Graduate Certificate in Biblical Foundations

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Biblical Foundations

Offered By: College of Theology

Further Your Spiritual Journey in Biblical Foundations

Follow your faith and renew your personal devotion to Christ with a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Foundations. This certificate at Grand Canyon University is designed to prepare you for potential service in teaching ministries. You will have the opportunity to examine biblical knowledge and practice the interpretation of Scripture. You will also have the opportunity to explore how to embrace God’s message and apply Christian principles to all aspects of life.

Offered by the College of Theology, this biblical studies certificate takes you on a spiritual journey from the Old Testament to the New Testament. There is an emphasis on the development of the Christian character and on the fundamentals of becoming a spiritual leader for your local Christian community.

Benefits of GCU’s Certificate in Biblical Foundations

This online certificate in biblical studies may offer both personal and professional benefits. As a Christian, you may use your academic endeavors to deepen your connection to Christ and explore best practices in Christian character development. This certificate program may also enable you to develop professional competencies in theology and ministry activities. Prepare to position yourself to potentially pursue leadership positions within your church by reflecting upon the Word of God. As a Christian university, GCU immerses all its students — both online and on campus — in a faith-centered learning environment.

With GCU’s flexible online learning options, you can work to deepen your understanding of your faith no matter where you are. Continue to meet your professional and familial obligations while broadening your understanding of Scripture and its ethical applications. The online learning platform can enable you to engage in discussions with your peers, while being taught by knowledgeable instructors. Earn your graduate certificate after just 18 credits of study. Most of the online courses are eight weeks in length.

Although many students enjoy the flexibility of online coursework, others prefer the full college experience as on-campus students. When you attend biblical foundations classes at our campus in Phoenix, you can benefit from face-to-face interactions with your fellow students and instructors. You can also take advantage of all that our vibrant, community-minded campus has to offer, including worship activities, Bible studies groups and community service initiatives. Work through your certificate program against the backdrop of a faith-centered community that aims to support its own.

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Biblical Foundations Course Topics

This certificate in biblical studies online can empower you to examine your own personal devotion to Christ, develop your Christian leadership capabilities and guide others in your Christian communities to know and love God. In a graduate certificate in biblical foundations program, you will have opportunities to strengthen your ministerial and theological skills and take an in-depth look at faith formation and spiritual principles. You will explore the following course topics:

  • The creation narrative and the exodus, conquest and settlement of Canaan
  • The historical context of and interpretation for the Old and New Testaments
  • The ministry, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • The principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, including the use of biblical language tools
  • The virtues and habits that contribute to discipleship
  • The rise of gentile Christianity and the teachings of Paul
TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 18
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

Career Paths With a Certificate in Biblical Foundations

You may feel called to inspire and guide the spiritual development of others, and to help them explore their religious questions. There are many possible career paths in which you can accomplish what God has called you to do. Jobs that may be related to this graduate certificate include:

  • Director of religious activities and education
  • Postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher (requirements vary by state)

Those who feel called to serve God and his people may find career opportunities in a variety of settings. These may include:1

  • Churches and church programs
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Volunteer organizations
  • Missionary groups
  • Community outreach organizations
  • International aid organizations
  • Human service organizations

Examine Biblical Foundations From an Institutionally Accredited University

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As an accredited university, GCU takes pride in the comprehensiveness of our curriculum and the quality of our instruction. We strive to graduate job-ready students who are prepared to serve their communities and faith organizations with integrity, respect and ethical intentions. With HLC accreditation guiding our standards, GCU is pleased to offer this biblical studies certificate to those who are interested in deepening their connection to Christ. To learn more, visit our accreditation page.

Biblical Studies Certificate FAQs

Before enrolling in this on-campus or online certificate in biblical studies, you may wish to explore the academic credential and its career possibilities further. Use the following frequently asked questions and answers to get started.

Theology is the study of religious beliefs, and Christian theology is the attempt to understand God and his Word. Exploring Christian beliefs and striving to understand God’s commands are the first steps toward applying them in life, and for reflecting upon significant religious questions.2 Biblical foundations can refer to the principles of the Bible and how it can be interpreted for application to actual situations in modern life.

At GCU, we integrate the Christian worldview into all our academic programs. We encourage our students to live in a way that reflects our Christian beliefs and our commitment to ethical decision-making.

A certificate in biblical foundations is designed to build on your previous knowledge of Christ and develop your understandings of biblical principles and foundations. You will explore the depths of the Old and New Testaments, biblical interpretations and the formation of Christian character. Upon earning your graduate certificate, you may be prepared to position yourself to lead others in their spiritual development and journeys.

A biblical studies certificate can be ideal for those who wish to examine foundational knowledge of Christ, the Bible and all its intricacies, and share that knowledge with others. If you’re looking to take the next step in your journey of understanding Christianity and your spiritual self, a certificate in biblical studies may be the right choice for you and your career aspirations.

Strengthen your faith and explore the application of biblical principles to everyday life. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about enrolling in GCU’s on-campus or online certificate program.

1 Fleming, J., PhD. (2023, March 13). What can you do with a theology degree? 28 potential careers. Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 12, 2023.

2 Christianity.com. (2023, Jan. 3). What is theology? Definition, importance, and purpose. Christianity.com. Retrieved Oct. 12, 2023.

Course List

Major:
18 credits
Degree Requirements:
18 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in ministry and theology. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course surveys the text and historical background of the Old Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the Old Testament.

Course Description

This course surveys the text and historical background of the New Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the New Testament.

Course Description

This course is a study of the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, exegesis, and application, especially in the context of ministry, including an introduction to the use of biblical language tools.

Course Description

This course examines the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics along with an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of gospel ministry. Significant attention is given to self-care, personal morality, and character formation as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God’s people.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.