Cultivate Character and Gain Theological Knowledge
The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Ministry Education, offered by the College of Theology, equips students with the basic understandings for biblical interpretation, theology, ethics and pastoral ministry, while also cultivating Christian character.
Along with critical competencies of the university's mission, you will engage in the core competencies of global ministry that include:
- Describe significant ethical principles in Scripture including the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
- Analyze the biblical basis and theological rationale for spiritual formation.
- Apply theological and ethical principles to ministry situations.
- Demonstrate the skills and hermeneutical principles necessary for a detailed and accurate exegesis of Old and New Testament passages.
- Explain the theological concept of God as creator and redeemer.
- Describe theological patterns, themes and beliefs that emerge from the Bible to shape systematic theology.
- Explain the historical context and process for the development of orthodox and heterodox doctrines and beliefs.
Degree Outcomes
Deepen Your Biblical and Theoretical Knowledge
Graduates with the certificate in ministry education will be able to use their fundamental knowledge and skills within a variety of church and ministerial contexts. The ministry education program focuses on ethics and character building, biblical interpretation and application, and systematic theological study.
What You Will Learn
Learn Self-Care, Virtue and Theological Ethics
Coursework for this certificate in ministry education helps you engage in biblical interpretation, think theologically, and reason and act ethically within various ministerial contexts. Significant attention is given toward self-care, personal morality and character formation, as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd and intercede for God’s people.
Course topics include:
- Ministerial ethics
- Biblical hermeneutics
- Christian character formation
- Systematic Theology
Career Outcomes
Bless Others While Working in Ministry
Once you have earned your certificate in ministry education, you will have the knowledge base to pursue career opportunities in theology and religious or biblical studies. You can also pursue professions such as associate pastor, administrative pastor, Christian leader and other ministerial roles.
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 examines the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics along with an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of gospel ministry. Significant attention is given to self-care, personal morality, and character formation as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God’s people.
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. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course is a systematic study of the biblical bases, historical development, and theological formulation of the Christian doctrines of revelation, God, creation, humanity, sin, and the Person of Christ, as well as their implications for individual and corporate Christian life. Attention is also given to theological prolegomena.
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 (10 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.