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Program Overview

Program Overview

Explore the Christian Tradition. Deepen Your Faith.

 

Hazelip School of Theology’s online certificate in Theological Studies provides an accessible path for individuals to gain advanced literacy in the history of Christianity and its doctrines as expressed in different cultures and sub-traditions of the faith. 

 

Our curriculum helps students understand how Christianity relates to other faith traditions in the world. They will become more literate in the historical doctrines of Christianity, as well as the history of the global church, and be equipped with skills to think theologically and interpret Christianity in historically appropriate ways.

 

This online certificate is available on its own or can be applied toward our Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies programs. A certificate offers students an economical entry point to their graduate education journey. 

 

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Who Should Apply?

The certificate in Theological Studies is for anyone who wishes to have a more holistic knowledge of the Christian faith and its history in the world. It is especially intended for those working in ministry efforts, whether professional or volunteer. Regardless of background, any bachelor’s degree holder is welcome to apply. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate Bible Certificates

Hazelip School of Theology offers graduate certificates in a variety of theological disciplines to further your Christian formation and ministry skills. Each certificate can be applied to certain master’s programs (specified on each certificate’s webpage), giving you a headstart on the program curriculum. 
 

Old Testament Studies New Testament Studies Pastoral Leadership

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Application with $50 non refundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation: one from a university administrator or professor (we do accept an additional professional or ministry recommendation in lieu of academic recommendations), one from a professional supervisor/employer and one from a church leader or minister
  • Official transcripts emailed to gradadmissions [at] lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Admissions (One University Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37204)
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 2.75
  • 750-1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's religious heritage, career goals and how Hazelip School of Theology might contribute to the achievement of those pursuits
     

Priority deadline for Fall 2025 is July 1, 2025.

 

International Students

International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English before enrolling. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of approximately 570 on the paper-based test, or 80 on the iBT, or an IELTS exam with an overall band score of 6.5 is the minimum accepted for admittance. For more information, see International Students admissions policy.

Admissions Policy

Courses

Courses

Theological Studies Certificate – 15 hrs

  • GB 51A3 Foundations of Christian Theology: God's Being and Action (3)
  • GB 52A3 Salvation in Christ: Human Nature and Divine Grace (3)
  • GB 53A3 The Spirit's Work: From Sanctification to Glory (3)
  • GB 5493 Global Christianity (3)
  • GB 5563 Comparative Religion (3)
Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

At Lipscomb University, we strive to make education affordable. Tuition is currently $540* per credit hour, however, all students in the Hazelip School of Theology receive a 25% discount, which brings the cost per credit hour to $405 per credit hour. Additional scholarship may be awarded to students who submit applications before each term's priority deadline. Lipscomb also offers interest-free monthly payment plans depending on the length of each semester.

*Note: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.

Accessible Faculty

Students can easily reach out to their professors and instructors for help and guidance throughout their coursework. Our expert faculty aim to be available to students and foster a positive educational experience by being responsive and engaged.

Online Modality

Embrace the convenience of online learning. Coursework for this certificate will be completed asynchronously, allowing flexibility for your schedule, with the exception of the biblical language course which will be synchronous in the evenings.

Practical Application

Studies at the Hazelip School of Theology are integrative by design. Formal training in these interpretation methods will meaningfully connect with your personal faith journey as well as the Christian ministries you are passionate about.

Our Faculty

  • Lauren White headshot

    Lauren White

    Assistant Professor

    Lauren Smelser White has served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Lipscomb since 2018 and teaches various undergraduate and graduate courses in Bible and systematic, historical, and contextual theology. She...

    Meet Lauren White
  • Alden Bass headshot

    Alden Bass

    Professor

    Alden Bass specializes in the history and theology of early Christianity. His research focuses on preaching and biblical interpretation in North Africa, the birthplace of Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine. Originally...

    Meet Alden Bass
  • Josh Strahan headshot

    Josh Strahan

    Professor

    Josh teaches courses in Biblical Interpretation and the New Testament. He received his bachelor's degree in Bible from Lipscomb University in 2004, his Master of Divinity degree from Abilene Christian...

    Meet Josh Strahan