The Advanced Studies Certificate (ASC) is designed for individuals who desire limited and focused theological training, but who either do not desire graduate credit for their work or who do not meet the prerequisites to receive graduate credit. No formal academic credit is earned in the ASC program. Learning Units (LUs) are awarded. ASC participants make the same choices among available tracks as those offered to Graduate Studies Certificate participants (cf above). Participants who wish to pursue this type of program for graduate credit should take the Graduate Studies Certificate option.

Admission Requirements
Participants entering the certificate program are expected to present evidence of Christian faith, character, promise, and maturity. A high school degree is required; a baccalaureate degree is not required.

Advanced Studies Certificate Requirements
To earn an Advanced Studies Certificate, a participant must complete 18 LUs. Many courses are offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning through a variety of distance learning formats: video, audio, or CD-Rom based. This provides opportunity to individuals to study and learn while remaining in their home area and ministries. On-campus courses may only be taken by formal institutional approval.

Advanced Studies Certificates are currently offered in four areas: Biblical and Theological Studies, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Church Ministry Studies, and Pastoral Care to Women.

Biblical and Theological Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of BLS, DBS, NTS, INT, IOT, ICH, SFS, IST and THS studies. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.

= Fully WSCLL Deliverable

Intercultural Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of DIS or IWM. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.

Pastoral and Church Ministry Studies Concentration. Participants select 12 LUs of course work from the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in the areas of EMS, PCW, ICE, PTS or YMS studies. Four LUs may be taken from any CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval. The final two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.

= Fully WSCLL Deliverable

Pastoral Care to Women Concentration. The ASC in Pastoral Care to Women is an ideal program for expanding one’s experience and expertise in the field of ministering to women. This program increases compassion, understanding, skills and cutting edge ideas for ministry to women. The solid biblical base brings depth and validity to each course. The ASC provides a balance of pastoral counsel for women, leadership development, biblical teaching, and program planning. The many changes in society and the church challenge us to reevaluate ministry effectiveness. The program prepares participants to serve in church, parachurch or compassion ministries to women. To earn an ASC in the area, the following curriculum is taken. PCW courses may be taken on campus or via CLL.

ASC Curriculum

= WSCLL Course or Equivalent Available

Advanced Studies Certificate Curriculum
Pastoral Care to Women required courses (12 LUs)
PCW 511	Pastoral Understanding of Women	2
PCW 512X	Women in Pain, Part 1	2
PCW 512Y	Women in Pain, Part 2	2
PCW 513	Women in Leadership	2
PCW 514	Building a Ministry to Women	2
PCW 515	Develop and Deliver Life Changing Messages	2
THS 561G	Equipping Women to Identify and Embrace Their Call	2
Restricted electives: 4 LUs
	Four LUs may be taken from any other PCW or CLL course or from a combination of non-course seminar events, with program advisor’s approval.	4
Integrative Project: 2 LUs
	Two LUs are granted for successful completion of an integrative project, demonstrating the ability to combine course principles in a practical ministry application.	2

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