Graduate Certificate
As one of the premier Christian seminaries in Canada, McMaster Divinity College designed the Graduate Certificate program to offer students the opportunity to strengthen their vocational aims by specializing in a particular area of graduate study, serving as an excellent entry point into broader seminary degree programs.
Apply NowProgram Details
The Graduate Certificate program offers a flexible and accessible way to deepen your theological knowledge and ministry skills. Whether you are looking to enhance your current ministry, explore a new area of study, or take the first step toward online seminary degrees, this program provides a focused and meaningful learning experience.
Designed for working professionals, church leaders, and lifelong learners, the certificate allows students to take six courses in areas such as biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry. It can be completed as a stand-alone credential or pursued concurrently with our Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts (Theology and Ministry) seminary degree programs, offering additional specialization and enrichment.
With both online and in-person course options, the Graduate Certificate is an excellent choice for those seeking the flexibility of online seminary degrees alongside professional development or personal spiritual growth, all while engaging with a vibrant and supportive academic community.
Certificates available include:
- Church and Culture
- Spiritual Care
- Spiritual Formation
- Pastoral Ministry
- Preaching
- Worship Studies
- Church Leadership
- Christian Thought & History
- Biblical Languages
- Christian Studies
- Biblical Studies
- Theology
At A Glance
Program Duration
Each certificate is comprised of 6 courses, and can be completed in 1 year (at 2 courses per Fall/Winter/Spring term), up to a maximum of 4 years.
Course Formats
- In-Person
- Hybrid: In-person or livestream (synchronous)
- Online: Fully asynchronous
This program can be completed remotely through a combination of online (asynchronous) and livestream (synchronous) courses, making it ideal for students researching online seminary degrees.
Contact Admissions
Program Outline
| Church and Culture | 4 courses in Church and Culture (CC specialization) 2 elective courses |
| Spiritual Care | 4 courses in Counselling and Spiritual Care (CS specialization) 2 courses in Ministry Studies |
| Spiritual Formation | 4 courses in Christian Spirituality (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar) 2 courses in Ministry Studies |
| Pastoral Ministry | 1 of Foundations for Christian Ministry or Theological Contours of Christian Ministry (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar) 1 course in Preaching/Homiletics 2 courses in Ministry Studies 1 Basic Counselling Skills and Interventions 1 course in Christian Leadership |
| Preaching | 1 Biblical Interpretation course or equivalent 1 Pastoral Theology of Preaching course 1 Preaching Difficult Texts or Preaching the Old Testament courses 2 courses in Biblical Studies (NT or OT, excluding language courses) with preaching specialization 1 major project in preaching area |
| Worship Studies | 3 courses in Worship (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar) 3 Ministry Studies electives |
| Church Leadership | 2 courses in Christian Leadership (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar) 4 Ministry Studies electives |
| Christian History & Thought | 6 courses in a combination of Christian History (CH course code) and Theology (TH course code), with a minimum of two courses in each. |
| Biblical Languages | 6 courses in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic |
| Christian Studies | 2 courses in Ministry Studies (MS course code) 2 courses in Biblical Studies (OT or NT course code) 2 courses in Theological Studies (TH or CH course code) |
| Biblical Studies | 6 courses in Old Testament or New Testament (NT or OT course code), with at least one being of a thematic nature (i.e., not a book or corpus survey course) |
Funding
McMaster Divinity College is committed to making your Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry accessible. We award approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded based on need and/or merit and does not need to be repaid. Eligible part-time students can receive up to $750, while eligible full-time students can receive approximately $2,000.
Funding For Baptist Students
Baptist students may be eligible for additional funding up to a maximum of 75% of their total tuition cost.
Funding For Ontario Residents
Students who reside in Ontario may be be eligible for additional funding up to a maximum of 50% of their total tuition cost.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Tuition Fees
| Domestic Students Canadian students |
International Students Non-Canadian and visa students |
|
| Per course | $ 997.00 | $ 997.00 |
| Per program 6 courses |
$ 5,982.00 | $ 5,982.00 |
Students earning a Graduate Certificate must also pay an additional $25 registration fee.
Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:
- Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
- High school diploma
- Student must be 25 years or older (or have completed a Bachelor’s degree)
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Program Outline
Program Outline
Church and Culture 4 courses in Church and Culture (CC specialization)
2 elective coursesSpiritual Care 4 courses in Counselling and Spiritual Care (CS specialization)
2 courses in Ministry StudiesSpiritual Formation 4 courses in Christian Spirituality (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar)
2 courses in Ministry StudiesPastoral Ministry 1 of Foundations for Christian Ministry or Theological Contours of Christian Ministry (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar)
1 course in Preaching/Homiletics
2 courses in Ministry Studies
1 Basic Counselling Skills and Interventions
1 course in Christian LeadershipPreaching 1 Biblical Interpretation course or equivalent
1 Pastoral Theology of Preaching course
1 Preaching Difficult Texts or Preaching the Old Testament courses
2 courses in Biblical Studies (NT or OT, excluding language courses) with preaching specialization
1 major project in preaching areaWorship Studies 3 courses in Worship (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar)
3 Ministry Studies electivesChurch Leadership 2 courses in Christian Leadership (or equivalent as approved by the Registrar)
4 Ministry Studies electivesChristian History & Thought 6 courses in a combination of Christian History (CH course code) and Theology (TH course code), with a minimum of two courses in each. Biblical Languages 6 courses in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic Christian Studies 2 courses in Ministry Studies (MS course code)
2 courses in Biblical Studies (OT or NT course code)
2 courses in Theological Studies (TH or CH course code)Biblical Studies 6 courses in Old Testament or New Testament (NT or OT course code), with at least one being of a thematic nature (i.e., not a book or corpus survey course) -
Funding & Tuition Fees
Funding
McMaster Divinity College is committed to making your Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry accessible. We award approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded based on need and/or merit and does not need to be repaid. Eligible part-time students can receive up to $750, while eligible full-time students can receive approximately $2,000.
Funding For Baptist Students
Baptist students may be eligible for additional funding up to a maximum of 75% of their total tuition cost.
Funding For Ontario Residents
Students who reside in Ontario may be be eligible for additional funding up to a maximum of 50% of their total tuition cost.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Tuition Fees
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer course $ 997.00 $ 997.00 Per program
6 courses$ 5,982.00 $ 5,982.00 Students earning a Graduate Certificate must also pay an additional $25 registration fee.
Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
-
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:
- Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
- High school diploma
- Student must be 25 years or older (or have completed a Bachelor’s degree)
Take the Next Step
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Book an appointment
If you would like to speak directly with an Admissions Counsellor we would be glad to book an appointment at a time that works for you. You can choose to book an in-person appointment*, a Zoom call, or a phone call. Quick question? Give us a phone call, drop us a text, or send us an email!
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Attend an online info session
Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Join one of our program-specific online information sessions to connect with us from wherever you are. These one-hour sessions are designed to give you the chance to ask questions and receive detailed information about the program that interests you. Be sure to register in advance so we can send you the meeting link and welcome you to the session!
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Visit us in-person
Come visit us in person! Meet with an admissions counsellor, meet faculty, and take a personalized tour of our campus. Experience firsthand what makes our community and programs so special.
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Download an on-demand lecture
Register now for access to our on-demand lectures. This is an opportunity to watch online lectures from our faculty, on your own schedule. Fill out the registration form for the lecture(s) you would like to view and we will send you a link to access the lectures. Check back often for new content!
Jesus – Elijah Confusion – Dr. Paul Evans
How to Disagree Christianly – Dr. Gord Heath
Knowing the Bible – Dr. Christopher Land
Theology of the Temple – Dr. Paul Evans
Old Testament Apologetics – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: Interpreting OT Law
Part 2: Interpreting Imprecatory PsalmsBiblical Wisdom – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: The Patriarchy of Wisdom
Part 2: Wisdom as Emotional and Practical Intelligence
Part 3: The Bible’s Use of Non-Israelite Wisdom
Application Checklist
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1. Agreement with Statement of Faith
Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.
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2. Personal Statement
Provide a brief description of your Christian experience, ministry involvement, and reason for pursuing a Graduate Certificate at McMaster Divinity College (max. 1 page).
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3. References
You will be required to submit the names and contact information for your references in your application. References must be confidential. Please forward the appropriate reference form link (see below) to your referees who will complete the form for direct submission to our Admissions Office.
For this program, applicants must submit:
- One academic/professional reference
- One pastoral reference
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4. Application Fee
There is no fee required for domestic students if application is submitted prior to the application deadlines listed below.
A late fee of $55.00 is required for those applying after the application deadline.
International students must pay an international application fee, see “Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants” below.
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5. Transcripts
After submitting your application, please request official transcripts for all post-secondary education from your institution. Transcripts should be sent in original sealed envelope or official digital transcript to divadmit@mcmaster.ca or by mail to:
McMaster Divinity College
Admissions Dept
1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1In the absence of a bachelor’s degree, provide transcripts for any other post-secondary education or high school transcript (if you are over the age of 25).
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Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants
International applicants are eligible to complete the Certificate program remotely. In-person study dependent on approval by Immigration Canada.
For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 IBT is required.
If submitted documents (including transcripts) are not in English, you maybe required to submit an official translation of these documents (WES evaluation may be requested).
Students who do not possess a passport from a North American country must pay an application fee of $150.00 (CAD).
Students relocating to Canada will be required to submit a copy of their Canadian study permit before registration.
Application deadline
Fall Term
June 1
Winter Term
October 15
Spring Term
March 15
Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late fee.