Credential awarded
Advanced Diploma in Theological Studies
Advanced Diploma
Master’s-level preparation without a bachelor’s degree
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Concentrations: Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, Ethics, Missions, Leadership, Counseling, Worship, Evangelism, or Ministry Leadership. The Advanced Diploma in Theological Studies/(Concentration) gives mature ministry leaders access to rigorous theological study and a practical pathway into graduate education.
Program snapshot
Academic level
Master’s-level coursework
Credit hours
78 credit hours
Study format
Online, on-campus, or hybrid
Tuition
$116 per credit hour
Next intake
November 5
The program
A strategic bridge into advanced theological studies
Designed for pastors, church planters, missionaries, educators, and Christian professionals aged 22 and above, the Advanced Diploma opens a route to master’s-level courses for students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
Students complete rigorous courses alongside Master of Divinity students and may transfer designated coursework into an approved master’s program while maintaining satisfactory academic standing.
Flexible and practical ministry training
Flexible delivery
Choose fully online, hybrid, or on-campus learning in a full-time or part-time format.
Built for active leaders
Continue pastoral ministry, mission service, employment, church leadership, and family commitments while you study.
Graduate competencies
Develop biblical interpretation, theology, ethics, preaching, discipleship, pastoral care, missions, and leadership skills.
78 credit hours
Curriculum structure
Biblical Studies
15 creditsCodeCourseCr.
22100Biblical Hermeneutics3
20200Introduction to the Old Testament I3
20220Introduction to the Old Testament II3
22200Introduction to the New Testament I3
22220Introduction to the New Testament II3
Theological Studies
21 creditsCodeCourseCr.
27060Systematic Theology I: Theological Prolegomena and the Nature and Works of God3
27070Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation and the Holy Spirit3
27080Systematic Theology III: Church, Scripture and Eschatology3
25100Introduction to Church History I3
25120Introduction to Church History II3
29250Survey of Christian Ethics3
28700Christian Apologetics3
Practical Ministry Studies
21 creditsCodeCourseCr.
30000Christian Preaching3
45400Christian Teaching3
30020Preaching Practicum3
40200Introduction to Biblical Worship3
40080Christian Leadership3
34300Biblical Counseling and Personal Ministry of the Word3
40301Pastoral Ministry3
45260Discipleship Ministry3
32100Personal Evangelism and Devotion3
32960Introduction to Missiology3
Elective Studies
21 creditsCodeCourseCr.
ElectivesChoose approved electives in biblical studies, theology, church history, ethics, missions, leadership, counseling, worship, evangelism, or ministry leadership.21
Supervised ministry experience
Structured ministry practice under qualified supervision includes mentorship, leadership assessment, reflection journals, community engagement, and practical ministry projects.
Local church ministry
Missions and church planting
Chaplaincy and Christian education
Discipleship and community outreach
Admission requirements
Standard entry
Applicants must be at least 22,years old, demonstrate Christian commitment, submit ministry and personal references, complete the admissions process, and show readiness for graduate-level study.
Mature student admission
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree may qualify through ministry, leadership, professional experience, prior theological training, and demonstrated academic potential.
Programa Hispano Disponible
Spanish-speaking students may pursue ministry preparation through the Hispanic Program, with areas of study in Biblia, Teología, Historia de la Iglesia, Consejería Bíblica, Liderazgo Cristiano, Misiones, Predicación, and Discipulado.
Ready to apply?
Select Degree Type → Diploma on the online application portal to begin your journey toward advanced ministry preparation.
Start your application