• Overview of all Programs, Degrees & Requirements
  
• Advanced Certificate Programs
  
• Diploma in Church Ministry
  
• Second Bachelor Degree in Ministry (B. Min)
  
• Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
  
• Doctor of Ministry Program
  (D. Min)
  

Below is a comparison chart providing an overview of the academic programs offered by IGSM. Click on any program or degree for complete details:

Credit Hours
Students are allowed to take any of the classes for 2-4 semester hours (All Advanced Certificate Students take the 2 Credit option). The difference is in the requirements that accompany the class.

* The Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board has determined that the International Graduate School of Ministry qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree Authorization Act for the following programs: Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Any person desiring information about the requirements of the Act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Board at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

Go Back

Objective

The IGSM Advanced Certificate programs are designed for individuals who do not desire to enter into a degree program, or do not have the credentials to enter a degree program, but desire to increase their ministry skills. The Advance Certificate programs allow students to take the same courses as those in the degree programs, however the reading assignments and research projects are tailored to meet the needs of those who are not interested in the degree programs.

Program Design

Certificate programs are available in the following areas:

• Bible
• Church Planting
• Hispanic Ministry
• Church Leadership Development
• Market Place Ministry
• Missions
• Practical Ministry
• Research Studies
• Theology
• Urban Ministry
• Youth Ministry

The program is designed to be completed at the pace that best works for the individual student, with the average pace being three courses per year. For each class, students are required to complete approximately 800 pages of reading, attend the class (either in person at one of our extension sites or online through our Internet classes), and complete a written project of at least 10 pages.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Advanced Certificate programs are:

• A high school diploma
• In part-time or full-time ministry or
• Exploring the possibility of part-time or full-time ministry and have the recommendation of their pastor

Graduation Requirements

Each Certificate program requires the completion of four classes (8 semester credits). Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. Those students choosing to take any of the Internet classes will need to have the necessary computer hardware and software to facilitate the classes as well as knowledge of how to use those resources. Students are required to take four courses from their area of emphasis and one additional class from the general offerings. The course on Ministry Assessment is strongly recommended for an extra class since it helps students evaluate themselves and understand how their unique talents, gifts and abilities best fit into ministry at the local church level.

Go Back

Objectives

The IGSM Diploma in Church Ministry is designed for individuals who have a high school diploma, have little if any college or university credits, but desire to increase their ministry skills. The Diploma in Church Ministry allows students to take the same courses as those in the other programs, however the reading assignments and research projects are tailored to meet the needs of those who are not interested in the more advanced degree programs.

The diploma program is based on four key objectives.

1. To provide for growth in personal and spiritual maturity.
2. To provide a solid background in the Bible which is foundational for any type of Christian ministry.
3. To provide guidance, training, and resources in the practical aspects of ministry.
4. To provide the foundations upon which one can build a healthy and effective ministry.

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed at the pace that best works for the individual student, with the average pace being three courses per year, however there is a maximum time limit of 10 years to complete the degree. For each class, students are required to complete reading assignments, attend the class (either in person at one of our extension sites or online through our Internet classes), and complete a project.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Diploma in Church Ministry are:

• A high school diploma
• In part-time or full-time ministry or
• Exploring the possibility of part-time or full-time ministry and have the recommendation of their pastor

Special Student Status

Applicants not holding a high school diploma or its equivalent may apply to get into the Diploma in Church Ministry program under Special Student Status. Only a limited number of applicants will be admitted under this status. Students entering the diploma program under the Special Student Status are required to fulfill a three-course probationary period after admission to the school, maintaining a “B-” average in all classes.

Graduation Requirements

The Diploma in Church Ministry requires 64 credits of academic work (16 four unit classes). Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. Those students choosing to take any of the Internet classes will need to have the necessary computer hardware and software to facilitate the classes as well as knowledge of how to use those resources. Students are required to get a B– or better in each of their classes for them to count towards the graduation requirement.

