Research Degree Programs
Theses and dissertations are the focal points of CES Research Degree programs. The CES-Writing Protocols class will help students reach a level of necessary proficiency for the program. Thus, a lack of writing skill need not dissuade a student from enrolling in a Research Degree program. In special situations--i.e., for students who have written theses or dissertations in other degree programs--there may be exceptions to the thesis or dissertation requirement. An exception to the requirement must be requested in writing by the student at the time of enrollment or shortly thereafter (within eight weeks). The final decision of exemption shall rest solely with the Seminary. The research degree programs are the Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.), Master of Christian Philosophy (M.C.Phil.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), Doctor of Christian Philosophy (D.C.Phil.), and the Doctor of Theology (Th.D.).


Ministry Degree Programs
Not all degrees require a thesis or dissertation. Ministry degrees do not require the writing of a thesis or dissertation. In these degree programs, students simply complete classes for the degree. However, students may choose to write a thesis or a dissertation if they desire. The CES ministry degree programs include all of the associate degrees, Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.), Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Doctor of Christian Studies (D.C.S.), and the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).


Praxis Degree Programs
The word praxis means the practical application of a branch of learning. More and more Christian leaders are recognizing a need for a program of study that is a crossover between the theoretical (research degrees) and the practical (ministry degrees). This is achieved by blending elements of the two styles of degrees. Students typically select classes from both research and practical fields to complete these degrees. The writing of a thesis or a dissertation is encouraged, but students are not required to do so. The CES praxis degrees are the Bachelor of Religion (B.Rel.), Master of Apologetics (M.Apol.), Master of Religion (M.Rel.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), Doctor of Religion (Rel.D.), and Doctor of Theological Studies (D.T.S.).


Christian Studies Diploma

Prerequisites

The Christian Studies Diploma program requires that the student is a high school graduate (or 19 years or older and can demonstrate the ability to do college level studies).  

One year of study: 32 semester hours total   
BI-101 New Testament Survey 4SH   
BI-102 Old Testament Survey 4SH   
HST-101 History of Christianity 4SH   
BI-150 Life and Teachings of Christ 4SH   
TH-100 Bible Doctrines 4SH     
And, 12 hours of electives   

Credit Transfer  A maximum of 8 credits may be transferred into the Christian Studies Diploma. Transfer credits must have a letter grade of no less than "C-" to be acceptable, and have not been used for a diploma or degree elsewhere.   

A Christian Studies Diploma will be awarded to those who satisfactorily complete this first year of study with a minimum overall GPA of 1.67.

Christian Studies Diploma Testing Out  For those who have a strong background in Bible and theology, CES has challenge exams through which students may test out the entire Christian Studies Diploma.  


Associate's Degrees

Prerequisites

Undergraduate degree programs require that the student is a high school graduate (or 19 years or older and can demonstrate the ability to do college-level studies).

Associate of Christian Studies (A.C.S.) (appropriate for all majors)
Associate of Religion (A.Rel.) (appropriate for all majors)
Associate of Theology (Th.A.) (apologetics, philosophy, or theology)


Credit Transfer
A maximum of 40 credits may be transferred into the associate's program. Transfer credits must have a letter grade of no less than "C-" to be acceptable and must not have been used for a certificate, diploma, or degree elsewhere.

Associate Degree Requirements for Graduation: To graduate with an associate's degree, the student must complete a minimum of 64 semester hours with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. The following is a suggested two-year program of study that may be altered if necessary to fit the specific needs of the student.

First Year of Study: (32 semester hours total)
BI-101 New Testament Survey 4SH
BI-102 Old Testament Survey 4SH
HST-101 History of Christianity 4SH
BI-150 Life and Teachings of Christ 4SH
TH-100 Bible Doctrines 4SH
And, 12 hours of electives


Second Year of Study: 32 hours of electives/major. See Course Descriptions in the documents section of the web site for descriptions of electives. Any level courses may be selected for electives.


