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TSC
Theological Studies Certificates
The Theological Studies Certificates program offers three distinct certificates for men and women who wish to further their theological education and effectively apply Scriptural truths to their life, work, and ministry.
These three certificates can be combined to build up to a full Master of Arts in Theological Studies with the addition of three elective courses and a Summative Evaluation.
Who is a good fit for our certificates program?
Non-ministry professionals, ministry professionals, and stay-at-home parents who need the flexibility but desire a richer understanding of theology
Prospective students who would like a preview of the Westminster distinctives or the student experience at Westminster
Christians or ministry leaders who are interested in (or have recently been introduced to) reformed theology
Lay leaders (elders, deacons, small group leaders) in church who desire to be further equipped in ministry
Those who desire graduate-level courses from Westminster but do not desire to enter a full degree program
“I am taking three online classes. They are fantastic… all tools are performing well and making education fun and accessible.”
current online student
integrated training
The Theological Studies Certificates program offers three distinct graduate certificates that combine the study of theological foundations and practical application.
Engage with the core disciplines of Westminster’s unique curriculum—Biblical theology, apologetics, and systematic theology.
The Foundations of Theology Certificate will equip you to articulate the unified message of Scripture containing God’s plan of redemption through Christ; winsomely defend the Gospel and Christian faith (“apologetics”) based on the truths of Scripture; and articulate how the task of theology is possible as God has made himself known in Scripture and through Christ and how this shapes our thinking of God, ourselves, and his world.
Bible Survey
1 course
Articulate the importance of recognizing the unified nature and identity of God's Word as it relates to Biblical Theology
Explain the significance of a redemptive-historical approach to Biblical Theology as the basis of understanding Scripture and its application
Trace various themes from the Old Testament into the New Testament, especially the themes of Kingdom and Covenant
Summarize the Old Testament and how it connects to its fulfillment in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ
Situate any passage of Scripture within the larger context of the history of redemption as it climaxes in the person and work of Jesus Christ
Explain the relationship between the New Testament and the Old Testament, especially the relationship between Israel, Christ, and the Church
Articulate how the theology of the New Testament is an organic unfolding of the themes and categories of the Old Testament
Introduction to Apologetics
1 course
Introduce students to Christian apologetics and its biblical and theological underpinnings
Appreciate the need for Christian apologetics
Understand biblical religion as a world-and-life view
Develop responses to contemporary challenges to the faith, moving from theology to human interaction
Develop skills in defending and commending the Christian faith by understanding apologetics as intelligent evangelism
Recognize the most articulate apologists in church history and today
Develop tools for engaging non-Christian wolrdviews with confidence
*Apologetics is a branch of Christian theology that focuses on defending the faith against objections.
Introduction to Systematic Theology
1 course
Explain why/how theology is possible and how that should shape the way we think about thinking
Articulate how, what, and why God has chosen to reveal himself, and how all of this is centered around Christ
Defend the authority, sufficiency, necessity, and clarity of Scripture, as well as the value of confessional theology as it relates to these characteristics
Articulate and demonstrate the importance and use of Scripture as the authoritative lens/grid to interpret themselves & the world
Grow in their appreciation and delight in the kindness of God to speak to us
Develop a Christ-centered approach to interpreting and applying Scripture.
Through the Biblical Interpretation Certificate, you will learn tools to faithfully interpret each book of the Bible, identifying how verses, passages, and books of Scripture fit together and provide God’s unified message to his people. You will learn how to faithfully apply Scripture to your own life and how to thoughtfully connect the truths of Scripture to the lives of those you serve.