Diploma Candidacy

A student who has ten (10) semester credit hours or less remaining to be completed may apply for diploma candidacy. Request for candidacy will include the following:

1. Have demonstrated a capacity for individual research, indicated by the quality of written work submitted in conjunction with course work.
2. Have demonstrated the skill and ability to meet the academic requirements of their classes as indicated by a B– or better grade in those classes.
3. Submit a Request for Candidacy letter to the School Office.
4. Submit a Self-Evaluation Statement to the School Office. The Self-Evaluation Statement includes a self-appraisal by the student that includes:
   • An assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in light of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth produced through work accomplished at the school and in personal ministry.
   • An assessment of course work taken to-date at the school The length of the Self-Evaluation Statement is to be about 1,000-2,000 words (6-8 typed, double-spaced pages) and submitted to the School Office.
5. Complete all candidacy requirements by the end of December, approximately 15 months prior to the expected graduation date.

Curriculum

Students in the Diploma in Church Ministry program are required to complete at least 32 hours (8 courses) from the Bible and Theology departments (assuming they have had no college credits in this area of study). The remainder of their courses may be chosen from any of the other classes offered by IGSM.

Go Back

Objectives

The IGSM Second Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry (B. Min.) is designed for individuals who have completed their B.A. degree, but it did not include any classes in Bible, Theology, or ministry. Now as they are involved in ministry they desire to increase their ministry skills in a degree program. The B. Min. program allows students to take the same courses as those in the other programs, however the reading assignments and research projects are tailored to meet the needs of those who are not interested in the more advanced degree programs.

The B. Min. program is based on four key objectives.

1. To provide for growth in personal and spiritual maturity.
2. To provide a solid background in the Bible which is foundational for any type of Christian ministry.
3. To provide guidance, training, and resources in the practical aspects of ministry.
4. To provide the foundations upon which one can build a healthy and effective ministry.

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed at the pace that best works for the individual student, with the average pace being three courses per year, however there is a maximum time limit of 10 years to complete the degree. For each class, students are required to complete reading assignments, attend the class (either in person at one of our extension sites or online through our Internet classes), and complete a project.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the B. Min. program are:

• A Bachelor of Arts degree
• In part-time or full-time ministry or
• Exploring the possibility of part-time or full-time ministry and have the recommendation of their pastor Graduation Requirements

The second B. Min. program requires 48 credits of academic work. Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. Those students choosing to take any of the Internet classes will need to have the necessary computer hardware and software to facilitate the classes as well as knowledge of how to use those resources. Students are required to get a B– or better in each of their classes for them to count towards the graduation requirement.

Degree Candidacy

A student who has ten (10) semester credit hours or less remaining to be completed may apply for degree candidacy. Request for candidacy will include the following:

1. Have demonstrated a capacity for individual research, indicated by the quality of written work submitted in conjunction with course work.
2. Have demonstrated the skill and ability to meet the academic requirements of their classes as indicated by a B– or better grade in those classes.
3. Submit a Request for Candidacy letter to the School Office.
4. Submit a Self-Evaluation Statement to the School Office. The Self-Evaluation Statement includes a self-appraisal by the student that includes:
   • An assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in light of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth produced through work accomplished at the school and in personal ministry.
   • An assessment of course work taken to-date at the school The length of the Self-Evaluation Statement is to be about 1,000-2,000 words (6-8 typed, double-spaced pages) and submitted to the School Office.
5. Complete all candidacy requirements by the end of December, approximately 15 months prior to the expected graduation date.

Curriculum

Of the 48 credits required for students in the B. Min. program, at least 32 hours must be from the Bible and Theology departments (assuming the students have had none in their undergraduate studies). Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. The remainder of their courses may be chosen from any of the other classes offered by IGSM.

Go Back

Objectives

The Master of Theological Studies degree (M.T.S.) is designed for individuals who are currently involved in professional ministry and desire to enhance their ministry leadership skills. Many people involved in part-time or full-time ministry do not have the level of practical training they desire in order to be effective in ministry. This program is designed for those who have completed Bible college and now desire to focus on the more practical aspects of ministry or those who have a B.A. in a field other than ministry and would like to pursue a Master’s Degree.

The program is based on seven key objectives.

1. To provide for growth in personal and spiritual maturity.
2. To provide a solid background in the Bible which is foundational for any type of Christian ministry.
3. To provide guidance, training, and resources in the practical aspects of ministry.
4. To provide the foundations upon which one can build a healthy and effective ministry.
5. To provide critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and processes of pastoral leadership and practical ministry skills.
6. To provide the skills necessary for the design, implementation, and assessment of pastoral leadership skills.
7. To provide the analytical and research skills necessary for graduate level research.

