Special Students and Non-Degree, Certificate, and Continuing Education Programs

See also Academic Degrees for other learning opportunities.

Did you know you can take a course at United without making a commitment to a program or an academic degree? Registering as a special student is the quickest and easiest way to sample what United has to offer.

When you’re ready to delve deeper, explore United’s certificate, non-degree, continuing education, or academic degree programs.

ministry formation groupSpecial Students

For a variety of reasons, prospective students may wish to take classes without applying for admission into one of the formal programs of study at United. In such cases applicants may choose to enroll as “special students.”

Special Student status is available to qualified applicants who wish to take courses without designating a specific degree program. Students who register with special student status may take up to nine semester hours after which they must apply for admission into a degree program or for the B.G.T.S., C.T.S., or Advanced Course of Study, to continue studies at United.

Special Student Application Form

Tracy Zielinski teaching at a continuing education eventBasic Graduate Theological Studies (B.G.T.S.)

Though not as comprehensive as our masters degree program, the B.G.T.S. program is ideal for:

  • Candidates for the Order of Deacon in the United Methodist Church
  • Pastors in denominations that do not require a masters degree for ordination but who would like graduate training to enhance their ministries
  • Lay people who wish desire greater knowledge of theological subjects

The B.G.T.S. is a 27-hour program that includes training in Bible, theology, polity, church history, mission, evangelism, and worship.

Basic Graduate Theological Studies (B.G.T.S.) Application Form

Larry Welborn teaching a classCertificate of Theological Studies (C.T.S.)

Like the B.G.T.S., the Certificate of Theological Studies can be used for vocational training or for personal edification. A full-time student can complete the C.T.S. program in one year.

The C.T.S. requires 24 semester hours of graduate theological study including fifteen elective hours to allow students to explore the areas of theological study in which they are most interested. There are also requirements in Bible, theology, and church history.

Certificate of Theological Studies (C.T.S.) Application Form

Deaconess and Home Missioner Program

The offices of Deaconess and Home Missioner within the United Methodist Church require masters-level courses in Old Testament, New Testament, theology, church history, doctrine, and polity. These courses are available on a regular basis at United.

Standards for Admission for Degree and Non-Degree Programs

All students admitted to United are asked to provide evidence of a growing faith, potential for exercising creative ministry in a professional capacity, personal maturity, and ability to relate well to others.

All applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale) from a regionally accredited institution.

If you would like to apply for admission into one of our non-degree programs or for special student status, please contact Linda Rice by e-mail (lrice@united.edu) or by phone at 937-529-2201.

Continuing Education: Roots and Wings for Ministry through United’s Institute for Applied Theology

Courses, workshops, continuing education, certificate program, and special events open to students, clergy and lay ministers, and the community.