Ministry and Church Leadership Certificate Program

The Certificate Program in Ministry and Church Leadership is designed to equip students with a set of intellectual and practical skills that will help to prepare them for future work in ministry.  Though this program is not a substitute for later professional or graduate study, it offers valuable academic and practical preparation for various forms of ministry, such as, youth ministry, social outreach, and other forms of parish and pastoral work. The College will award the Certificate to students who successfully complete all program requirements as well as the requirements for graduation.  Typically, all requirements for the major and the certificate program can be completed in a normal four-year course of study.  The Certificate Program is open to students from all majors.

The Campus Minister serves as the Director of the Certificate Program.  Students work with the Director and with their faculty advisor to select appropriate courses and coordinate the requirements of the Certificate Program in relation to their other academic requirements.  The internship component of the Program is arranged in consultation with the Director.  Students interested in pursuing ministry in a non-Christian religious tradition will consult with the Director to identify appropriate course substitutions.

Ministry & Church Leadership Certificate Requirements:
Students are required to complete the following five components:
1.  A supervised and reflective internship in a church/ministry setting - Students will engage in a semester-long supervised internship experience in a local/selected church context. In addition to working with a supervisor in the selected setting, the student will also meet regularly with the Director to engage in reflection and discussion about the nature and various dimensions of ministry.  The internship will usually take place in the student’s junior or senior year. Depending on a student’s major, this internship may or may not be taken for credit as a Practicum.

2.  PHR 235 Group Facilitation (3 credit hours)

3.  An additional course in Biblical Studies:
        BIB 130: Hebrew Bible World and Culture (3 hrs.)
        or
        BIB 140: The New Testament World and Culture (3 hrs.)

4.  REL 228: Introduction to Christian Theology (hrs.)

5.  One additional course outside of the student’s major selected from the following: (3 credit hours):
        BUS 201: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)
        PSY 211: Child Development (3 hrs.)
        PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
        PSY 222: Adult Development & Aging (3 hrs.)
        PSY 333: Counseling (3 hrs.)
        SOC 215: Sociology of Marriage & Family (3 hrs.)
        SOC 315: Social Inequality (3 hrs.)
        REL 211: American Religious Experience (3 hrs.)
        REL 212: World Religions (3 hrs.)
        REL/SOC 325: Sociology of Religion (3 hrs.)

Core Curriculum Requirements

Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.