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A graduate being anointed: Regent University offers a spiritual formation certificate program online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation

Online
12
January 13, 2025
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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.

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
DIV 500Graduate Foundations for Divinity2
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 501Spiritual Formation Foundations3
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 602Christian Spirituality3
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 603Early Christian Spirituality3
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 604Elements of Spiritual Formation3
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 605Classics in Spiritual Formation3
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 606Spiritual Formation & Community3
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 607Life Stages in Spiritual Formation3
Explores various formative stages of growth and change, their characteristics and challenges, in Christian spiritual life, from childhood to advanced age.
UNIV LIBInformation 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.

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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, 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.

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages$53012$6,360
Biblical Studies$53012$6,360
Christian Theology$53012$6,360
Church History$53012$6,360
Church Leadership$53012$6,360
Online Ministry$53012$6,360
Spiritual Formation$53012$6,360
Worship & Media$53012$6,360

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.

“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
“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
“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
“I experienced the Regent difference after visiting some of the best known seminaries. The faculty here prayed over each prospective student and laid hands on each of us. The Holy Spirit confirmed for me that day the Regent School of Divinity was where I needed to be.”
Matthew Chandler, M.Div., 2020 Director of Operations, Regent University School of Divinity
“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