Graduate Diploma in Theological and Ministry Studies
30 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
A graduate-level credential for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and want serious theological training — as a bridge into the M.A. or M.Div., a specialization, professional enrichment, or a stand-alone exit credential.
Graduates will be able to:
- Engage biblical, theological, and ministry material at a graduate level of depth
- Complete a focused concentration reflecting a specific ministry or academic interest
- Apply graduate-level study directly within an existing ministry role
- Transfer completed coursework toward the M.A. or M.Div. with advisor approval
Graduate Diploma in Christian Apologetics
30 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
The graduate-level continuation of the Certificate in Christian Apologetics, for students pursuing deeper training in Christian defense and public witness.
Graduates will be able to:
- Engage major philosophical and cultural challenges to Christian faith at a graduate level
- Develop and teach a structured apologetics curriculum for a local church or ministry context
- Apply apologetic reasoning with theological precision and pastoral sensitivity
Master of Arts with Concentrations
73 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Chin Academy’s graduate academic degree, deliberately built as a subset of the Master of Divinity — so a student who later pursues professional ministry preparation continues into the M.Div. without repeating coursework. Students choose a concentration: Biblical Studies (NT/OT), Theological Studies, Christian Education, Mission and Diaspora Studies, Ministry Leadership, or Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Graduates will be able to:
- Conduct graduate-level theological research and writing
- Demonstrate advanced competence in a chosen area of specialization
- Integrate biblical, theological, and practical studies into a coherent ministry or academic focus
- Complete a thesis or integrative capstone project demonstrating independent scholarly work
Master of Divinity
105 units · Awarded by Chin Academy
Chin Academy’s full professional ministry degree, preparing graduates for pastoral ministry, missions, teaching, and leadership. Includes graduate research, a concentration, and supervised ministry internship / field education.
Graduates will be able to:
- Exegete and teach Scripture — including original-language study — and apply it to complex ministry situations
- Articulate and defend Christian theology across doctrine, ethics, and cultural engagement
- Lead a congregation or ministry organization with theological, pastoral, and administrative competence
- Complete supervised field education demonstrating readiness for vocational ministry
- Produce a thesis or ministry project reflecting graduate-level research and ministry integration
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.