Biblical Studies Certificate: Top 5 Online Programs

5. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TID)

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is an academic divinity school founded in 1897 and located north of Chicago, Illinois. TEDS is one of the largest seminaries in the world, enrolling more than 1,200 graduate students in professional and academic programs, including more than 150 in its Ph.D. programs.

Located in: Trinity International University

Address: 2065 Half Day Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015

President: Nicholas Perrin

Number of students: 1,231

Affiliations: Evangelical Free Church of America

The following information is from the website of TEDS' Certificate in Christian Studies:

WHY STUDY FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES AT TEDS?

Our Certificate in Christian Studies allows you to choose what masters-level courses you need in order to strengthen your ministry. And since it is available at our Deerfield campus, entirely online, and through our extension sites, you gain another layer of flexibility. You may be a leader who wants to grow in your teaching ability, or at a career transition and wondering about going into ministry. Or you may want to improve at what you’re already doing. Whatever work you’ve been given, our Certificate program can help you do it better.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION TO THIS PROGRAM?

Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree (or the educational equivalent) from a recognized, accredited institution.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

An admissions counselor will help you customize a set of courses to your interests, which will allow you to interact with many of our world-class faculty. If you want some suggestions, four possible degree tracks are shown beneath, along with some recommended courses to get you started. Contact our admissions office to find out what will work best for you: 800-345-8337 or contact us.

4. Cedarville University

Cedarville University is a private Baptist university in Cedarville, Ohio. It is chartered by the state of Ohio, approved by the Ohio Board of Regents, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Avg cost after aid - $21K

Graduation rate - 73%

Acceptance rate - 79%

Address: 251 N Main St, Cedarville, OH 45314; Phone: (937) 766-7700

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,318 (2018–19)

The following information is from the website for Cedarville University's One Year Bible Program:

One-Year Bible Program

The one-year Bible program is designed for individuals who desire greater knowledge of the Bible through intensive study in a single academic year, yet are not looking to earn a Bible degree. You will be enriched personally through formal Bible study and develop a deeper understanding of biblical theology and philosophy, equipping you to be a more effective participant in your church or parachurch organization.

3. Houston Baptist University

Houston Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Sharpstown, Houston, Texas. The university was founded in 1960. It's Cultural Arts Center houses three museums: the Dunham Bible Museum, the Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Southern History. 

Avg cost after aid - $21K

Graduation rate - 44%

Acceptance rate - 70%

Address: 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074; Phone: (281) 649-3000

Undergraduate enrollment: 2,311 (2018–19)

Average annual cost before aid - $47,076

According to their website, HBU Certificate Series: The Story of the Bible:

Houston Baptist University, in partnership with WORDsearch Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources, and Christian Thinkers Society, is now offering a certificate program called The Story of the Bible. This self-paced online program aims to enhance interpretation of the Bible, help understand how to apply Scripture, and answers the question of “What holds the Bible together?”

Dr. Robert B. Sloan, president of Houston Baptist University, will be your teacher during this certificate program. Dr. Sloan will guide you through The Story of the Bible in an innovative way of receiving one-on-one higher education training.

After you have completed the program, you will be eligible to receive by mail a Certificate of Study from Houston Baptist University. In addition, you will also be invited to come to Houston, Texas, to be a part of the graduation ceremonies and be recognized there.

Photo from hbu.edu

2. Moody Bible Institute

According to their website, found at Certificate in Biblical Studies | Online:

The Certificate in Biblical Studies focuses on the treatment of the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis in biblical interpretation. This 26-credit fully online certificate allows students to quickly and easily obtain practical knowledge of Bible survey, doctrine, methods of Bible study, evangelism, and discipleship.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Evaluate the Old and New Testaments from a literary perspective
• Summarize the storyline of the Old and New Testament Scriptures
• Learn to interpret the Old and New Testament Scriptures

1. Biola University

Biola University is a private evangelical Christian university in La Mirada, California. Founded in 1908 in Los Angeles, the university has over 150 programs of study in nine schools. 

Avg cost after aid - $31K

Graduation rate - 72%

Acceptance rate - 73%

Address: 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639; Phone: (562) 903-6000

Undergraduate enrollment: 4,005 (2018–19)

Average annual cost: Before aid - $59,176; After aid - $31,345

According to their website, found at Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies:

The Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies is a fully online program for anyone who desires to deepen their knowledge of God and his Word. This cost- and time-efficient certificate offers a foundational theological education that is fit for a wide range of students — including church lay leaders, church elders, and ministers without formal training.

The certificate program consists of six courses, including two courses that survey the Old and New Testament, a course on how to understand and interpret Scripture, and three theology courses. All required certificate courses are part of the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees, meaning those wanting to see if a full seminary degree is for them can use this certificate as a “trial run” and apply their credits toward a master’s program.

Students can pursue this certificate online, on-campus, or a combination of the two.

Bonus: Anderson University Online Christian Studies

Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, South Carolina. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in approximately 78 areas of study.

Avg cost after aid - $22K

Graduation rate - 52%

Acceptance rate - 62%

Address: 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621; Phone: (864) 231-2000

Undergraduate enrollment: 2,685 (2018–19)

Average annual cost: Before aid - $44,374; After aid - $21,562

Although not a biblical study certificate, we wanted to include Anderson University's Christian Studies undergrad program, which is available online. According to their website, Christian Studies | AU Online:

The Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS) degree at Anderson University is designed for people currently serving in ministry, those who would like to pursue a career in full-time ministry, or those who simply want to deepen their understanding of the Bible, theology and Christian ministry.

Why Christian Studies?

With the BCS, you'll enjoy taking meaningful courses in biblical and theological studies along with practical ministry courses.

Coursework Details

This 120-hour degree can be done completely online, or you can transfer previous college course work and complete your degree through Anderson's BCS degree program. The courses are structured in an eight-week format to be convenient for you. Skilled and experienced professors with real-world expertise instruct the courses and will work directly with you to expand your knowledge and improve your skills.

Photo from anderson.edu

It is our prayer and hope that God will lead your steps toward to the biblical studies certificate program that is right for you! May God bless your desire to study His Word and lead others toward Biblical knowledge.