Thirdmill Seminary Programs
​
Distance Education Disclosure
Thirdmill Seminary academic programs are fully online. While our faculty engage students only in the online, digital classroom, students also work with their pastors and mentors in their local ministry context.
We assess modest fees to process student applications and to evaluate student's work in Thirdmill Seminary courses. Please contact us to inquire about possible cost-of-living adjustments based on your country of residence.
Seminary for the Third Millennium (Thirdmill Seminary) is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency (listing here). DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). As such, our programs and administrative policies are frequently reviewed to ensure that we continue to meet the DEAC’s exacting standards of excellence. The DEAC office is located at 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, D.C. 20036. Their phone number is (202) 234-5100.
Seminary for the Third Millennium (DBA Thirdmill Seminary) is authorized under Florida Statute 1005.06 to operate as an institution of higher learning that is exempt from government oversight as a religious institution.
​
MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
​
Master of Arts in Christian Studies
​
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies program is to provide foundational resources for a sustainable Christian ministry by interpreting and communicating the biblical text; building and utilizing an orthodox theological framework; and, by developing lifelong learners (disciples) who depend on the Holy Spirit’s gifts and use the means of grace skillfully in their context for their own growth in Christlikeness and for the growth of those they serve.
​
This 52-credit hour degree requires completion of the program under supervision of the faculty with the encouragement of fellow students and mentors. Students who are admitted to this program having already completed the Graduate Certificate can apply those credits within this program, reducing the required number of credits for completing the Master of Arts to 34 credits.
Requirements for Applicants
1) Completed application form and payment of application fee
2) Pastor’s or Mentor’s recommendation form that documents applicant’s ministry gifts and activities
3) Bachelor’s degree
4) Official transcripts from undergraduate program(s)
5) Current government-issued photo identification
​
Bible Courses
He Gave Us Scripture, Part 1 (3 Credits)
He Gave Us Scripture, Part 2 (3 Credits)
Kingdom, Covenants and Canon of the Old Testament (2 Credits)
Kingdom and Covenant in the New Testament (2 Credits)
The Book of Acts (2 Credits)
The Pentateuch, Part 1 (3 Credits)
The Pentateuch, Part 2 (3 Credits)
He Gave Us Prophets (3 Credits)
The Gospels (3 Credits)
Heart of Paul's Theology (2 Credits)
Bible Credits = 26
​
Theology Courses
The Apostles' Creed (3 Credits)
Building Your Theology (2 Credits)
We Believe in God (2 Credits)
We Believe in the Holy Spirit (2 Credits)
We Believe in Jesus (3 Credits)
What is Man? (3 credits)
Your Kingdom Come: Eschatology (2 Credits)
Making Biblical Decisions (3 Credits)
Discipleship Practicums (3 Credits)
Capstone (3 Credits)
Theology Credits = 26
​
52 Credits Total
​
Discipleship Practicums and Capstone
In partnership with their local mentors and ministry supervisors, our Discipleship practicums provide students with the opportunity to plan, participate in, reflect on, and evaluate three essential aspects of congregational ministry:
1) Worship -- the ministries of Liturgy, Word and Sacraments
2) Nurture -- the ministries of Christian fellowship, education, and spiritual care; and,
3) Outreach – the practices of evangelism, hospitality, and community service.
The Capstone Portfolio and Project revisits key assessments throughout the Bible and Theology curriculum, as well as each discipleship practicum and its ministry project. Each student’s portfolio collection, analysis and presentation addresses three research questions that arise from each of three, primary resources for ministry:
1) The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
2) the Practices of Christian Life in the Local Church; and
3) the Cultural and Institutional Contexts in which the student is called to serve.
Each student’s Capstone Presentation is a celebration of their learning that appropriates key themes and practices from our curriculum into their plans for ministry.
PURSUING ORDINATION?
Special Note for Students who are Pursuing Ordination
Be sure and contact your ordaining body to find out their specific requirements. Typically, they will have a general curriculum that provides guidelines for those who are preparing for ordination. Thirdmill Seminary’s curriculum is designed to provide instruction in the Bible and Christian theology. We believe that the local and/or regional church body is in the best position to supervise and evaluate the formation of ministry skills in candidates for ordination.
​
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Because our students are already placed in ministry roles, our training is designed primarily to strengthen them in Bible and Theology. We do not provide professional licensure or ordination. However, churches and other Christian organizations that do so often require a master's degree as a portion of the qualifications.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies
​
The purpose of the Graduate Certificate program is to introduce students to the primary resource for a sustainable Christian ministry by interpreting and communicating the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. This 18-credit hour certificate requires satisfactory completion of the program under the supervision of faculty with the encouragement of fellow students and mentors.
Requirements for Applicants
1) Completed application form and payment of application fee
2) Pastor’s or Mentor’s recommendation form that documents applicant’s ministry gifts and activities
3) Bachelor’s degree
4) Official transcripts from undergraduate program(s)
5) Current government-issued photo identification
​
Course Requirements for Graduate Certificate
BIB501 Kingdom, Covenants & Canon of the Old Testament (2 Credits)
BIB502 Kingdom and Covenant in the New Testament (2 Credits)
BIB515 He Gave Us Scripture, Part 1 (3 Credits)
BIB516 He Gave Us Scripture, Part 2 (3 Credits)
Electives (8 Credits chosen by the student)
Total Credits: 18