UMC Professional Certification Program

Contact: Laura Weber
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• UMC Certification Program at United Seminary

  The UMC Certification Program for church professionals is a program of the General Board of Higher Education Ministry (GBHEM) of the United Methodist Church. United offers a full scope and sequence of courses, so students can take all necessary classes for certification in Christian Education Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Music Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, Spiritual Formation Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Urban Ministry.
  
  These two-credit hour courses are offered as three day, intensives in a hybrid format, within a retreat setting.

• Retreat-Based, Hybrid Courses

  Hybrid courses are taught both on-line and face-to-face, with a minimum of 12 hours of classroom instruction for each 2-credit hour course. In addition, students will be part of an on-line community of men and women working toward certification.
  
  We believe Sabbath-living is integral to successful Christian ministry. Independent adult learning is facilitated by a variety of experiences including worship, solitude, practical application, and meals together with an instructor. These are made possible through the retreat setting provided by United’s UMC Certification Program.

• Scholarships

  Two scholarships are offered to each registered certification student. The General Board of Higher Education Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship is $200/credit hour and the United Scholarship is $100/credit hour. Scholarship applications can be made to GBHEM by using the Certification/Deacon Scholarship Application (Form 116) or by contacting United.
  
  Scholarships are available only to students who enroll as a UMC Certification Student. They do not apply to those who enroll as Visiting or Auditing Students.

• Costs

  Tuition charges:
  Certification: $477/credit hour
  Visiting Student: $300/course
  Auditing Student: $300/course
  
  $75 for each course, includes 9 meals and snacks. Housing is not included. Please refer to Housing and Visitor Accommodations to make room reservations.

• Enrollment in the UMC Certification Program

  To enroll as a United Methodist certification student you must first enroll with the GBHEM; then apply to and register with United.
  
  1 | Enroll with the GBHEM
  Go to the General Board of Higher Education Ministry webpage and fill out a one-time enrollment form (“Enrollment for the Professional Certification Studies in Ministry Careers” – HE4064). It must be approved by the student’s Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) and with the Division of Ministry (DOM), GBHEM. This is the only form required to be eligible to proceed with the certification studies and to receive scholarship aid from the DOM, GBHEM.
  
  go to website

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  2 | Apply to United
  It is quick and easy to apply using QuickApp. 

  apply now

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  3 | Register with United
  Registration in a particular educational event will be through United Theological Seminary.
  
  Interested church professionals may take certification courses without becoming enrolled as M.Div. students.
  
  Students will register as a “Certification Student” eligible to take all necessary certification courses. The student must register each time a course is to be taken.
  
  To register, contact one of the following:
  
  Admissions Office
  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 1.800.322.5817
  
  UMC Certification Program at United Director
  Lori Reiber This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 937.529.2201
  
  Mail-In Registration and Payment
  
  registration form
  
  
  
  
  Online Registration and Payment
  
  register online

• United Registration without Certification

  Interested church professionals may take the UMC Certification courses without becoming certified.
  
  To do so, students may register with United as Visiting or Auditing Students and will not have to enroll with the GBHEM. The student must register each time a course is to be taken.
  
  Visiting and Auditing Students are not eligible for scholarships.
  
  To register, contact one of the following:
  
  Admissions Office
  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 1.800.322.5817
  
  UMC Certification Program at United Director
  Lori Reiber This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 937.529.2201
  
  Mail-In Registration and Payment
  
  registration form

  
  Online Registration and Payment
  
  register online

• UMC Certification Program Course List

  
  

  There are courses offered each January, June and August. Click the link below to download a PDF of the course list. 

  umc course list

• United Masters Course List

  For a complete listing of United Theological Seminary Master courses click the link below

  course list