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Glasses resting on an open book: Regent University offers a Christian theology certificate program online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Theology

Online
12
August 21, 2023
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The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Theology, offered online, is a graduate-level certificate program that will provide you with a fundamental understanding of what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe. This certificate program is for nondegree-seeking students only.

  • Examine the teachings of the Christian faith from biblical, historical and global perspectives.
  • Interpret Old and New Testament texts in the light of their historical contexts.
  • Apply biblical covenants found in Scripture to lead others to Christ.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

This certificate program may help you grow as an expert in your field and advance your calling as a lay minister, pastor or nonprofit team member.

DIV 500 Graduate Foundations for Divinity (2), as required upon admission, plus 12 credit hours from any 500-600 level THEO courses.

Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy and advising and support services for Divinity students.
Key tenets and central doctrines of the Christian faith. Special focus on biblical foundations, historical developments, theological method, and major controversies and confessions.
Examines the biblical foundations of the nature of God in Three Persons, including the historical Church and creedal formulas of Trinitarian theology. Includes the historical development of doctrine from the ancient, medieval and modern times.
Examines the biblical doctrine of Christ, the eternal Son of God. Explores the eternal existence, birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Examines the Bible’s teaching on humanity and the fall into sin. Explores the doctrine of salvation, including topics such as foreknowledge, election, calling (general and effectual), regeneration, conversion (faith and repentance), justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance/preservation, death and glorification.
Explores the biblical doctrine of the Church, including her organization, vocation, worship, practices, purpose and mission.
Biblical and theological foundations that determine the formation of Christian moral decision-making and shape a personal lifestyle. Examines selected contemporary moral issues in the light of biblical teachings. Includes an overview of the prophetic call to the community, the marketplace and nation to mobilize the Church in addressing crucial social issues.
Philosophical methodologies used in the defense of the Christian faith, especially presuppositionalism (faith to facts) and evidentialism (facts to faith), focusing on the relationship between faith and reason in current Roman Catholic and Protestant defenses, and with Biblical applications to modern and postmodern challenges. No former training in philosophy is required.
Fundamental structures, vocabulary and grammar. Proficiency in reading of academic journals, books and German texts with a focus on theological texts and vocabulary. Cross-listed with THEO 770. Pass/No Pass.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 12Monday, August 22
Session MFriday, September 9Monday, September 19
Session BFriday, October 14Monday, October 24
Session CWednesday, January 4Monday, January 9
Session TFriday, January 27Monday, February 6
Session DFriday, March 3Monday, March 13
Session EFriday, April 28Monday, May 8
Session FFriday, June 9Monday, June 19

Certificate programs are designed for those seeking professional development through continuing education for ministers and pastors. Students earn graduate credit that can be applied toward a ministry degree program if further study is desired. 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.

Application Process:

  1. Submit Your Application
    Complete the School of Divinity Application for Admission. Note: We also require copy of the transcript showing the latest degree conferred. Regent University has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.

    Please note: All applicants should understand and accept the Statement of Faith.

  2. Provide Your Unofficial College Transcripts
    We require an official transcript indicating successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Regent has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.
    • If you have an unofficial copy of your college transcripts, please email those to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: DIV Certificate Application Pieces.
    • If you are an international student, or you earned college credit at non-US institutions, please submit your transcripts for a third-party course-by-course evaluation. Learn more and find recommended agencies.

Mail all documents that are completed offline to the following address:

Regent University
Enrollment Support Services
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 USA
Phone: 757.352.4127 | Fax: 757.352.4381

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages$51512$6,180
Biblical Studies$51512$6,180
Christian Theology$51512$6,180
Church History$51512$6,180
Church Leadership$51512$6,180
Online Ministry$51512$6,180
Spiritual Formation$51512$6,180
Worship & Media$51512$6,180

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

“Regent served as a place for acquiring a top-quality academic experience.”

Preston Braswell, M.Div., 2020 Senior Admissions Counselor, School of Law, Regent University

“Regent has maintained a high standard of scholarship and the practical aspects of leadership, and they have outstanding professors. I was blessed when I was there.”

Daniel Backens, M.A. in Practical Theology, 1999 Senior Pastor, New Life Church

“Regent was the final yes to answering my call to ministry. My Regent M.Div. degree was exactly what I needed to equip people in ministry.”

Nina Anderson, M.Div., 2014 Pastor, The Well; Kingdom Strategist, Nina Anderson Ministries; Motivational Speaker; Family & Service Pastor, New Life Church

“All the professors at Regent are truly gracious and willing to talk to you and help you — even if it's not class-related. They treat their job like it's their calling. Through them, I learned to care for people like a pastor would.”

Derek Hirtz, M.Div., 2015

“My journey through the School of Divinity was transformational, challenging and inspirational. The Spirit-filled faculty and staff were dedicated to my success as a student and a military officer. My classes — both on campus and online — exuded excellence and sound biblical teaching.”

Tierra S. Gibbs, M.A., 2012 Practical Theology