Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation
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.
| 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. |
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.
| 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) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.