Non-Degree Certificates & Lifelong Learning
Practical. Accessible. Spiritually Grounded.
At Wesley Theological Seminary, learning doesn’t stop with a degree. Our non-degree certificates and lifelong learning programs are designed for clergy, lay leaders, and spiritual seekers who want to grow in faith, strengthen their ministry, and serve more effectively—without committing to a full degree program.
Whether you’re discerning a call, exploring a new area of ministry, or deepening your current leadership, our flexible, online options help you take the next faithful step.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership Certificate
Developing Dynamic, Spirit-Led Leaders for Today’s Church
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership Certificate is a non-degree, fully online program designed to equip current and emerging church leaders with practical skills, theological grounding, and visionary leadership tools. Whether you’re a lay leader, clergy member, or ministry innovator, this certificate helps you lead with purpose, clarity, and spiritual depth in a rapidly changing world.
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical strategies for strengthening congregational vitality and growth
- Insights on leadership styles, stewardship, innovation, and change management
- Theological reflection on leadership rooted in Wesleyan values
- A flexible online format that fits into your busy schedule
Who Should Enroll:
- Lay leaders seeking to grow in their ministry roles
- Clergy looking for fresh approaches to leadership challenges
- Congregational teams interested in building a shared leadership foundation
- Anyone passionate about helping the Church thrive in the 21st century
Certificate Highlights:
- Fully online and self-paced for maximum flexibility
- Curated by the trusted voices of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary
- Affordable investment with impactful returns for your congregation and community
- Completion leads to a certificate that recognizes your leadership development
Empower your calling. Lead with confidence. Transform your church.
Visit churchleadership.com to learn more and register today.
For questions, contact us at lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu.
Health Ministry Certificate
Equipping Faith Leaders to Promote Whole-Person Health in Their Communities
The Health Ministry Certificate is a 10-week, 22-hour online program that prepares clergy, lay leaders, and community advocates to lead effective health ministries in congregations and beyond. Offered through Wesley Theological Seminary’s Heal the Sick program, this certificate integrates faith and public health to equip leaders to care for body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you are starting a new health ministry or strengthening an existing one, this certificate offers practical tools, spiritual formation, and a network of support to help you serve communities—especially those who are under-resourced—with compassion and skill.
What You’ll Learn:
- Foundations of faith-based health ministry
- Whole-person health: physical, emotional, spiritual, and community well-being
- Strategies for building and sustaining congregational health ministries
- Approaches to health equity, advocacy, and community partnerships
Program Details:
- Fully Online | Attend from anywhere in the world
- 10 Weeks | Flexible learning to fit your schedule
- 22 Hours Total | Engaging content with experienced instructors and peers
- Certificate of Completion from Wesley Theological Seminary
Who Should Enroll:
- Faith community nurses and chaplains
- Lay health ministers and congregational care teams
- Clergy leading or launching health initiatives
- Public health professionals partnering with faith communities
Advance whole-person wellness. Serve your community with wisdom.
Become a faith leader in health ministry today.
To learn more or register, contact tpruski@wesleyseminary.edu or call (202) 706-6843.
Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program
Accessible Theological Education for a New Generation of Faith Leaders
Wesley Theological Seminary’s Pathways for Ministry Certificate Program offers accessible, flexible theological education for individuals exploring or actively engaged in ministry leadership—especially those discerning a call outside of traditional seminary routes. This program provides high-quality formation that is theologically grounded, contextually responsive, and deeply practical.
Whether you’re preparing for licensed or lay ministry, deepening your work in a local church, or seeking training for community-based spiritual leadership, the Pathways Certificate equips you with the essential tools, knowledge, and support to lead with integrity and impact.
Why Choose Pathways?
- Flexible Format | Online and hybrid courses designed for working adults
- Affordable & Accessible | An ideal fit for bi-vocational leaders or those outside degree tracks
- Practical Learning | Rooted in your context, focused on real ministry challenges
- Diverse Cohorts | Learn alongside peers from various traditions and communities
- Denominational Alignment | Tailored learning paths available to meet denominational and conference requirements
Who Should Enroll?
- Candidates for licensed or lay ministry
- Church staff and ministry volunteers
- Faith leaders in local, rural, or underserved communities
- Individuals discerning a call to serve
- Conferences and denominations seeking trusted partner training pathways
Certificate Features:
- Certificate-level coursework in biblical studies, theology, preaching, pastoral care, and leadership
- Guided reflection and contextual application
- Opportunities to connect with Wesley DC’s broader learning community and faculty
Partnering for the Future of the Church
The Pathways program reflects Wesley DC’s commitment to equipping the whole church for faithful service in a changing world. Your support helps extend vital training to emerging leaders in every corner of the church—rural, urban, multilingual, and multigenerational.
