Western Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning
Advanced
Studies Certificate (ASC) Program
The Advanced Studies
Certificate (ASC) is designed for individuals who desire limited and
focused theological training, but who either do not desire graduate
credit for their work or who do not meet the prerequisites to receive
graduate credit. No formal academic credit is earned in the ASC program.
Learning Units (LUs) are awarded. ASC participants make the same choices
among available tracks as those offered to Graduate Studies Certificate
participants (cf above). Participants who wish to pursue this type of
program for graduate credit should take the Graduate Studies Certificate
option.
Admission
Requirements
Participants entering the certificate program are expected to present
evidence of Christian faith, character, promise, and maturity. A high
school degree is required; a baccalaureate degree is not required.
Advanced
Studies Certificate Requirements
To earn an Advanced Studies Certificate, a participant must complete
18 LUs. Many courses are offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning
through a variety of distance learning formats: video, audio, or CD-Rom
based. This provides opportunity to individuals to study and learn while
remaining in their home area and ministries. On-campus courses may only
be taken by formal institutional approval.
Advanced Studies Certificates are currently offered in four areas: Biblical and Theological Studies, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Church Ministry Studies, and Pastoral Care to Women.
Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of BLS, DBS, NTS, INT, IOT, ICH, SFS, IST and THS studies. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.
Intercultural Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of DIS or IWM. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.
Pastoral and Church Ministry Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of EMS, PCW, ICE, PTS or YMS studies. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.
Pastoral Care to Women Concentration. The ASC in Pastoral Care to Women is an ideal program for expanding one’s experience and expertise in the field of ministering to women. This program increases compassion, understanding, skills and cutting edge ideas for ministry to women. The solid biblical base brings depth and validity to each course. The ASC provides a balance of pastoral counsel for women, leadership development, biblical teaching, and program planning. The many changes in society and the church challenge us to reevaluate ministry effectiveness. The program prepares participants to serve in church, parachurch or compassion ministries to women. To earn an ASC in the area, the following curriculum is taken. PCW courses may be taken on campus or via CLL.
- Pastoral Care to Women required courses (12 LUs):
PCW511 Pastoral Understanding of Women 2 LUs
PCW512X Women in Pain, part I 2 LUs
or
PCW512Y Women in Pain, part II 2 LUs
PCW513 Women in Leadership 2 LUs
PCW514 Building a Ministry to Women 2 LUs
PCW515 Develop and Deliver Life Changing Messages 2 LUs
THS572 Theology of Women in Ministry 2 LUs
- Restricted electives: 4 LUs
Four LUs may be taken from any other PCW or CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval.
- Integrative Project: 2 LUs
Two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.
