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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
May 6, 2024
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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.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All 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 11Monday, August 21
Session MFriday, September 8Monday, September 18
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session TFriday, January 26Monday, February 5
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

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 Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“When I think of Regent University, I think of destiny. Regent has been such an integral part of my, one, knowing my destiny, two, being formed and shaped to fulfill my destiny, and then, three, thrusting me into that next step.”

Kevin Turpin, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2001 Senior Assistant Pastor & President, Founder of Life Enrichment Center; Senior Associate Pastor, New Life Church

“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

“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 Spiritual Formation class acts as a daily guide for me...I was once away from God and wrestling with him...The book points out that the Kingdom of Heaven is wherever Jesus is. Because I am a believer, The Almighty is with me...Regardless of how and what we feel, God still blesses us by showing us how mighty He is. A God of His word.”

Chaplain Mario Samaniego, Master of Divinity