Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: May 12, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation, offered online, is a graduate-level certificate program designed to be transforming. It can strengthen your relationship with Christ while teaching you how to minister to others. This certificate program is for nondegree-seeking students only.

Learn biblically defined formative stages of growth and change.
Identify and improve needed changes in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, godly influence and servant leadership.
Facilitate the spiritual formation process in ministry leadership roles.

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

Regent University ranked #23 of the top 41 Accredited Certificate programs | Intelligent.com

Career Opportunities

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.

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
DIV 500	Graduate Foundations for Divinity	2	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.
SFRM 501	Spiritual Formation Foundations	3	Examines the biblical, historical, and theological aspects of Christian formation, including the holistic and other models, with emphasis on both personal life and ministry contexts. Taken in the first semester of degree and begins the Spiritual Formation Portfolio.
SFRM 602	Christian Spirituality	3	Explores the biblical meanings and theology of the various “streams” of spirituality, including historical development and contemporary practice of spirituality, encompassing Christian faith, life and ministry.
SFRM 603	Early Christian Spirituality	3	Covers the early Christian writers and their thoughts on human nature, sin, grace, salvation, the work of the Spirit, the sacraments, the development of virtue, and the moral life.
SFRM 604	Elements of Spiritual Formation	3	Examines the specific biblically-defined elements that comprise Christian spiritual formation, including: calling, conversion, empowerment, Scripture, sacraments, ordinances, community, disciplines, ministry, mission, joy, suffering and eternal life.
SFRM 605	Classics in Spiritual Formation	3	Explores historical and contemporary writings that serve to both inform and form needed changes and growth in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, godly influence and servant leadership.
SFRM 606	Spiritual Formation & Community	3	Covers design and application of models, principles, processes and practical theology of both spiritual formation and discipleship in faith communities and other ministry contexts.
SFRM 607	Life Stages in Spiritual Formation	3	Explores various formative stages of growth and change, their characteristics and challenges, in Christian spiritual life, from childhood to advanced age.
UNIV LIB	Information Research & Resources		In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 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.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session M	Friday, September 6	Monday, September 16
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session T	Friday, January 31	Monday, February 10
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, June 23

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.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate of Graduate Studies	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages	$530	12	$6,360
Biblical Studies	$530	12	$6,360
Christian Theology	$530	12	$6,360
Church History	$530	12	$6,360
Church Leadership	$530	12	$6,360
Online Ministry	$530	12	$6,360
Spiritual Formation	$530	12	$6,360
Worship & Media	$530	12	$6,360

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Related Programs

M.A. in Spiritual Formation

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“I look back at my time at Regent as one of the best, God-led decisions in my life. In all the fun, networking, late-night studying, classes and meaningful conversations with fellow students and professors, God did a deeper work within me that I am forever grateful for. Regent University for me was more than a place of knowledge—it is a place where God speaks, forms, and prepares us for the High Calling he has on our lives for His glory! It was a place I was given tools for life and ministry. I am forever grateful for my time Regent and what Regent has meant for me and what it has been and will be for me and thousands of past and future students!”

Carl Ness, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, 2017

“I want to take what Regent taught me back to Uganda in a language they can easily understand and relate to.”

Boniface Odong, M.Div., 2017

“When I began my time at Regent, I had no idea of what “after” might look like. I just knew that now was the time and Regent was the place. My time at Regent was a deeply formative experience. Through my studies, my capacity for study has increased, my teaching gifts have been further developed, and I operate with a level of confidence I didn’t know that I had before. Regent equipped me for Africa, and my ministry in Africa has equipped me for my ministry at Regent and in my local church in Virginia Beach.”

Melissa Davis, Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology, 2023

“Regent University puts care into creating ministers with longevity.”

Timothy Berry, M.Div., 2015 Biblical Theology

“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