christ, develop their Christian leadership capabilities and guide others in their Christian communities to know and love God. Students strengthen their ministerial and theological skills, and gain an in-depth understanding of faith formation and spiritual principles. The biblical studies certificate program is comprised of the following courses:
- Introduction to Graduate Studies in Ministry and Theology
- Old Testament Foundations
- New Testament Foundations
- Biblical Hermeneutics
- Christian Character Formation
While studying the Old Testament, students explore topics such as the creation narrative, the exodus and the conquest and settlement of Canaan. Students explore the text in light of historical backgrounds and learn to interpret the books of the Old Testament. In New Testament Foundations, learners explore Jesus’ ministry, teachings, death and resurrection. There is also an examination of Paul and the rise of the gentile Christianity.
In Biblical Hermeneutics, students learn the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation and the use of biblical language tools. In Christian Character Formation, students explore the virtues and habits that contribute to discipleship.
What You Can Do With a Biblical Studies Certificate
A desire to serve others in Christ motivates students to pursue a biblical studies graduate certificate. You may feel called to inspire and guide the spiritual development of others, and to help them explore their religious questions. There are many possible career paths in which you can accomplish what God has called you to do. Jobs that may be related to this graduate certificate include:
- Pastor
- Associate pastor
- Administrative pastor
- Christian leader
- Foreign or domestic missionary
- Ministry director
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in ministry and theology. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course surveys the text and historical background of the Old Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the Old Testament.
Course Description
This course surveys the text and historical background of the New Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the New Testament.
Course Description
This course is a study of the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, exegesis, and application, especially in the context of ministry, including an introduction to the use of biblical language tools.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths of the gospel and the corresponding virtues and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship. Students study God's work in the formation of Christ-like character as they learn to keep in step with the Spirit in all aspects of life. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and character in the Pastoral Epistles.
Online
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
Evening
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length .
Online and Evening program disclosures (0.833 years)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.