Graduate Studies Certificate/Graduate Studies Diploma

Western Seminary off ers the fl exible, one-year Graduate Studies Diploma

(GSD) program for individuals with varying objectives for theological

education. Th e program may be appropriate for: (1) Christian laypersons

who desire one year of theological study to equip them for eff ective ministry

in the local church or elsewhere; (2) mission personnel in nonprofessional

roles who seek formal biblical, theological, and missiological training; (3)

Christian workers with limited time available for theological study; (4)

individuals who need a “trial year” in seminary to better defi ne their goals

and calling; (5) Christian educators who need to continue their education

in biblical and theological studies; (6) professionals who wish to supplement

their college/university education with a year of theological study; and (7)

spouses of Western students who wish to concurrently complete a program

of studies in anticipation of vocational ministry. Since these credits could

also subsequently be applied to M.A. or M.Div. degree programs (depending

upon the specifi c curricular requirements for each), the GSD is also suitable

for those who wish to enroll in seminary without making the commitment

required for a degree program. GSD students are able to select the discipline

in which they will take most (or all) of this coursework.

Th e Diploma program, by itself, is not adequate preparation for vocational