Welcome to the Department of Ministerial Studies. This is one of three departments under Summit University’s School of Theology. Keep reading for information about our Ministerial Studies programs and courses and how to apply.

Summit University’s online ministerial studies are for you if…

• You feel a profound calling to offer spiritual and practical assistance to your fellowman—ranging from supporting families, seniors, children and youth to doing outreach or hospice work, conducting rituals and services, administering sacraments, and providing spiritual understanding to congregations and seekers.
• You would like to pursue a ministerial function in Church Universal and Triumphant.
• You would like to study online, at your own pace, with likeminded fellow-students.

The ministerial studies program consists of two levels which prepare a student for a ministerial vocation.

Level 1 – Ministering Servant Certificate Program

Level 1 is a preparatory step for those who are thinking of pursuing ministry as a vocation.  It thoroughly prepares students for an active role as ministering servants in their local communities.  Students choose between two tracks:

Track A is the basic study program, open to anyone who meets our academic prerequisites.  It concludes with a certificate of completion in Ministering Servant Studies.

Track B follows the same basic program but has additional elements geared specifically to those who desire to pursue ministry as a vocation.  This track is open to members of the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity on lesson 8 and above. It prepares students for the office of lay brother/sister in Church Universal and Triumphant, which is a prerequisite step for becoming a minister in the Church. The office of lay brother sister is awarded by the Church to graduates of Track B who also meet the Church’s spiritual standards and character requirements. Download Lay Brother / Lay Sister in Church Universal and Triumphant® to read more about this office.

Both tracks will take a minimum of 1.5 years of part-time study (three 16-week semesters).

View the curriculum for this program.

Level 2 – Ministerial Training Certificate Program

In our Ministerial Training Certificate Program, students are trained to professionally minister to a congregation or community.  This program also has two tracks.

Track A is the basic certificate program, open to those who successfully complete Track A or Track B of the Ministering Servant Certificate Program.

Track B is open to those who successfully complete Track B of the Ministering Servant Certificate Program. This track has additional elements specifically designed for lay brothers/sisters in Church Universal and Triumphant who desire to pursue the mantle of lay minister.  Lay brothers/sisters are eligible to apply for the office of lay minister after successful completion of Level 2 and service as a lay brother/sister for a period of two-and-a-half to three years.  After three years of successful ministry, lay ministers may become eligible for ordination, which means they dedicate themselves to the ministry as a lifelong calling.

Level 2 will take a minimum of 2.5 – 3 years of part-time study.

Ministry as Vocation

Students interested in pursuing a ministerial role in Church Universal and Triumphant should read Ministry as Vocation in Church Universal and Triumphant.  This booklet gives an in-depth explanation of what it means to be an Aquarian Age minister and will answer many questions.  It can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking here.

View the curriculum for this program.

Not able to commit to an 18-credit program?

Not able to commit to an 18-credit program right now? Consider taking individual courses for credit or audit through our Department of General Studies. Learn more here.

What you need to know about the Ministerial Studies Certificate Program

The following links will help you learn more about the Ministerial Studies Certificate Program:

• Course catalog
• Academic calendar
• Faculty
• Technology and computer literacy requirements
• Tuition fees

Get started today!

Are you ready to begin your Ministerial Studies journey? Click the button below to learn you how you can apply to join our Summit University online community and start taking courses today.