The Fellowship of Evangelical Churches introduces a unique, theological education plan for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders.
The FEC Certificate of Theology offers leaders an exclusive track of theological education that can be completed while in a ministry position or as part of training for one. Fully-accredited Master’s level courses are offered at a comfortable pace, 100% online, at a fraction of the normal cost. This is a first-ever partnership that brings together three leading seminaries into one program:
- Trinity Evangelical Divinity School – Deerfield, IL
- Denver Seminary – Denver, CO
- Bethel Seminary – St. Paul, MN
Questions?
- 9 courses – The best, most essential theology courses these schools have to offer, from the current catalog of each seminary.
- 3 credit hours each – Courses are 100% online, so you can take them from the comfort of home…or anywhere.
- 1 course per semester – Paced to fit busy ministry lifestyles.
- 3 semesters per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) – Taken together as a cohort with others, so you’ll enjoy developing friendships and collaboration along the way.
- 3 years to completion – A manageable pace that can be accomplished without disrupting family or interrupting ministry effectiveness.
- 27 credit hours applicable to a full Master’s degree – Those desiring to continue study toward a full Master’s degree can choose from six different degree programs among the three seminaries and apply all 27 credit hours to it.
- Fall 2019 — Bethel: Hermeneutics – (BT 510)
- Spring 2020— TEDS: Introduction to the New Testament – (NT 5000)
- Summer 2020 — Denver: History of Christian Movement – (CH 500)
- Fall 2020 — Bethel: Old Testament Survey – (OT 516)
- Spring 2021 — TEDS: Theology I—The God of the Gospel – (ST 5201)
- Summer 2021 — Denver: Apologetics & Ethics – (AE 500)
- Fall 2021 — Bethel: Intro to Spiritual & Personal Formation – (SP 510)
- Spring 2022 — TEDS: Theology II—The Gospel of God – (ST 5202)
- Summer 2022 — Denver: Contemporary Theologies – (TH 643)
Classes are offered one per semester, three semesters per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks while the summer semester is 8 weeks.
- Fall: late August through mid-December
- Spring: late January through mid-May
- Summer: mid-May through mid-August
Classes are offered singlely during one of three annual semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks while the summer semester is 8 weeks.
- Fall: early September through mid-December
- Spring: early January through early May
- Summer: mid-May through mid-August
Once you’ve completed the FEC Certificate of Theology, you’ll have the option to choose one of the three participating seminaries and continue pursuit of a full Master’s degree. All three participating schools have agreed to recognize and apply all 27 credit hours of the FEC Certificate of Theology to one or more of their Master’s degree programs. And when you continue into their degree program under the auspices of FEC, the $360 per credit hour tuition rate will be extended through completion of your degree!
You can complete a Master’s degree in as little as nine additional credit hours! Below are the degree programs at each school eligible for application of all 27 credit hours (see each seminary’s website for specific details on programs).*
- M.A. (Christian Thought) — 27 of 36 total credit hours
- M.A. in Ministry — 27 of 51 total credit hours
- M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 27 of 78 total credit hours
- M.A. (Christian Studies) — 27 of 51 total credit hours
- M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 27 of 79 total credit hours
- M.A. (Biblical & Theological Studies) — 24 of 40 total credit hours
- M.A. (Theological Studies) — 27 of 42 total credit hours
- M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — 21 of 87 credit hours
*These applicable credits are subject to change as/if degree programs change.
In addition to these, several other degree programs may be pursued where a majority, though not all, of the 27 completed credit hours may be applied.
- A Bachelor’s degree is required for acceptance into the program.
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be received no later than 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the Fall semester. Waiting lists may be established if necessary, with the possibility of further cohorts forming to commence in the Fall semester of the following year.
- Students must post a final grade of “C” or better for courses to be credited to full degree programs. Courses over 10 years of age at the time that a degree is conferred are considered “expired” and are not applicable to the completion of a degree.
- Tuition fees must be paid for one entire school year (3 courses) at a time, and must be received no later than 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the Fall semester.
- Tuition payments are non-refundable and may not be transferred to another student.
- In accordance with FERPA regulations, students must sign permission for the exchange of grades, application information, and any disciplinary action among all participating schools and FEC.
- Each school employs its own online technology system. Students must have internet access and become proficient in the system of the school producing each course.
- Courses must be taken sequentially to qualify for the FEC Certificate of Theology. Only in emergency or extreme situations will exceptions be considered.
- The individual is responsible for any textbook costs or additional course fees.
- A student who completes the FEC Certificate of Theology and chooses to enroll in a degree seeking program at one of the Seminaries may be eligible to continue receiving the reduced rate of $360 per credit hour, contingent upon: admission to a qualifying program by Spring 2024; satisfactory academic progress; maintaining continuous enrollment; and completion of the degree within the timeframe delineated in the Seminary’s statute of limitations.
Ready to apply?
The application process for the 2021 fall cohort is now open! Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly with the next steps.
