Certificate Program in Christian Education

Teach Christian Faith Formation

This flexible, 12 credit graduate certificate is designed to equip pastors, educators, and congregational leaders with best practices in educational theory, faith formation, and teaching practice. This program is intended to be completed in 1-2 years.

Certificate in Christian Education (C.C.E.) At-A-Glance:

Flexible Study

This 12-credit graduate certificate can be completed fully online or in hybrid formats on either campus. Charlotte's rhythm includes a monthly in-person gathering; Richmond's hybrid includes a 4-day residency each semester.

Expand Your Expertise

Students will develop competencies in three core areas of Christian Education: Educational Theory, Faith Formation, and Educational practices.

Work Anywhere

This flexible curriculum supports those pursuing PC(USA) Educator Certification requirements while also remaining a suitable standalone certificate for congregational leaders and educators.

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Certificate Program in Christian Education

Gain practical skills and theological grounding for Christian education through a flexible program designed for today’s ministry contexts.

Online and Hybrid Learning

Study Christian education with our online and hybrid models. Choose from Richmond, VA or Charlotte, NC for on-campus components.

Accredited Certificate Program

Union Presbyterian Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Application Process

How To Apply

To get started with your application process, reach out to our Directors of Admission, Annie Franklin Arvin (call/text 804-291-8314) or Ashlee Anderson (call/text 980-475-1066). Applications are hosted in SONIS. Need assistance? Check out our SONIS application guide, or reach out to us with questions.

Transcripts

To complete your admissions packet, request all transcripts from each accredited institution you have attended. A final transcript showing a bachelor’s degree and the date conferred must be on file before a student may enroll. Official (signed and sealed) transcripts, showing courses and grades, from ALL previously attended academic institutions are required. Institutions can email eScripts to admissions@upsem.edu or mail paper transcripts to:

Union Presbyterian Seminary
Office of Admissions
3401 Brook Road
Richmond VA 23227

Do not send transcripts to the Charlotte campus.

Background check

A background check is required of all applicants who are US Citizens, Resident Aliens, and International Applicants who have lived in the US for more than two years. To order your background check, go to the CastleBranch website, enter “ua37” into the Package Code field and click go. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use, then click continue to proceed to payment and confirmation.

Personal Disclosure Form

Complete your Personal Disclosure Form.

Complete your interview

Interview with a faculty member, in person or virtually on Zoom. You can email Admissions Assistant Bonnie Hoffman or call 804-278-4221 to arrange your interview.

International applicants

International applicants should follow the instructions on the International Applicants page.

Details And Deadlines

Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Certificate Program in Christian Education normally must have received a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university accredited by one of the nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States, or hold an equivalent educational credential from another country.

An online interview with a member of the faculty is required. Please contact Admissions at 804-278-4221 or by email at admissions@upsem.edu to arrange your interview.