The Master of Theological Studies program will also provide the necessary academic foundation for those who choose to go on to a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed at the pace that best works for the individual student, with the average pace being three courses per year, however there is a maximum time limit of 10 years to complete the degree. For each class, students are required to complete reading assignments, attend the class (either in person at one of our extension sites or online through our Internet classes), and complete a project.

Admission Requirements

Student must be engaged in full-time recognized professional ministry and have at least three years of ministry experience. A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent is also required with a major in biblical or theological studies. Other baccalaureate degrees will be considered when the applicant’s academic background includes approximately 30 credit hours of biblical and theological studies. Applicants holding a baccalaureate degree without the necessary biblical and theological studies may be considered, but specific foundational courses will be required to be taken at IGSM or other accredited institutions.

Special Student Status

Applicants not holding a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent may apply to the Master of Theological Studies program under Special Student Status. Only a limited number of applicants will be admitted under this status. The criteria for consideration include the following:

1. Ninety (90) semester hours of undergraduate studies with a major in biblical or theological studies.
2. Minimum of three years of professional ministry experience.
3. Fulfill three-course probationary period after admission to the school.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Theological Studies degree requires 62+ credits of academic work, a two credit research course and a four credit thesis project. Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. Those students choosing to take any of the Internet classes will need to have the necessary computer hardware and software to facilitate the classes as well as knowledge of how to use those resources. Students are required to get a B– or better in each of their classes for them to count towards the graduation requirement.

Degree Candidacy

A student who has ten (10) semester credit hours or less remaining to be completed (not including the thesis project) may apply for degree candidacy. Request for candidacy will include the following:

1. Have demonstrated a capacity for individual research, indicated by the quality of written work submitted in conjunction with course work.
2. Have demonstrated the skill and ability to meet the academic requirements of their classes as indicated by a B– or better grade in those classes.
3. Submit a Request For Candidacy letter to the School Office.
4. Submit a Self-Evaluation Statement to the School Office. The Self-Evaluation Statement includes a self-appraisal by the student that includes:
   • An assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in light of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth produced through work accomplished at the school and in personal ministry.
   • An assessment of course work taken to-date at the school. The length of the Self-Evaluation Statement is to be about 1,000-2,000 words (6-8 typed, double-spaced pages) and submitted to the School Office.
5. Have submitted a thesis proposal to the School Office for approval. A Dissertation/Thesis Proposal Outline is available from the School Office. A project fee equal to the current course tuition is to be submitted with the thesis proposal.
6. The prospective candidate will be interviewed by a member of the school’s Executive Staff who will submit a recommendation for candidacy to the Academic Affairs Committee.
7. Complete all candidacy requirements by the end of December, approximately 15 months prior to the expected graduation date.

Thesis Project Policy

The Master of Theological Studies program concludes with a thesis project that integrates both theory and practice of ministry. It is this combination of theory and practice in the field of the candidate’s ministry that distinguishes this program from other programs that focus on academic and experimental research. The thesis is to be a scholarly paper written in proper form and style which contributes to the knowledge of the work of the ministry. Through the thesis project, the candidate must demonstrate the following:

1. The ability to identify a specific concern in ministry, mobilize appropriate resources, develop a method for addressing the concern, and evaluate the completed results.
2. The ability to reflect depth of theological insight in relation to practical ministry.
3. The ability to function responsibly under supervision appropriate to the project.

An information session is scheduled to be conducted by a member of the executive staff either in person or by phone. All students preparing for thesis work will participate in one of these information sessions to receive introductory guidelines on topics such as choosing a thesis advisor, developing a topic, composing a thesis proposal, research procedures, writing standards, and a schedule of deadlines for completing the thesis.

An advisor will be selected by the student to function as the primary mentor on the thesis project. The Executive Staff of the school will also be available for consultation throughout the thesis project process. All thesis project proposals are finally approved by the Academic Affairs Committee.

Curriculum

Students may select any course offered by IGSM to fulfill their degree requirements.

Go Back

Objectives

The professional doctorate program provides the student the opportunity to earn a practitioner’s degree that focuses on equipping the professional minister for a high level of competency and skill in leading the local church ministry. The Doctor of Ministry is distinct from the Ph.D. or Th.D. degrees in that its primary focus is on the practical aspects of ministry rather than preparing the student for research or teaching in the academic arena.