Associate of Christian Studies Degree Testing Out
For those who have a strong background in Bible and theology, CES has challenge exams through which students may test out part or all of the Associate of Christian Studies degree.



Bachelor's Degrees

Prerequisites: same as the Associate's degree.


Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.) (appropriate for all majors)
Bachelor of Religion (B.Rel.) (appropriate for all majors)
Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) (apologetics, philosophy, or theology- thesis required)


Credit Transfer
A maximum of 104 credits may be transferred into the bachelor's program. Transfer credits must have a letter grade of no less than "C-" to be acceptable, and have not been used for a certificate or diploma or degree elsewhere.


Bachelor's Degree Requirements for Graduation: To graduate with a bachelor's degree, the student must complete a minimum of 128 semester hours with a minimum overall GPA of 2.33. The following is a suggested four-year program of study that may be altered if necessary to fit the specific needs of the student.

The total credit hours required for a bachelor's degree is 128, with at least 32 upper-division hours in a major if a major is declared.


A Second Bachelor's Degree: One Year Required
Students with an acceptable Bachelor's degree, in any field, who wish to do a Bachelor's degree with CES will be allowed advanced standing. They will be required to do only 32 semester credits (i.e., one year) with CES for the second Bachelor's degree. All 32 credits must be at the upper-division level (i.e., 300 and 400 class levels) in their chosen major.


Bachelor's Degree Testing Out
One cannot earn an entire bachelor's degree through testing. Nonetheless, for those who have a strong background in Bible and theology, CES has challenge exams through which a student may complete many credits toward their Bachelor's degree (see the Christian Studies Diploma Testing Out and the Associate of Christian Studies Degree Testing Out above).


Master's Degrees

Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.) - (appropriate for all majors) 36 hours of general electives or electives within a major (thesis optional).

Master of Religion (M.Rel.) - (appropriate for all majors) 40 hours of general electives or electives within a major (thesis optional).

Master of Apologetics (M.Apol.) - (apologetics and/or philosophy) 48 hours of an apologetics major (thesis optional).

Master of Christian Philosophy (M.C.Phil.) - (philosophy) 48 hours of a philosophy major (thesis required, with some exceptions).

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) - (appropriate for most majors) 48 hours of electives within a major (thesis optional).

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - (appropriate for all majors) 96 hours (or 80 hours for those with an acceptable undergraduate degree in a Christian discipline, e.g., Bible, ministry, theology, etc.) of general electives or electives within a major (thesis optional).

Master of Theology (Th.M.) - (apologetics, philosophy, or theology) 32 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of electives within a theological major (thesis required, with some exceptions).


Credit Transfer
Student may transfer credits into any of the CES master's programs. However, students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours with CES. Transfer credits must be at the master's level and have a letter grade of no less than "C-" and be in the same, or a closely related field to be acceptable, and have not been used for a certificate or diploma or degree elsewhere.


Entrance requirements for the Master's Degrees:
A Bachelor's Degree in any field.
Students with no Bachelor's degree, or with fewer credits than the Bachelor's-equivalent, may enroll into any of the master's degree programs. However, the student will need to complete extra master's-level credits to make up the entrance-requirement deficiency. Each applicant will be considered and assessed on an individual basis. However, the rule of thumb looks like this: To enroll into a Master's program, one needs 128 semester credits (or 192 quarter hours) at the undergraduate level. Students with no bachelor's degree may still qualify for entrance into a master's program. To do so, the student must . . .
1. be at least 21 years old
2. have completed at least three years of full-time Christian ministry, or
3. have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies from an acceptable school
Applicants who qualify will have deficit credits that they will make up at the master's level.


Deficit Credits Earned through Ministry Experience
For those going into a Master's degree, deficit credits may be made up through full-time ministry experience. Depending on the assessment, up to six semester credits may be granted for each year of full-time ministry. As deficit credit fulfillment, ministry credits may exceed normal (total) limits set for regular programs. All fees for deficit credits completed by ministry experience must be paid in full at the time of enrollment.


