Certificate and Pathway Programs
Certificate Programs
15 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Focused, single-topic training in one area — Bible, theology, ministry, spiritual formation, or apologetics. Certificates are ideal for church leaders, Bible teachers, and lifelong learners who want serious training in a specific competency without committing to a full degree, and every certificate counts directly toward the Associate of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts in Theology.
Graduates will be able to:
- Explain the core content and structure of the certificate’s chosen area of study
- Apply foundational skills from that area directly in local church ministry
- Read and interpret Scripture responsibly within the certificate’s subject focus
- Continue directly into the Associate of Arts or BA in Theology using completed units
Certificate in Christian Apologetics
15 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Focused training in defending and articulating the Christian faith amid competing worldviews, cults, and contemporary challenges to belief. Stacks into the 30-unit Graduate Diploma in Christian Apologetics.
Graduates will be able to:
- Identify major worldview challenges to Christian faith and respond to them clearly
- Construct reasoned, respectful defenses of core Christian doctrine
- Apply apologetic method pastorally — in preaching, teaching, and everyday ministry conversation
Pre-Theological College Studies Pathway
75 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
A college-level academic pathway built around the published admission requirements of Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary. This pathway is not itself a theology credential — it exists to prepare students to apply for the PBTS Bachelor of Theology. Admission to the PBTS program is decided by PBTS alone.
Graduates will be able to:
- Meet the general-education and English-language expectations PBTS requires for admission
- Demonstrate college-level academic writing, reading, and research skills
- Enter the PBTS Bachelor of Theology application process with the required academic foundation
Associate of Arts in Theological and Ministry Studies
42 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Foundational theological and ministry preparation for church leaders, lay ministers, and Bible teachers — and a solid launching point for students continuing into bachelor-level study.
Graduates will be able to:
- Summarize the Bible’s overall storyline and apply basic tools of biblical interpretation
- Articulate core Christian doctrine, church history, and a Christian response to competing worldviews
- Practice foundational ministry skills in preaching, teaching, leadership, and pastoral care
- Sustain personal spiritual disciplines that support long-term ministry service
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
124 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Chin Academy’s own undergraduate theology degree, integrating biblical, theological, and ministry training for church leaders and students preparing for graduate study.
Graduates will be able to:
- Interpret Scripture using sound hermeneutical method across both Testaments
- Construct a coherent, biblically grounded theological framework and give a defense of the Christian faith
- Design and lead ministry in preaching, Christian education, mission, and pastoral care
- Integrate academic study with spiritual formation and Christian character
Bachelor of Theology
91 units · Awarded by Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (PBTS)
Pursued through Chin Academy’s partnership with PBTS in Baguio City, Philippines. This is PBTS’s own accredited ecclesial degree, preparing students for full-time ministry with ordination in view. Admission is decided by PBTS and requires passing PBTS’s English entrance examination in addition to unit requirements.
Because this is a PBTS-awarded degree, its specific program-level learning outcomes are defined in PBTS’s own academic catalog. Contact Chin Academy’s Academic Office for details on how this pathway fits your plan of study.
How These Programs Stack
| Finish this… | …and it counts toward | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| A 15-unit Certificate | Associate of Arts, and BA in Theology | Biblical certificate courses articulate directly into the equivalent degree-level courses |
| Associate of Arts (42) | BA in Theology (124) | Two Associate courses shift from core to elective status |
| BA in Theology (124) | Master of Arts (73) | Your advisor reviews your transcript for course-by-course transfer credit |
| Pre-Theological College Studies Pathway (75) | PBTS admission | A pathway, not a theology credential — PBTS alone decides admission |
| Graduate Diploma (30) | Master of Arts (73) or M.Div. (105) | With advisor approval; research and interdisciplinary courses transfer directly |
| Master of Arts (73) | Master of Divinity (105) | Add 32 units; your concentration carries over whole |
Talk with our Academic Office about which program fits where you are right now — and where it can take you next.