Principles of Biblical Interpretation
1 course
Demonstrate the importance of understanding God's communication in Scripture as the foundation for biblical interpretation
Explain the significance of context in meaning, and demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the essential contextual features in a given passage as a necessary entry point to accessing the meaning of the text
Enter in an analysis of a text of Scripture and wisely engage with various tools that contribute to an informed understanding of the meaning and application of the passage
Elaborate upon any text's relationship to Jesus Christ and the gospel, and be able to situate the meaning of any passage within the redemptive-historical plot line of Scripture and make initial connections to present-day application
OT — Old Testament Application
1 course
Understand the different genres within the Old Testament in which God has chosen to inscripturate his Word
Engage in a close reading of the books of the Old Testament in light of their respective genres
Apply the principles of biblical-theological interpretation learned in Bible Survey and Principles of Biblical Interpretation and move toward a Christ-centered application of an Old Testament text
Explain how the various writings of the Old Testament contribute to the grand narrative of Scripture
Demonstrate competence in interpreting and applying various Old Testament passages
NT — New Testament Application
1 course
Better understand the content and theology of the New Testament, with particular focus on how the Gospels, Acts, Epistles and Revelation apply to life and counseling contexts
Describe how believers can meaningfully move from the text of Scripture to a wise, gospel-centered application of its truths
Gain experience in seeing the Christological/Gospel-centered implications of any text as a prerequisite for meaningful personal application
Grow in ability to rivet Scriptural truth to real-life ministry situations
Receive an introduction to the core tenets of the Christian faith.
Through the Theology and History Certificate, gain a biblically grounded understanding of the character and attributes of God, His plan for salvation, and how He has accomplished that plan for his people through Christ. By the end of these courses, you will be able to articulate a Reformed understanding of these topics, how they have developed from the time of the early Church into the present day, and how these truths should shape the lives of every believer.
Doctrine of God
1 course
Discuss the nature of our knowledge of God as it is centered in God’s revelation
Defend a biblical understanding of the nature and character of the Triune God as it has historically been articulated by the Church
Describe the character and attributes of God
Articulate God’s acts in relation to His creation and plan of redemption
History of Christianity I or II
1 course
Identify key personalities, events, and doctrines within their particular cultural, social, and political contexts of the Ancient and Medieval Church
Summarize major movements and ideas of the Ancient and Medieval church, with special attention on the development of the Reformed tradition
Distinguish between varying theological traditions as formed in the Ancient church and developing into the Medieval period
Distinguish between varying theological traditions as formed in the Reformation and developing into the modern period
Demonstrate contemporary applications of Reformation and Modern church history, such as deepening our understanding of Scripture and emboldening believers by testimonies of God's faithfulness
Union with Christ
1 course
Articulate the doctrine of union with Christ, its significance and its application to the life of every believer
Explain how Jesus’ accomplishment of salvation relates to the work of the Holy Spirit in redemptive history and in the life of every believer
Relate the benefits of salvation to each other and to the person and work of Jesus
Explore the ways the doctrines of union with Christ and the Sacraments can serve to build up the Church and the individual believer
GET A TASTE OF OUR theology certificate ONLINE COURSES
Our online courses leverage innovative technology and high-quality production to deliver excellent content in engaging formats.
Available 100% Online
To better equip the global church, Westminster offers the Theological Studies Certificates fully online.
THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE:
A better way to learn online, for when you need to stay.
Greater flexibility that fits your life.
Engaging and innovative classroom environment.
Easy-to-use technology connects you to a global community.
Immediate application in life and ministry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these certificates accredited?
Yes! These degrees are fully accredited at the Master’s level.
What is the difference between a Visiting Student and a Certificate Student?
Visiting Students are often interested in taking one-off courses. Certificate Students receive an accredited certificate upon finishing the course requirements. Both Visiting Students and Certificate Students take courses alongside other Westminster Online students in degree programs.
What is the cost of certificates?
The current cost of tuition is $650 per credit hour. There are 9 credits per certificate, which totals $5,850 per certificate. Note that scholarships are not available for certificates. Federal loans and VA benefits cannot be applied toward certificate programs.
What is the student experience like for certificate students?
Students in the certificate programs will be taking classes alongside MAC (Master of Arts in Counseling) and MATS (Master of Arts in Theological Studies). Like MAC and MATS students, certificate students will benefit from small groups, interactive platforms, and engagement with instructional faculty.
Can my certificate credits be applied toward a degree program?
The 3 certificates combined make up 9 of the 12 required courses for the MATS (Master of Arts in Theological Studies). Courses in these certificates can also be applied as electives to our other programs. Connect with us to learn more.
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