Master's Degree Requirements for Graduation: To graduate with a master's degree, the student must complete all of the required studies with a minimum overall GPA of 2.67. A student may transfer credits into any of the master's programs. However, students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours with CES. Transfer credits must be at the master's level and have a letter grade of no less than "C-" and be in the same, or a closely related, field.


Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Christian Studies (D.C.S.) - (appropriate for most majors) 36 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of general electives or in a major (dissertation optional).

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) - (appropriate for all majors) 36 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of general electives or in a major (dissertation optional).

Doctor of Religion (D.Rel.) - (appropriate for most majors) 40 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of general electives or in a major (dissertation optional).

Doctor of Theological Studies (D.T.S.) - (appropriate for most majors) 40 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of electives in a theological major (dissertation optional).

Doctor of Christian Philosophy (D.C.Phil.) - (appropriate for all majors) 48 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of electives in a major (dissertation required).

Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) - (apologetics, philosophy, or theology) 48 semester hours beyond the M.Div. (or its equivalent) of electives in a theological major (dissertation required).


Credit Transfer
All but the last 24 semester hours may be transferred into any of the CES doctoral programs. Transfer credits must be at the doctoral level, have a letter grade of no less than "C-" and be in the same, or a closely related field to be acceptable, and have not been used for a certificate or diploma or degree elsewhere.


Entrance requirements for the Doctoral Degrees:

For those with only a Bachelor's Degree in a Christian Discipline: Students with an acceptable bachelor's degree and no master's degree may still qualify for entrance into a doctoral program. To do so, the student must . . .
1. be at least 25 years old
2. have completed at least three years of full-time Christian ministry
3. have a bachelor's degree in a Christian discipline from an acceptable school

Applicants who qualify are required to complete an additional 32 deficit credits. Thus, the totals would be: DCS & DMin 68 credits; DRel & DTS 72 credits; DCPhil & ThD 80 credits.


For those with only a Bachelor's Degree in a Secular discipline: They must first complete, at minimum, the M.C.S. degree, and then they will have an additional 16 deficit credits in the chosen doctoral program.


Note: At the doctoral level, deficit credits may be fulfilled through full-time ministry experience. See DEFICIT CREDITS BY MINISTRY-EXPERIENCE below.


For those with a Master's degree in a Christian discipline with 32 to 64 credits: They are required to complete an additional 16 deficit credits. Thus, the totals would be: DCS & DMin 52 credits; DRel & DTS 56 credits; DCPhil & ThD 64 credits.


For those with a Master's degree in a Christian discipline with 65 to 96 credits: They are required to complete the normal amount of credits. Thus, the totals would be: DCS & DMin 36 credits; DRel & DTS 40 credits; DCPhil & ThD 48 credits.


For those with a Master's degree in a Secular discipline: They are required to complete an additional 16 deficit credits. Thus, the totals would be: DCS & DMin 52 credits; DRel & DTS 56 credits; DCPhil & ThD 64 credits. (A master's degree in a non-Christian discipline with fewer than 32 credits would require an additional 32-rather than 16-deficit credits.)


For those with a Doctoral Degree in a Christian discipline or a 128-semester-credit Master of Theology: They will be allowed advanced standing and be required to complete only 32 credits for the DCS or DMin; 36 for the DRel or DTS; and 42 for the DCPhil or ThD.


For those with a Doctoral Degree in a Secular discipline: They are required to complete the normal amount of credits. Thus, the totals would be: DCS & DMin 36 credits; DRel & DTS 40 credits; DCPhil & ThD 48 credits.


Deficit Credits Earned through Ministry Experience
For those going into a Doctoral degree, deficit credits (credits beyond the normal amounts) may be made up through full-time ministry experience. Depending on the assessment, up to 3 semester credits may be granted for each year of full-time ministry. The limit is 32 credits, and these can be applied only to deficit credits. All fees for deficit credits completed by ministry experience must be paid in full at the time of enrollment and are non-refundable.


Doctoral Degree Requirements for Graduation: To graduate with a doctoral degree, the student must complete all of the required studies with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.



