Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: September 22, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation, offered online, is a graduate-level certificate program designed to be transforming. It can strengthen your relationship with Christ while teaching you how to minister to others. This certificate program is for nondegree-seeking students only.

Learn biblically defined formative stages of growth and change.
Identify and improve needed changes in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, godly influence and servant leadership.
Facilitate the spiritual formation process in ministry leadership roles.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Career Opportunities

This certificate program may help you grow as an expert in your field and advance your calling as a lay minister, pastor or nonprofit team member.

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
SFRM 501	Spiritual Formation Foundations	3	Examines the biblical, historical, and theological aspects of Christian formation, including the holistic and other models, with emphasis on both personal life and ministry contexts. Taken in the first semester of degree and begins the Spiritual Formation Portfolio.
SFRM 602	Christian Spirituality	3	Explores the biblical meanings and theology of the various “streams” of spirituality, including historical development and contemporary practice of spirituality, encompassing Christian faith, life and ministry.
SFRM 603	Early Christian Spirituality	3	Covers the early Christian writers and their thoughts on human nature, sin, grace, salvation, the work of the Spirit, the sacraments, the development of virtue, and the moral life.
SFRM 604	Elements of Spiritual Formation	3	Examines the specific biblically-defined elements that comprise Christian spiritual formation, including: calling, conversion, empowerment, Scripture, sacraments, ordinances, community, disciplines, ministry, mission, joy, suffering and eternal life.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 15	Monday, August 25
Session M	Friday, September 12	Monday, September 22
Session B	Friday, October 17	Monday, October 27
Session C	Wednesday, January 7	Monday, January 12
Session T	Friday, January 30	Monday, February 9
Session D	Friday, March 6	Monday, March 16
Session E	Friday, May 1	Monday, May 11
Session F	Friday, June 12	Monday, June 22

Certificate programs are designed for those seeking professional development through continuing education for ministers and pastors. Students earn graduate credit that can be applied toward a ministry degree program if further study is desired. Certificate students wishing to earn an academic degree must apply separately to that degree program and meet full admission requirements. Acceptance into a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate of Graduate Studies	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages	$515	12	$6,180
Biblical Studies	$515	12	$6,180
Christian Theology	$515	12	$6,180
Church History	$515	12	$6,180
Church Leadership	$515	12	$6,180
Online Ministry	$515	12	$6,180
Spiritual Formation	$515	12	$6,180
Worship & Media	$515	12	$6,180

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Related Programs

M.A. in Spiritual Formation

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“All the professors at Regent are truly gracious and willing to talk to you and help you — even if it's not class-related. They treat their job like it's their calling. Through them, I learned to care for people like a pastor would.”

Derek Hirtz, M.Div., 2015

“I experienced the Regent difference after visiting some of the best known seminaries. The faculty here prayed over each prospective student and laid hands on each of us. The Holy Spirit confirmed for me that day the Regent School of Divinity was where I needed to be.”

Matthew Chandler, M.Div., 2020 Director of Operations, Regent University School of Divinity

“Regent served as a place for acquiring a top-quality academic experience.”

Preston Braswell, M.Div., 2020 Senior Admissions Counselor, School of Law, Regent University

“Regent University puts care into creating ministers with longevity.”

Timothy Berry, M.Div., 2015 Biblical Theology

“When I think of Regent University, I think of destiny. Regent has been such an integral part of my, one, knowing my destiny, two, being formed and shaped to fulfill my destiny, and then, three, thrusting me into that next step.”

Kevin Turpin, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2001 Senior Assistant Pastor & President, Founder of Life Enrichment Center; Senior Associate Pastor, New Life Church