Advanced Biblical & Theological Studies Postgraduate Certificate

Purpose and Objectives:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Biblical & Theological Studies provides students with the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in preparation for academic ministry. Students who plan on pursuing Ph.D. studies can use this certificate as an opportunity to be better prepared for that degree.  

The objectives of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Biblical & Theological Studies will enable students to:

• Achieve a deeper knowledge in one or more of the following areas: biblical studies, theology, Hebrew, Greek, and/or research and writing.  
• Synthesize content from various disciplines into exegetical and/or theological ideas. 
• Conduct quality, in-depth academic research, using solid tools and techniques. 

Admission Requirements:

• Online application
• Application fee
• Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith.
• Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the most recent degree earned and completion of a graduate-level theological degree (M.A. or M.Div.) from an accredited institution.
• Essay (800 words total)
• Church Leader Reference
• Demonstrated proficiency in one of the biblical languages (Greek or Hebrew), either by previous coursework (4 semesters) or proficiency exam.

Note: Current Columbia Biblical Seminary (CBS) students who have completed at least one-half of their master’s degree may apply by filling out the “Add a Program” section on the “Graduate-Level Record Change” form prior to graduation in order to be considered for admission.

Time Limitation

The expected time limit for completing all the requirements for the Advanced Biblical & Theological Studies Postgraduate Certificate is three years, measured from the date a student begins coursework in the Postgraduate Certificate. Students may request that courses completed outside the expected limit be reviewed by the dean’s office on a case-by-case basis.

Completion Requirements:

• Completion of the 15 hours specified in the course of study (see below) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and no grade lower than a “C.” Students who aspire to doctoral study should aim for a higher minimum GPA.
• Significant achievement of program objectives.
• Affirmation of the Statement of Faith.

Note for students pursuing a degree and certificate concurrently: Courses within this certificate may not be applied to meet degree requirements, nor may courses used to meet degree requirements be applied to meet certificate requirements. The total required hours for both the degree and the certificate must be met independently.