Majors

CES offers majors in many topics, including but not limited to: Arminianism, Apologetics, Biblical Anthropology, Counseling, Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Calvinism, Christian Education, Christian Philosophy, Church Growth, Comparative Religions, Cults, Ecclesiology, Emergent Church, Eschatology, Ethics, Evangelism, Exegesis, History of Christianity, Historical Theology, Homiletics, Intelligent Design, Jewish Studies, Leadership, Men's Ministry, Ministry, Missions, New Testament, Old Testament, Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies, Philosophy, Postmodernism, Practical Theology, Reformation History, Religious Studies, Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual Gifts, Theology, Women's Ministries, Worldviews, Youth Ministry, and more.

Custom-design majors: Furthermore, students may custom-design majors (to be developed between the student and the seminary) to meet the student's specific needs.

At the time of matriculation, students must declare the degree program in which they intend to enroll. Students also must declare a major at enrollment or when they develop a Learning Contract (LC). The degree and major must be clearly stated in the student's LC. A sample learning contract is available for download on the documents and forms page.


Notes on Majors:
(1) The Major: To have a major, students need to complete at least 30 credits in a particular field, for example, Biblical Studies, or Ministry, or Theology, or some other discipline.

(2) The Interdisciplinary Major: Students may also elect to do an Interdisciplinary Major. To do that, students must complete at least 16 credits in each field they have selected to study. For example, a Biblical Studies and Ministry Interdisciplinary Major requires that the student complete at least 16 credits in Biblical Studies AND at least 16 in Ministry.  If students have enough credits in their degree programs, they can do three or  four or even five disciplines in the Interdisciplinary Major (each discipline must have at least 16 credits).

(3) The Diversified No Major: Students may elect to do no major per se because all of our degree titles have a built in major in their names. Thus, students may take classes in a diversified fashion. They may, for example, take classes in four or five (or more) different fields but never have enough credits in any one field to have a major. They could take classes in Bible, theology, counseling, and ministry. Thus, they would have no major-other than the title within the degree name. For example, a Bachelor of Religion would be an ipso facto major in Religion; the Master of Theological Studies, and so on.


Certificates

Over the years, many people have wanted to do programs with CES, but they are not sure that they are ready to make the necessary commitment to complete a full degree. That is why CES now offers Three Levels of Certificates:

- Bachelor's-Level Certificate = 16 undergraduate level credits @ $100 per credit
- Master's-Level Certificate = 16 graduate level credits @ $110 per credit
- Doctoral-Level Certificate = 16 doctoral level credits @ $125 per credit


Certificate Names:
The names of the certificates would follow the majors studied. Here are just a few samples (not inclusive):
Certificate in Apologetics
Certificate in Bible
Certificate in Counseling
Certificate in Men's Ministry
Certificate in Philosophy
Certificate in Reformation History


A Certificate can be in any major, including, but certainly not limited to . . .
Arminianism, Apologetics, Biblical Anthropology, Counseling, Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Calvinism, Christian Education, Christian Philosophy, Church Growth, Comparative Religions, Cults, Ecclesiology, Emergent Church, Eschatology, Ethics, Evangelism, Exegesis, History of Christianity, Historical Theology, Homiletics, Intelligent Design, Jewish Studies, Leadership, Men's Ministry, Ministry, Missions, New Testament, Old Testament, Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies, Philosophy, Postmodernism, Reformation History, Religious Studies, Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual Gifts, Theology, Women's Ministries, and World Views.

Custom-design majors: Furthermore, students may custom-design majors (to be developed between the student and the seminary) to meet the student's specific needs.


These Certificates allow students to enroll into the Seminary without the responsibility of committing to a full degree program.

- Each Certificate is a complete program in itself
- Students may enroll for only a Certificate
- Students may transfer a Certificate to a full degree


Each certificate is 16 credits, and all of the credits can be transferred into a full program with CES should the student decide to go on for a degree. For example, if a student does a Master's-level Certificate and later wishes to do a full Master's degree, the 16 credits completed for the Master's-level Certificate will be applied to the Master's degree of the student's choice.


