Non-Degree Programs

Non-Degree - General

Those who would like to enroll in a few courses for academic credit but do not intend to pursue a degree program may apply as a non-degree applicant. Students may complete up to 15 semester hours under this admissions status. Coursework in biblical studies, church leadership and practical ministry is available. To apply, please complete the online application.

Certificate Programs

The School of Divinity offers several graduate certificate programs designed for those seeking advanced study for continuing education and professional development. These certificates can be completed through a combination of online and modular course formats. Courses earn graduate credit which can be applied toward a degree program if further study is desired.

To apply, please complete the online application.

Note: Certificate students wishing to earn an academic degree must apply separately to that degree program and meet full admission requirements. Acceptance into a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.

Graduate certificates available:
Certificate in Christian Formation and Spirituality (4 courses) - New!
Certificate in Biblical Studies (3 courses)
Certificate in Church Leadership (3 courses)
Certificate in Practical Ministry (3 courses)

Advanced Courses in Theological Studies (A.C.T.S.)

The A.C.T.S. is a non-degree program of up to 36 credit hours. It is designed to assist applicants who possess a master's degree in a theological discipline and wish to become academically eligible to apply to a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) program [those wishing to apply to a seminary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) program might also be accommodated]. Normally, applicants to D.Min. programs must possess the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or its academic equivalency to be eligible to apply for admission. The A.C.T.S. Program builds upon a student's academic experience to provide the academic equivalent of the M.Div. (normally considered to be 72 hours).

The primary objective of the program is to offer the student theological education as enrichment for professional development, while serving as a prerequisite for applying for admission to a D.Min. [or seminary Ph.D. program].

The Advanced Courses in Theological Studies, although a non-degree program, is graduate level, theological study. To be eligible for the A.C.T.S., applicants must possess an ATS accredited master's degree in a theological discipline, with no less than 36 credit hours of academic work. Courses are offered in the areas of Bible, Theology, Church history, biblical Greek and Hebrew, and a ministry specialization, depending on the student's individual needs regarding M.Div. equivalency. Courses required for the A.C.T.S. are individualized according to the student's needs and previous work reflected on graduate transcripts. A variety of venues for completing the A.C.T.S. are available, including on-campus courses, one-week intensive courses (modular), online courses, and independent studies. For more information, please contact the Divinity Enrollment Services Representative.

Spouse Observer Program

The commitment of the School of Divinity does not end with its students, but also extends to their families. In many instances, student spouses may share in considerable ministry responsibilities. The Spouse Observers Program allows students to include their spouses in the spiritual, academic, and professional development opportunities provided by the School of Divinity.

With permission of the professor, spouses may join divinity students in class as a nonparticipating observers. While credit is not granted for the experience, the perspectives and skills gained can result in stronger seminary families as spouses experience learning opportunities together. Participation is contingent upon space availability and the permission of the professor beforehand. For more information, please contact the Divinity Enrollment Services Representative.

Pastors' Lifelong Learning Program

A great way of receiving ongoing ministry and academic training, the Pastors' Lifelong Learning Program is designed for pastoral staff members who are:

• in full-time ministry
• paid (not volunteer)
• currently serving in churches
• graduates of accredited institutions with 4-year undergraduate degrees

The Pastors' Lifelong Learning Program is a for-credit (transcripted) program, but is also a non-degree program (i.e. not for pastors who are seeking to earn a master's degree from the School of Divinity). Pastors seeking a degree should, instead, apply through the normal admissions process and ask about financial aid options.

Pastors may enroll in one course per academic year for $150 plus fees¹ and an initial, $25 application fee. Pastors may take advantage of this benefit each academic year without ever having to re-apply. Pastors in this non-degree² seeking program may take up to 15 credits, enrolling in one course per academic year. Only graduate-level, Divinity courses are offered under the Pastors' Lifelong Learning Program.

Those who are not eligible for this program include:

• Regent students in auxiliary pastoral roles
• pastors who are current Regent students and receiving financial aid awards
• pastors who are seeking to take Doctor of Ministry and Ph.D. courses (as well as some master's-level courses with prerequisites)
• those seeking to use Continuing Education Units (CEU)

To enter the program: complete and submit the Divinity Application. A School of Divinity Registration representative will contact you to facilitate registration for the first course. A "pastor's hold" will also be placed on your student account, meaning that you will be unable to register for another course until the next academic year. Each time you wish to register, you will need to contact Divinity Enrollment Services.

Alumni Continuing Education Program

The Alumni Continuing Education Program is designed for School of Divinity Alumni. Because of current INS regulations for international students, this program only applies to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents of the U.S.

Alumni may enroll in one course per semester for $100 plus fees¹. Alumni in this non degree seeking program may take up to 15 credits, enrolling in one course per term. Only graduate-level, Divinity courses are offered under the Alumni Continuing Education Program. This program only applies to the Master's level courses; Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. courses are exempt from the program.

Alumni wanting to enter the program must complete and submit the Divinity Application. If accepted, he/she will be contacted by the Divinity Registration Representative to facilitate registration for the first course. When registering for the next course, he/she will need to contact the Divinity Enrollment Services Representative.