Wesley Pathways for Ministry is a partnership of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and SMU Perkins School of Theology, made possible through generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Keep Growing in Your Calling
Many clergy and church professionals continue their education throughout their ministry and Wesley Theological Seminary is here to support that journey. Our Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses offer meaningful, graduate-level learning experiences designed to strengthen your ministry, renew your spirit, and expand your leadership skills.
Earn CEUs Through Wesley DC Courses
The same courses available for audit may also be taken for CEU credit. CEUs are a great option for:
- Ordained clergy
- Diaconal ministers
- Full-time lay denominational employees
- Church leaders or staff of faith-based organizations
Please note: CEU courses do not carry graduate-level credit and cannot be applied toward a master’s degree at Wesley DC.
For those serving in the United Methodist Church, you can review the official UMC Continuing Education Guidelines to confirm your denomination’s requirements.
Tuition & Credit Equivalency
- Tuition: $100 per CEU
- Credit Conversion: 1 semester hour = 1.5 CEUs
Eligibility
You may register for CEUs if you have already completed a master’s-level theological degree and meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a church leader or member of the clergy
- You are employed by a church or affiliated organization
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate indicating the course and assignments completed. CEUs will not appear on your official Wesley DC academic transcript.
Ready to explore your calling?
Learn more or enroll by contacting admissions@wesleyseminary.edu or call (202) 885-8659.
Let’s walk the path of ministry—together.
Explore Theology with the Certificate in Christian Studies Program
Since its inception in January 2012, Wesley Theological Seminary has pioneered an engaging program tailored for laity seeking deep theological insights. Dive into non-credit courses spanning biblical studies, church history, theology, and practical ministry. Upon completing six enlightening courses, participants earn a prestigious Certificate in Christian Studies.
Our program welcomes all with a passion for theological enrichment and ministry readiness. As auditors, you have the flexibility to complete assignments at your own pace while immersing yourself in essential readings and attending transformative class sessions.
Experience the hybrid learning advantage: courses commence online via Blackboard, followed by enriching in-person residencies at our scenic campus in Northwest DC, just around the corner from American University. Each intensive weekend residency spans Friday evenings through Saturday afternoons, ensuring immersive learning with ample breaks.
Join us at Wesley DC’s main campus or explore our dynamic virtual sessions. Click here to register and prepare for a transformative journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Please note: While these courses do not offer graduate-level credits or transfer to Wesley DC degree programs, they provide invaluable insights and knowledge for your personal and ministerial journey!
Course of Study School at Wesley Theological Seminary
Equipping Local Pastors for Faithful, Effective Ministry
Wesley Theological Seminary is proud to serve as the Regional Course of Study School for the Northeast Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, under the oversight of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). Our Course of Study programs provide vital theological education and leadership training for both full-time and part-time licensed local pastors.
We offer multiple accessible pathways to complete your coursework:
- NEW: Two-week hybrid Summer Intensive program (launched 2020)
- Quarterly Weekend Sessions in Washington, DC
- Satellite Course of Study Schools in Eastern Pennsylvania, New England, and Upper New York Annual Conferences
Eligibility Requirements:
To enroll in the Course of Study, you must:
- Be a licensed local pastor
- Be approved by your District Committee on Ordained Ministry
- Have completed License to Preach School
- Be currently appointed to a local church
- Hold a high school diploma or higher
For more information, contact Yasika Bigham at ybigham@wesleyseminary.edu.
Recent News
Master of Arts (MA)
Integrate faith with your professional calling.
The MA offers flexible concentrations—such as Public Theology, Faith & Health, or Missional Leadership—to connect your faith with your work in nonprofits, counseling, education, or advocacy.
- Ideal for professionals seeking faith-based leadership development.
- Prepares you for advanced study or specialized ministry.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Answer your call to ministry.
The MDiv prepares you for ordination, chaplaincy, and pastoral leadership through rigorous theology, practical ministry training, and spiritual formation.
- Build skills in preaching, pastoral care, and leadership.
- Complete field education in real-world ministry settings.
- Customize your path to meet denominational or vocational goals.
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Go deeper into your theological curiosity.
The MTS is a two-year academic degree focused on Scripture, history, ethics, and theology.
- Strengthen your theological foundation.
- Prepare for teaching, writing, or doctoral study.
- Ideal for lay leaders and lifelong learners.