Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
Description and Purpose
Post-baccalaureate certificates are intended to provide an introduction to graduate level theological education within the specific certificate purpose and curriculum. Certificates draw from the core disciplines of our curriculum and can be used as an entry point into master’s programs.
Admission to a certificate does not ensure admission to a Trinity degree program; however, certificates are designed so that courses completed may apply toward a future TEDS degree.
Certificates are not intended to provide full-time status, and certificate students are generally limited to 8 credits per semester. Students needing full-time status or primarily in-person classes are advised to apply to a master’s program. Federal financial aid is not available for certificate students.
Certificates and another degree
Admission into a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program. Certificate students wishing to continue into a master’s program are required to complete the admission process for the program to which they are seeking admission. Certificate credits may be carried over if a student is admitted into a subsequent degree program. Students should review the degree requirements and consult with the program director to determine whether courses might meet the degree requirements. Courses cannot be shared between certificates or between a concurrent or prior master’s program.
Certificate Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
The admission requirements for certificates are as follows:
- Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accredited institution. Applicants who lack an accredited baccalaureate degree may be asked to submit additional application materials, including a recent writing sample and evidence of their ministry experience.
- The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indicator of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to consult with an admission counselor.
Certificate Residency Requirement
All certificate coursework must be taken through TEDS, and transfer credits will not be approved. Students who enroll in a certificate program and are seeking advanced substitutions are advised to consider enrolling into a master’s program instead.
Certificate Statute of Limitation
All certificate requirements must be completed within four years of matriculation into the program. Extension of the statute of limitation for one additional year may be granted by petition when a student has demonstrated consistent program progress toward the certificate.
Certificate Graduation Requirements
- Complete the required coursework for the certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- All coursework applicable to the certificate must be completed within a four year period.
- Completion of all requirements required by the catalog curriculum in effect at the time of initial enrollment.
- Settlement of all financial obligations to Trinity and any other ACTS seminaries with Student Financial Services.