Certificate Programs

Online Seminary Certificate Programs

Theological Depth. Without the Full-Degree Commitment.

Five focused, fully online certificates — built for lay leaders, missionaries, educators, and anyone called deeper into Scripture.

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  • 5

    Certificates

  • 18–24

    Credit hours

  • 100%

    Online

Knox Certificate Programs

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Most popular · Anchor certificate

18 hrs

Certificate

Theological Studies

The Certificate in Theological Studies is an 18-credit course of study for individuals desiring to broaden and deepen their understanding of Reformed theology. All courses may be completed fully online.

Best for
Lay leaders deepening their grasp of Reformed theology
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Stone path through the seminary campus 24 hrs

Certificate

Christian Ministry

The Certificate in Christian Ministry is a 24-hour certificate designed to ground students in faithfully interpreting and applying Scripture in service to the church. Certificate in Christian Ministry students may take courses as desired in any department of the school. Upon successful completion, the student is awarded the Certificate in Christian Ministry.

Best for
Those entering ministry without a full master’s commitment
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Hebrew and Greek Scripture detail 18 hrs

Certificate

Biblical Languages

The Certificate in Biblical Languages is an 18-hour course of study designed to ground students in responsible exegesis and hermeneutics in the Christian Scriptures. The goal of this certificate is to provide students these critically important skills for a lifetime of effective biblical study.

Best for
Students grounding themselves in Hebrew & Greek exegesis
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Classical illustration evoking Christian and classical studies 18 hrs

Certificate

Christian & Classical Studies

The Certificate in Christian and Classical Studies is 18 credits. It covers six of the eight classes in the "Christian and Classical Studies" curriculum. That curriculum belongs to the Master of Arts (Christian and Classical Studies) program.

Best for
Christian and classical educators, teachers, and lay leaders
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Open Bible resting on a wooden table 18 hrs

Certificate

Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies at Knox Theological Seminary is an 18-hour certificate designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing biblical training without the commitment to a master's program. The program is well suited for lay leaders in the church, missionaries who require a year of formal theological training, or individuals desiring to both broaden and deepen their understanding in biblical studies. The 18-hour program can be completed fully online.

Best for
Lay leaders, missionaries, anyone called to biblical depth
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Stackable Pathway

A Certificate Is Often the First Step.

Credits stack. Many Knox students start here and step into a full master’s.

  1. Oil lamp 1

    Begin with a Certificate

    Earn 18–24 academic hours in a focused area — theology, ministry, biblical studies, languages, or classical studies.

  2. Quill and scroll 2

    Apply Credits Forward

    Every completed course in the Certificate Program can be applied toward an accredited master’s program at Knox in the future.

  3. Shepherd's crook 3

    Step into a Degree

    When you’re ready, transition into a Knox MABTS, MACCS, or MDiv with the work you’ve already done counted toward graduation.

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Common Questions

Certificate Program FAQs

Do certificate credits apply toward a Knox degree?
Yes. Every completed course in the Certificate Program can be applied toward an accredited master’s program at Knox in the future. Many Knox students begin with a certificate and step into a full degree once they are ready.
How long does a certificate take to complete?
Most certificates are 18 academic hours and can be completed in 12 to 18 months at a steady pace. Knox’s flexible online format means you set the cadence that fits your life.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enroll in a certificate program?
Yes. Application to the Certificate program at Knox is open to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or beyond.
Are certificate programs ATS-accredited?
Knox Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada. ATS approves Knox’s four degree programs: the Master of Divinity, MA (Christian and Classical Studies), MA (Biblical and Theological Studies), and the Doctor of Ministry. Certificate programs are non-degree credentials offered by Knox, not ATS-approved programs.

Not Ready for the Certificate Program?

Start with a Short Course.

Focused, non-credit theological training, no certificate or degree commitment.

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From a Knox Student

“The certificate gave me a way to start when a full degree felt out of reach. By the time I finished, I knew I was ready to step into the master’s — and the work I’d already done came with me.”

Knox Certificate → Master’s student

Start Where You Are.

Year-round enrollment, no rigid deadlines, and an admissions team ready to help you choose the right certificate.

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