Advanced Diploma of Ministerial Studies

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Program Overview

  • Program Duration: 1.5 – 2 Years
  • Mode of Delivery: Online / Hybrid / Face-to-face (by location)
  • Enrolment: Flexible / Cohort (by location)
  • Total Credits: 81
  • Tuition fees: USD 3,510

Course Rationale

Purpose & Vision

The Advanced Diploma of Ministerial Studies is designed to equip students with theological depth, pastoral competence, and ministerial adaptability. This program integrates biblical principles with practical application, fostering spiritual formation, leadership excellence, and compassionate service.

Core Objectives

  • Theological Foundation: Strengthen understanding of Scripture, hermeneutics, and doctrinal teachings to uphold sound theology in ministry.
  • Ministerial Competency: Develop skills in preaching, pastoral counseling, church administration, and intercultural engagement.
  • Spiritual Formation: Cultivate personal growth, prayer disciplines, and emotional resilience to sustain long-term ministry effectiveness.
  • Community Engagement: Equip students for evangelism, missions, and ethical leadership within diverse cultural contexts.
  • Practical Experience: Integrate academic knowledge with hands-on ministry through practicum and thesis-based theological reflection.

Justification for Course Progression

The curriculum follows a structured pathway, ensuring students move from foundational principles to advanced ministerial practice.

  • Early Semesters: Introduce biblical and pastoral foundations essential for ministerial integrity.
  • Middle Semesters: Deepen theological concepts while developing leadership and church management skills.
  • Final Semesters: Apply learned principles through practical ministry experiences, culminating in a reflective thesis project.

Target Audience

This program is tailored for aspiring ministers, chaplains, and Christian leaders seeking advanced theological education with practical application. 

Register today for this exciting journey!

Embark on a transformative journey with the Advanced Diploma of Ministerial Studies designed to equip you with deep theological insight, practical ministry skills, and spiritual resilience.  Join a community of passionate learners and take the next step in your ministry with a curriculum tailored for impact and excellence

Positions in Ministry for Graduates

Graduates of this enhanced Diploma of Ministerial Studies are well-prepared to serve in a variety of roles. Their broad-based training opens pathways in several ministry contexts, including:

  • Senior Pastor / Lead Minister: Overseeing church operations, preaching, and spiritual guidance.
  • Associate or Assistant Pastor: Supporting the lead minister in pastoral care, administration, and community outreach.
  • Youth or Children’s Ministry Director: Guiding and nurturing the spiritual formation of younger congregants.
  • Worship Leader/Minister of Worship: Organizing and leading worship ceremonies, integrating liturgical expertise with modern music and multimedia.
  • Church Administrator / Financial Manager: Managing church operations, budgeting, and ethical stewardship of resources.
  • Missions Director / Evangelism Coordinator: Planning and executing outreach programs, local and global mission initiatives.
  • Pastoral Counselor/Chaplain: Providing counseling services, crisis intervention, and pastoral care in church or community settings.
  • Digital Ministry Coordinator: Overseeing the church’s online presence, implementing technology strategies for ministry growth.
  • Ministry Consultant or Trainer: Advising churches on leadership development, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.
  • Graduates might also step into roles such as campus ministry leaders, community engagement coordinators, intern pastors, or even specialists in intercultural ministries.

Course Structure

Disclaimer: This table of courses is for informational purposes only and is correct at the time of publishing. Shiloh College reserves the right to amend, add, or delete courses at its sole discretion. Our admissions team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about these or any other courses.

Index Course Description Credit Hours
TERM 1: Foundations of Ministry (12 Credits)
DPS 101 Principles for Leaders in Ministry 3
DPS 103 Church Discipline 3
BIBL 221 Introduction to Homiletics 3
THEO 229 Spiritual Formation 3
TERM 2: Biblical Studies & Pastoral Care (12 Credits)
BIBL 224 Old Testament Survey 3
BIBL 230 New Testament Survey 3
DPS 105 Ministry of Counseling 3
PETH 240 Pastoral Ethics and Leadership 3
TERM 3: Evangelism and Ministry Application (12 Credits)
EVMT 220 Evangelism and Mission Strategies 3
BIBL 232 Introduction to Hermeneutics 3
BIBL 116 Introduction to Exegesis 3
CMNT 280 Communication and Conflict Resolution in Ministry 3
TERM 4: Advanced Ministry Leadership (12 Credits)
BIBL 240 Systematic Theology 3
DPS 109 Conducting Church Services & Ceremonies 3
MINT 260 Ministry and Technology 3
PC 300 Pastoral Ministry Practicum 3
TERM 5: Practical Leadership Development (12 Credits)
DPS 106 Financial Management of the Church 3
BIBL 234 New Creation Realities 3
INTM 230 Intercultural Ministry and Diversity 3
BIBL 233 Real Faith 3
TERM 6: Capstone and Ministry Integration (9 Credits)
PROJECT Applied Leadership Ministry Project 3
CAPSTONE Reflective Thesis Paper 6
Total Credits 81

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