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Program Overview

Program Overview

Lipscomb University aims to fulfill the need for highly qualified faith-based educators through partnership with Christian schools, which offers participants a 50% discount.

Candidates at partner schools who possess an undergraduate degree may pursue a Certificate in Christian Education to prepare them for the pedagogy, content and cultural facets of teaching in a Christian school setting. 

This program provides the coursework and skill development that new educators in Christian schools need to be successful with their students and thrive in the Christian school learning environment. CEP coursework includes field experiences in Christian school environments. CEP students may also complete additional courses and licensure exams to complete a Tennessee teaching license and/or a Master’s/Ed.S. degree. 

If you participate in the CEP program, you are classified as “non-degree seeking”. The program adheres to similar admission standards, procedures and academic policies of the Graduate Studies in Education department.

Christian Educator Program Outcomes

The mission of the CEP program is to prepare you to be an effective educator within Christian school environments. This mission includes:

  • Coursework that prepares you for the Christian school environment, featuring curriculum focused on the specific needs of the Christian educator
  • Intentional field placements at partner Christian schools
  • Spiritual growth for you and those you will educate

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed Online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
  • Personal statement:
    Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
  • Three Recommendations
    • Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
      If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
    • Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
    • Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
  • Resume
  • Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • Partner Christian schools secure a 50% tuition discount for their teachers. Learn more.

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

View all College of Education scholarships

Why Earn Your CEP at Lipscomb University?

Faith in Academics

Faith-based education is a special work our community wishes to flourish. Christian schools need qualified Christian educators who specialize in fulfilling those needs both in the classroom and school as a whole.

Faculty Support

The CEP program will provide you with an extensive support network of faculty at Lipscomb and partner schools. Your journey as a Christian educator is designed to form deep relationships with mentors and advisors.

Continued Education Opportunities

While there are many on-going education opportunities, few of them focus on the needs of a Christian education environment. The CEP program targets those needs specifically, offering specialized continued education.

10

Average class size

Our Faculty

  • Casey Heard headshot

    Casey Heard

    Assistant Professor

    Meet Casey Heard
  • Suze Gilbert headshot

    Suze Gilbert

    Associate Professor, Program Director - Christian Education Program

    Suze Gilbert holds a B.S. degree in elementary education from Freed-Hardeman University, the M.Ed. and Ed.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle Tennessee State University, and the Ed.D. in...

    Meet Suze Gilbert
  • Emily Medlock headshot

    Emily Medlock

    Director of Clinical Experiences

    Dr. Emily Medlock is the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Student Teaching as well as an associate professor in the College of Education. She is a graduate of Lipscomb University...

    Meet Emily Medlock

Career Paths

Christian Education

Teachers and administrators in a Christian environment teach future generations with the skills and knowledge that furthers the pedagogy and culture of faith-based education.

Ministry

Christian Ministers aim to fulfill the needs of all peoples, whether spiritual or other, utilizing their training and understanding of the Bible.

Nonprofit Organizations (Faith-based)

Employees of faith-based nonprofit organizations work toward a specific cause with the qualities and knowledge expected from those who are Christ-centered.