Entrance requirements for the Doctor of Ministry program assume that the essential foundations of theological education have already been established in the life of the student. The program provides the student opportunity to focus on both general and specialized areas where the student desires enhancement of knowledge and skills. In keeping with the practical educational philosophy of the school, the program is focused on several key objectives:

1. An advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry.
2. Enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial leadership skills.
3. New knowledge about the practice of ministry.
4. Continued growth in spiritual maturity.
5. Strengthened biblical and theological foundations to provide strong, godly leadership in the local church.

The program continually emphasizes the need to integrate both the theory and practice of ministry in a manner that enables strong local church leadership based on solid biblical and theological foundations.

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed at the pace that best works for the individual student, with the average pace being three courses per year, however there is a maximum limit of 10 years to complete the degree. For each class, students are required to complete reading assignments, attend the class (either in person at one of our extension sites or online through our Internet classes), and complete a project.

Admissions Requirements

A Master of Divinity degree or equivalent is the standard admission requirement for the Doctor of Ministry degree program. However, applicants with master’s degrees other than the M.Div. may also be admitted to the program but will be required to complete additional credits in order to graduate (see “Graduation Requirements” below). All applicants must have three years of professional ministry experience and currently be engaged in recognized professional ministry. Their academic work must include at least 45 semester credits in biblical and theological studies.

Graduation Requirements

Applicants holding the M. Div. degree or its equivalent will be required to complete 42+ credits and a two-credit hour class on research methodology and a four credit dissertation project. Students are allowed to take up to 50% of their classes online using the Internet. Those students choosing to take any of the Internet classes will need to have the necessary computer hardware and software to facilitate the classes as well as knowledge of how to use those resources. Applicants who do not hold a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent will be required to complete 42-70 semester credits depending on the quantity and quality of pre-admission graduate level academic work. Only courses with a minimum grade of “B” will be accepted for credit toward the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Degree Candidacy

A student who has ten (10) semester credit hours or less of course work remaining (not including the dissertation project) may apply for degree candidacy. Request for candidacy will include the following:

1. Have demonstrated a capacity for individual research, indicated by the quality of written work submitted in conjunction with course work.
2. Have demonstrated the skill and ability to meet the academic requirements of their classes as indicated by a B or better grade in those classes.
3. Submit a Request for Candidacy letter to the School Office.
4. Submit a Self-Evaluation Statement to the School Office. The Self-Evaluation Statement includes a self-appraisal by the student that includes:
   • An assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in light of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth produced through work accomplished at the school and in personal ministry.
   • An assessment of course work taken to-date at the school. The length of the Self-Evaluation Statement is to be about 1,000-2,000 words (6-8 typed, double-spaced pages) and submitted to the School Office.
5. Have submitted a thesis proposal to the School Office for approval. A Dissertation/Thesis Proposal Outline is available from the School Office. A project fee equal to the current course tuition is to be submitted with the dissertation proposal.
6.  The prospective candidate will be interviewed by a member of the school’s Executive Staff who will submit a recommendation for candidacy to the Academic Affairs Committee.
7. Complete all candidacy requirements by the end of December, approximately 15 months prior to the expected graduation date.

Dissertation Project Policy

The Doctor of Ministry program concludes with a dissertation project that integrates both theory and practice of ministry. It is this combination of theory and practice in the field of the candidate’s ministry which distinguishes this program from other programs that focus on academic and experimental research. The dissertation is to be a scholarly paper written in proper form and style which contributes to the knowledge of the work of the ministry. Through the dissertation project, the candidate must demonstrate the following:

1. The ability to identify a specific concern in ministry, mobilize appropriate resources, develop a method for addressing the concern, and evaluate the completed results.
2. The ability to reflect depth of theological insight in relation to practical ministry.
3. The ability to function responsibly under supervision appropriate to the project.

An information session is scheduled to be conducted by a member of the executive staff either in person or by phone. All students preparing for dissertation work will participate in one of these information sessions to receive introductory guidelines on topics such as choosing a dissertation advisor, developing a topic, composing a dissertation proposal, research procedures, writing standards, and a schedule of deadlines for completing the dissertation.

An advisor will be selected by the student to function as the primary mentor on the dissertation project. The Executive Staff of the school will also be available for consultation throughout the dissertation project process. All dissertation project proposals are finally approved by the Academic Affairs Committee.

Curriculum

Students may select any course offered by the IGSM to fulfill their degree requirements.

Go Back