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Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate program is designed to offer students the opportunity to strengthen their vocational aims by specializing in a particular area of graduate study.
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 a graduate degree, 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) programs, offering additional specialization and enrichment.
With both online and in-person course options, the Graduate Certificate is an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility, professional development, or personal spiritual growth while engaging with a vibrant and supportive academic community.
Certificates available include:
Church and Culture
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Formation
Pastoral Ministry
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.
Contact Admissions
Program Outline
| Church and Culture | 4 courses in Church and Culture (CC specialization) 2 elective courses |
| Spiritual Care | 4 courses in Spiritual Care and Counselling (CS specialization) 2 Ministry Studies electives |
| Spiritual Formation | 4 courses in Christian Spirituality (as approved by faculty advisor) 2 Ministry Studies electives |
| Pastoral Ministry | 1 course in Foundations for Christian Ministry or Theological Contours of Christian Ministry (or equivalent) 1 course in Preaching or Homiletics 2 courses in Ministry Studies (Pastoral Studies (PS) specialization option) 1 course in Spiritual Care and Counselling (Christian Studies (CS) specialization option) 1 course in Christian Leadership |
| Worship Studies | 3 courses in Worship (as approved by faculty advisor) 3 Ministry Studies electives |
| Church Leadership | 2 courses in Leadership (Pastoral Studies (PS) – as approved by faculty advisor) 4 Ministry Studies electives |
| Christian Thought & History | 4 courses in Christian History (CH course code) 2 courses in Theology (TH course code) |
| Biblical Languages | 6 courses in Greek or Hebrew Exegesis *Option of adding Aramaic in place of one Hebrew exegesis course |
| 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 course code) |
| Biblical Studies | 5 courses in Old Testament or New Testament (course code OT or NT) 1 course in Biblical Studies (eg. Hermeneutics) |
| Theology | 4 courses in Theology (TH course code) 2 courses in Christian History or Pastoral Theology |
Funding
McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Students who take more courses receive a higher percentage of financial aid. Eligible Graduate Certificate students completing their program in one year can receive up to $1,050 in funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
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.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the Certificate program 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.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical full-time Certificate student could have the following scenario*:
| MDC Financial Assistance Academic Awards |
$ 1,050 $ 500 |
| Total Funding | $ 2,900 |
| Tuition Fee | $ 5,226 |
| Amount Payable by Student | $ 2,326 |
*based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
| Domestic Students Canadian students |
|
| Per course | $ 871.00 |
| Per program 6 courses |
$ 5,226.00 |
All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.
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 of 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 Spiritual Care and Counselling (CS specialization)
2 Ministry Studies electivesSpiritual Formation 4 courses in Christian Spirituality (as approved by faculty advisor)
2 Ministry Studies electivesPastoral Ministry 1 course in Foundations for Christian Ministry or Theological Contours of Christian Ministry (or equivalent)
1 course in Preaching or Homiletics
2 courses in Ministry Studies (Pastoral Studies (PS) specialization option)
1 course in Spiritual Care and Counselling (Christian Studies (CS) specialization option)
1 course in Christian LeadershipWorship Studies 3 courses in Worship (as approved by faculty advisor)
3 Ministry Studies electivesChurch Leadership 2 courses in Leadership (Pastoral Studies (PS) – as approved by faculty advisor)
4 Ministry Studies electivesChristian Thought & History 4 courses in Christian History (CH course code)
2 courses in Theology (TH course code)Biblical Languages 6 courses in Greek or Hebrew Exegesis
*Option of adding Aramaic in place of one Hebrew exegesis courseChristian 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 course code)Biblical Studies 5 courses in Old Testament or New Testament (course code OT or NT)
1 course in Biblical Studies (eg. Hermeneutics)Theology 4 courses in Theology (TH course code)
2 courses in Christian History or Pastoral Theology -
Funding & Tuition Fees
Funding
McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Students who take more courses receive a higher percentage of financial aid. Eligible Graduate Certificate students completing their program in one year can receive up to $1,050 in funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the Certificate program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical full-time Certificate student could have the following scenario*:
MDC Financial Assistance
Academic Awards$ 1,050
$ 500Total Funding $ 2,900 Tuition Fee $ 5,226 Amount Payable by Student $ 2,326 *based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsPer course $ 871.00 Per program
6 courses$ 5,226.00 All fees are subject to an additional $21 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.
-
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 of 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 $50.00 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 $125.00 (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.