Certificate in Biblical Studies
Certificate Overview
This 15 unit Certificate in Biblical Studies is recommended for students who are seeking a sound, comprehensive understanding of the bible, including individual biblical books and biblical theological themes. You will receive a foundation in Old Testament and New Testament biblical studies. The curriculum reflects the theology of the Kingdom of God as the lens for studying the entire bible. Unlike the other certificates offered through VI, the Certificate of Biblical Studies focuses solely on understanding the Bible and does not include ministry courses or ministry service requirements. Because VI values spiritual formation as well as biblical learning, we include spiritual formation coursework for you with other requirements. This certificate can be accomplished completely online.
Certificate Requirements
For the 15 Unit Certificate in Biblical Studies, here are the outlined requirements you need to graduate at this level. Based on your calling, the recommended elective courses may vary but the basic requirements are the same across all callings.
Total Units Required to Graduate: 15
5 Units - Kingdom of God Courses
These courses provide an overall framework from which to view all of the other courses in Vineyard Institute.
| Course Name | Category | Course ID |
|---|---|---|
| The Story of the Kingdom | KTB | VIKTB-1000 |
| Understanding the Kingdom | KTB | VIKTB-1006 |
| Demonstrating the Kingdom | KTB | VIKTB-1200 |
| Spiritual Formation | LCD | VIMIN-1000 |
| Capstone: Kingdom of God | CAP | VICAP-1600 |
8 Units - OT & NT Electives
Students will take 4 elective courses from the Old Testament selections and 4 elective courses from the New Testament selections below:
| Choose 4 Old Testament Electives | Category | Course ID |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament Theology | KTB | VIKTB-1190 |
| The Pentateuch | KTB | VIKTB-1150 |
| Latter Prophets 1 | KTB | VIKTB-1110 |
| Latter Prophets 2 | KTB | VIKTB-1115 |
| Restoration Literature | KTB | VIKTB-1135 |
| Wisdom Literature | KTB | VIKTB-1130 |
| Choose 4 New Testament Electives | Category | Course ID |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew and Mark | KTB | VIKTB-1025 |
| Luke-Acts | MIS | VIMIS-1035 |
| 1 Corinthians | KTB | VIKTB-1055 |
| The Book of Hebrews | KTB | VIKTB-1050 |
| Johannine Literature and Theology | KTB | VIKTB-1040 |
| Pauline Literature | KTB | VIKTB-1031 |
| General NT Letters | KTB | VIKTB-1045 |
2 Units – Capstone Course
Each Capstone is an integrative essay course that is required after you have completed 4 courses from the Old Testament Electives and 4 courses from the New Testament Electives. You will be writing an essay about the four courses you have just taken and as you write your essay, you will gain a deeper understanding of what are the most essential and important points to know and be able to draw together the knowledge and skills you have obtained and identify how to apply it to your everyday life.
Check back here for more details before Q1, 2019 begins.
Student Checklist
We have designed a checklist that will help you lay out your course plan for the next 2 to 3 years so you can track your progress and know what classes you need to take next.
For Students starting Q4 2018 September: Certificate in Biblical Studies Certificate Checklist (pdf)
For Students who started courses prior to Q4 2018 September: Certificate in Biblical Studies Certificate Checklist (pdf)