This is a fantastic way for students to "test the waters" to see if they want to go further. 


These various certificates allow people to (1) assess what the CES program is like, (2) determine if they wish to go further in their studies, and (3) if they decide not to go on, they have still earned a Certificate from CES.


Details:
- Each certificate requires the completion of four classes, at 4 credits each.
- Students select the majors of their choice, which includes Christian studies in any field.
- Working with an assigned mentor, students can virtually design their Certificates in the major of their choice.

Visit the following pages for more details:
Courses
Class Requirements
Admissions
Earning a Degree
Tuition and Fees

The Washington Student Achievement Council has determined that Columbia Evangelical Seminary qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree-Granting Institutions Act for the following programs: Associate of Christian Studies (A.C.S.); Associate of Religion (A.Rel.); Associate of Theology (TH.A.); Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.); Bachelor of Religion (B.Rel.); Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.; Master of Apologetics (M.Apol.); Master of Christian Philosophy (M.C.Phil.); Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.); Master of Divinity (M.Div.); Master of Religion (M.Rel.); Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.); Master of Theology (Th.M.); Doctor of Christian Philosophy (D.C.Phil.); Doctor of Christian Studies (D.C.S.); Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.); Doctor of Religion (Rel.D.); Doctor of Theological Studies (D.T.S.); and Doctor of Theology (Th.D.).  The Council makes no evaluation of the administration, faculty, business practices, financial condition or quality of the offerings of this institution. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.


Programs & Degrees

Undergraduate Programs

Degree

Abbrev.

Semester Hours

Thesis or Dissertation

Cost per SH

Max credit transfer

Christian Studies Diploma

C.S.Dip.

32

No

$100

8

Associate of Christian Studies

A.C.S.

64

No

$100

40

Associate of Religion

A.Rel.

64

No

$100

40

Associate of Theology

Th.A.

64

No

$100

40

Bachelor of Christian Studies

B.C.S.

128

Optional

$100

104

Bachelor of Religion

B.Rel.

128

Optional

$100

104

Bachelor of Theology

Th.B.

128

Required

$100

104

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master's Programs

Degree

Abbrev.

Semester Hours

Thesis or Dissertation

Cost per SH

Max credit transfer

Master of Christian Studies

M.C.S.

36

Optional

$110

12

Master of Religion

M.Rel.

40

Optional

$110

16

Master of Apologetics

M.Apol.

48

Optional

$110

24

Master of Christian Philosophy

M.C.Phil.

48

Required

$110

24

Master or Theological Studies

M.T.S.

48

Optional

$110

24

Master of Divinity

M.Div.

80 or 96*

Optional

$110

56 or 72

Master of Theology

Th.M.

M.Div + 32

Required

$110

88 or 106

* 96 SH standard but decreases to 80 SH for those with an acceptable undergraduate degree in a Christian discipline, e.g., Bible, ministry, theology, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doctoral Programs

Degree

Abbrev.

Semester Hours

Thesis or Dissertation

Cost per SH

Max credit transfer

Doctor of Christian Studies

D.C.S.

36

Optional

$125

12

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

36

Optional

$125

12

Doctor of Religion

D.Rel.

40

Optional

$125

16

Doctor of Theological Studies

D.T.S.

40

Optional

$125

16

Doctor of Christian Philosophy

D.C.Phil.

48

Required

$125

24

Doctor of Theology

Th.D.

48

Required

$125

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates (transferable toward degree)

 

 

 

Degree

Semester Hours

Cost per SH

 

 

 

Bachelor's-Level Certificate

16

$100

 

 

 

Master's-Level Certificate

16

$110

 

 

 

Doctoral-Level Certificate

16

$125

 

 

 

 

CES offers a number of options from Associate's to Doctoral degrees. Students learn on their schedule, in their preferred location, via mentorship studies and research. Program details are available below the charts.