Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies provides focused theological formation for those who desire to grow in their understanding of God through His Word while serving faithfully in the vocation to which God has called them. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by the life of the Church, this certificate offers a solid theological foundation for thoughtful Christian living and ministry.
The program is well suited for those seeking graduate‑level theological grounding without pursuing a full degree program, as well as for students who desire an accessible on‑ramp into further seminary studies. Through disciplined engagement with Scripture and theology, the certificate supports spiritual growth, theological clarity, and faithful service in a variety of contexts.
The 30‑credit‑hour Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies emphasizes careful study of the Bible and Christian doctrine, forming students for informed participation in the life and mission of the Church.
Program Objectives
Over the course of the Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies, you will:
- Grow in your understanding of God through sustained study of Scripture.
- Develop a deeper grasp of biblical doctrine and theological foundations.
- Gain increased knowledge of the Old Testament and New Testament.
- Strengthen your ability to think theologically about faith, life, and service.
- Cultivate habits of faithful study that support lifelong growth in Christ.
Curriculum Overview
| Course code | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GCTS Required Courses (all courses required) | 24 | |
| BNT500 | New Testament Introduction & Theology | 3 |
| BNT520 | Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| BOT500 | Old Testament Introduction & Theology | 3 |
| BOT520 | Pentateuch | 3 |
| LAN550 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| THS501 | Theological Foundations I | 3 |
| THS502 | Theological Foundations II | 3 |
| THS522 | Theology of Church & Ministry | 3 |
| Number Needed | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | GCTS Elective Courses (choose two courses) | 6 |
Program Outcomes
Further education:
- Use the certificate as an on‑ramp into the Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies at Heritage Theological Seminary.
- Transfer certificate courses, where applicable, into graduate degree program.
- Continue theological education through additional graduate‑level study.
Career pathways:
- Lay leadership within local churches
- Teaching and discipleship ministries
- Ministry support or resource roles
- Mission and outreach contexts
- Faithful Christian service within vocational and community settings
Admission Requirements
Please refer to the Seminary Academic Catalogue for specific entrance requirements for all Graduate Certificate programs. Click here to access the Seminary Academic Catalogue.
Mature Students
Mature applicants 28 years of age and over, who do not possess an undergraduate degree, may apply for either the M.Div. or M.T.S. in either one of two ways:
- Apply for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies – Track to Degree program. Upon completion of this 30 credit hour program with an AGPA of 2.50 or above, and upon approval of the seminary faculty, the student may enter either the M.Div. or the M.T.S. Courses completed in the GCTS will be used in the new degree program.
- Demonstrate undergraduate degree equivalency. Students who have completed approximately 101 credit hours of studies at the post-secondary level from an accredited institution, or a variety of accredited institutions, may apply directly to the M.Div. or M.T.S. based on degree equivalency. Such applications will be reviewed by the Academic Dean of the seminary. The 101 undergraduate credit hours should consist of a broad variety of interdisciplinary studies as well as courses which required an adequate amount of academic research and writing. The Registrar may require the student to supply course syllabi in order for the Academic Dean to determine undergraduate degree equivalency.
Mature applicants must write a research essay as part of their application to help discern the prospective student’s fit for graduate-level theological education: how well can s/he read, comprehend, analyze, and argue a thesis. The applicant’s essay will be graded by a member of the seminary faculty to make this assessment. This research essay must be submitted as part the application process. An application will not be complete nor processed until this essay has been submitted.
International Students
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR 2026-2027:
Heritage College & Seminary has been informed that due to the cap on international study permits that has been instituted by the Government of Canada, study permits will not be granted to international students applying to Heritage College for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students may study from their home country via distance learning (synchronous or asynchronous online).
This information will be reassessed and updated for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Students from the United States of America
Applicants from the U.S.A. must meet the general admissions standards as explained above. Also, American students must have a valid study permit, which can be obtained at a port of entry or at the nearest Canadian Consulate. A student will need an acceptance letter and evidence of sufficient funds/financial support to obtain a study permit. This permit must be presented prior to enrollment. Proof of English language proficiency is not required for American citizens. Applicants should complete the International Student Application. After acceptance, applicants from the U.S.A. must apply for a study permit. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
Students from All Other Countries
Students are advised to apply at least nine months before their planned enrollment date to allow time for processing, acquiring permits and visas, etc. Students are admitted on the basis of graduation from a recognized college, university, or Bible/theological school. Applicants are responsible to provide documentation that verifies the level of their post-secondary training.
Transcripts: Official transcripts must be sent from all schools previously attended. Transcripts that are not written in English must be translated and notarized by an official translating company and sent directly to Heritage. International applicants must also provide a credential evaluation report from World Educational Services (WES) Canada. Applicants must request a “WES ICAP Course-by-Course Evaluation Report” and choose Heritage College & Seminary as the recipient.
English Language Requirements: Proof of English Language proficiency is normally required from all international students with the exception of citizens from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and countries of the West Indies (except Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia).
Heritage accepts the following language proficiency tests:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Students must achieve a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT, and a minimum score of 20 on each of the four sections. Tests can be booked at https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/. Heritage’s institutional code is: 1498.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Students must achieve a minimum overall band score of 6.0 (6.0 in each band) on the IELTS Academic. Tests can be booked at https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test.
3. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Students must achieve a minimum level of 7 on the CELPIP-General. Tests can be booked at https://www.celpip.ca/.
Study Permit and Visa: International students must obtain a valid study permit, and in some cases a visa, to study in Canada. To obtain a permit and, if necessary, a visa, international students must apply through Canadian Immigration officials in their home country or online at Immigration Canada’s official website. Students cannot begin their studies until the necessary immigration documents have been approved. To obtain more information on Canadian Immigration policies and procedures, see the Canadian government’s official website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigrationrefugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.
It is strongly recommended that all applicants have a local support network (welcoming church, local agency, relatives, or other significant persons). This will contribute to the strength of an application.
International students are only accepted for fall term registration. Students will not be enrolled in studies unless the funds required for the first term of studies have been paid (tuition, emergency health insurance for one year, and if applicable, residence costs).
For step-by-step instructions for International Students, see the International Students page.
What questions do you have?
View FAQ