Certificate of Graduate Study in Christian Ministries
This program provides foundational competencies and professional development for those in full-time ministry. The curriculum spans the seminary’s core learning areas and includes courses in pastoral, biblical, theological, and historical study and is excellent continuing education for church staff. Courses can be applied to the MACM or other seminary degree programs for those considering a future degree.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Appalachian Ministries
The Certificate in Appalachian Ministry (CAM) equips lay leaders, elders, and pastors in Appalachia with foundational skills for effective ministry. The program combines seminary-level courses in biblical, theological, and pastoral studies with instruction on Appalachian culture and heritage, providing both practical ministry training and regional insight. Ideal for continuing education, CAM prepares participants for leadership roles in local churches and can also serve as a steppingstone toward a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) or other seminary degree programs.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Theological Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies provides a focused foundation in the four core areas of theological study, Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, and Church History, requiring one course in each. Students also have the flexibility to choose an elective, which can be another course in these areas or a ministry-focused class, allowing them to tailor the program to their interests and ministry goals.
Additional Information
Certificate in Christian Ministries
Overview
This certificate provides foundational competencies in pastoral, biblical, theological, and historical studies. It is ideal for full-time ministry staff seeking continuing education and professional development.
Program Requirements (17 credit hours):
- Spiritual Formation (2 hrs): CMSF 5017 Introduction to Seminary Studies
- Bible (3 hrs): NTS 5107 New Testament Writings OR OTS 5107 Old Testament Writings
- Church History (3 hrs): CH 5027 The Church and the Stone Campbell Movement OR CH 5017 Christian Tradition and Mission
- Theology (3 hrs): TH 5157 Introduction to Theology OR TH 5167 Christological Principles for Ministry
- Christian Ministries (6 hrs): Choose from:
- CMM 5037 Introduction to Christian World Mission
- CMA 6027 Ministry Team Dynamics and Leadership
- CMSF 6027 Spiritual Formation and the Ministry of Teaching
- CMP 6027 Biblical Preaching (4-day residency)
- CMC 5017 Personal Identity in Pastoral Care (4-day residency)
Outcomes
Graduates will be equipped to serve in a variety of ministry roles, enhance their professional development, and prepare for further seminary study.
Certificate in Appalachian Ministries
Overview
Designed for lay leaders, elders, and pastors in the Appalachian region, this certificate combines seminary-level biblical, theological, and pastoral studies with specialized instruction on Appalachian culture and heritage.
Program Requirements (17 credit hours):
- Spiritual Formation (2 hrs): CMSF 5017 Introduction to Seminary Studies
- Bible (3 hrs): NTS 5107 New Testament Writings OR OTS 5107 Old Testament Writings
- Church History (3 hrs): CH 5027 The Church and the Stone Campbell Movement OR CH 5017 Christian Tradition and Mission
- Theology (3 hrs): TH 5157 Introduction to Theology OR TH 5167 Christological Principles for Ministry
- Christian Ministries (6 hrs): Ministry-focused courses including:
- Ministry in Appalachia
- CMSF 6027 Spiritual Formation and the Ministry of Teaching
- CMP 6027 Biblical Preaching (4-day residency)
- CMC 5017 Personal Identity in Pastoral Care (4-day residency)
- CMA 6027 Ministry Team Dynamics and Leadership
Outcomes
Graduates will gain both theological grounding and regional ministry insight, preparing them for leadership roles in Appalachian churches or further seminary study.
Certificate in Theological Studies
Overview
This certificate offers a focused foundation in the four core areas of theological study—Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, and Church History—along with an elective to tailor the program to individual ministry goals.
Program Requirements (17 credit hours):
- Spiritual Formation (2 hrs): CMSF 5017 Introduction to Seminary Studies
- Old Testament (3 hrs): OTS 5107 Old Testament Writings
- New Testament (3 hrs): NTS 5107 New Testament Writings
- Church History (3 hrs): CH 5017 Christian Tradition and Mission OR CH 5027 The Church and the Stone Campbell Movement
- Theology (3 hrs): TH 5157 Introduction to Theology OR TH 5167 Christological Principles for Ministry
- Elective (3 hrs): Any course in CM, OTS, NTS, CH, TH, BIBL 5017, or SME 6157
Outcomes
Students will develop comprehensive theological knowledge and professional competencies that enhance ministry practice and prepare them for advanced theological degrees.
- Program Format: Primarily online with hybrid or residential options.
- Completion Time: 12 months or longer, depending on course load.
- Scholarships: Stone Campbell and Church Match scholarships available; federal funding not eligible.
- Pathway to Degree Programs: Credits are transferable to the MACM, MTS, MDiv, or other ATS-accredited programs.
Admissions: Short application and approval by the Admissions Committee required for students transitioning to a degree program.
Apply
Complete and submit your official application online.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $30. Pay Online at the end of the online application or send a check or money order to Milligan University, with the student’s name indicated on the memo line.
Mail to:
ECS Admissions Office
PO Box 550
Milligan, TN 37682
Have an official transcript sent from each graduate and/or undergraduate institution you have attended.
Request a reference from two different people, preferably a former college professor, current minister, employer or supervisor. You will request references from within the online application.