Certificate Programs
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers a variety of graduate, hybrid certificate programs for those interested in seminary courses. These shorter certificates provide a convenient venue to study a specific topic in ministry and Christian leadership. Designed for pastors, other church leaders, and people of faith, certificate courses offer unique opportunities for personal and academic exploration of theology and ministry.
Certificate graduates may elect to complete the Seminary’s master’s degree programs later. Merit and need-based financial aid is available.
Graduate Certificate in Adaptive and Innovative Ministry
The Graduate Certificate in Adaptive and Innovative Ministry forms Christian leaders attentive to God and God's world. Participants learn to learn to the Holy Spirit, practice leading teams in discerning God's activity, and develop rhythms of spiritual practice to renew their own souls and calling. Accompanied by a cohort learning community and mentored by experienced missional leaders, students in this certificate program learn from both academic and practitioners. Our hybrid online and intensive classes allow leaders to better participate in the program from a distance. This certificate program is offered through the Seminary's Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry.
Graduate Certificate in Faith, Work, and the Common Good
The Graduate Certificate in Faith, Work, and the Common Good helps students align their work and values. This certificate offers discernment of and equipping for faithful vocational work beyond the church, especially faith-based work in secular fields, and is ideal for people interested in bringing faith to bear their professional context. Hybrid online and in-person classes allow leaders to set apart time to grow in communal vocational formation while staying rooted in the regular rhythms of their context and discerning the next most faithful step. This certificate program is offered through the Seminary's Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry.
Graduate Certificate in Ministry
Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Ministry receive a foundational understanding of broad service to the church community. Required ministry courses include theology or history; biblical studies, preaching, pastoral care, or other Ministry Studies courses. The ministry certificate is ideal for persons serving churches as Sunday School teachers, deacons, and elders, plus individuals you want to expand their knowledge of Scripture. When taking two courses per semester, this Christian ministry certificate can be completed in one year.
Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership
Centered on Christian leadership, the Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership prepares students to take on leadership roles serving a church or engaging in mission work both locally and globally. Typically completed in one year, the certificate coursework explores church history or theology, the Bible, and contextual analysis and is an overall preparation in evangelism. Students also complete a leadership project and learn in a cohort to engage God's mission in the context of the world.
Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry is a flexible year-long program allowing community members and seminarians to explore their Christian vocation in urban settings. With courses offered during the day and evening, this certificate program allows seminary students from all denominations to examine current cultural, social, and ethical issues and how they affect the Church's mission to nurture social justice.
Pittsburgh Seminary alums who have completed certain courses within the last 10 years may quality for advance standing. This Christian ministry program is offered through the Seminary's Metro-Urban Institute and can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or combined with any of our master's programs.
Learn More about Our seminary Certificate Programs
At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, our certificate programs provide the opportunity to engage with important theological and missional topics in a streamlined format. taking theology courses or exploring Christian ministry through a cerificate program is an excellent way to futher your calling to a life of faith, justice, and service.
Request information to learn about Pittsburgh Seminary's certificates.
