Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Degrees & Diplomas

There are 4 levels of academic achievement at this level:

1. Diploma in Theology
   Awarded to a student who successfully completes the first-year program for academic credit (30 credit hours).
2. Associate of Arts in Theology
   Awarded to a student who successfully completes the second-year program for academic credit (60 credit hours).
3. Advanced Diploma In Theology
   Awarded to a student who successfully completes the third-year program for academic credit (90 credit hours).
4. Bachelor of Arts in Ministry

Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Christian Education

Bachelor of Science in Church Administration

Awarded to a student who successfully completes the fourth-year program for academic credit (120 credit hours)

See our Admissions Requirements page for entrance requirements.

Undergraduate Track

Grace & Truth Christian University has established undergraduate coursework in 30 credit-hour programs. The President may choose to substitute up to 3 courses (9 credit-hours within any program.

PROGRAMS #1, #2, #3, & #4 FOR ALL TRACKS

Programs #1& #2 are foundational in nature and required for all GTCU students.

 Programs #3 & #4 are designed to help students achieve a greater degree of effectiveness in any area of church-related ministry. Each program is made up of 9 courses and 1 Ministry Practicum for 3 credit-hours each, making a total of 30 credit-hours.

Master’s Programs

The Master’s level program contains courses grouped in “tracks” which provide a subject concentration focused on the student’s major field of study.

See our Admissions Requirements page for entrance requirements.

Available Programs

THE FOLLOWING CHRISTIAN MASTER’S DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE:

• Master of Arts in Ministry
• Master of Arts in Theology
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
• Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
• Master of Arts in Christian Education

Note: “Arts” designation requires 30 credit hours of general education subjects. Students not meeting this requirement will get a Master in the field of study (i.e. Master in Ministry).

MASTER’S TRACKS – PROGRAM #5

All Master’s level tracks are designed for qualified individuals who want an in-depth study of a particular area of ministry. Grace & Truth Christian University has established Master’s coursework in 36 credit-hour programs. Each track is made of 9 courses, 1 Ministry Practicum for 3 credit-hours, and a formal thesis worth 6 credit-hours for a total of 36 credit-hours.

MASTER’S LEVEL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Theology candidates must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree with a Theological major from a recognized college or university. Leveling courses may be required. If the Bachelor’s Degree is in an unrelated field, 60 credit-hours of biblical foundation courses are required before starting at the Master’s level. 

(Experienced ministers please contact the Registrar for information and forms to apply for Ministry Life Experience credit.)

Master of Theology Track

This major course of study is for students who desire to expand their training and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Bible and Theology.

Master of Pastoral Ministry Track

This major course of study helps pastors increase their effectiveness in the work of the ministry.

Master of Christian Counseling Track

This major course of study helps ministers to be effective in counseling based on biblical principles.

Master of Christian Education Track

This major course of study equips the student for teaching in a Christian Education program encompassing children, youth and/or adults.

All Doctoral level programs are individually designed for qualified individuals who want an in-depth study in a particular area of ministry. Grace & Truth Christian University offers two degree tracks at the Doctoral (6 ^th year) level.

▼ THE FOLLOWING CHRISTIAN DOCTORAL DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE:

                 First-Level Doctoral Degrees 

·      Doctor of Ministry in Theology (D. Min.)

·      Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Ministry (D. Min.)

·      Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling (D. Min.)

Second-Level Doctoral Degrees 

·      Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D.)

·      Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Ministry (Ph.D.)

·      Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling (Ph. D.)

▼ ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

                 First-Level Doctoral Degrees 

                 To enter a Doctoral program, a student must have earned a Master’s Degree with a Theological or Counseling major from a recognized college or university. Leveling courses may be required. 

This 45 credit-hour program is designed as in-ministry education for ministry professionals and will build on ministry experience and previous education while challenging individual candidates to pursue and realize their full potential.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1.            The completion of 5 post-graduate level courses related to the student’s major and pre-approved by the Academic Dean.

2.            One major dissertation with a minimum of 150 pages. Formal GTCU dissertation guidelines are available to Doctoral candidates upon request.

3.            Defense of dissertation is required prior to awarding the degree.

▼ ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

                 Second-Level Doctoral Degrees 

                 The Ph. D. program is 60 credit hours of an in depth study of a specialized area. The entry requirements listed above in the first level doctoral degree program also apply.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1.         Complete 10 post-graduate level courses related to the student’s major and pre-approved by the Academic Dean.

2.         One major dissertation with a minimum of 175 pages. Formal GTCU dissertation guidelines are available to Doctoral candidates upon request.

3.         Defense of dissertation is required prior to awarding the degree.

Advanced Placement Credits (APCs)

Students transferring credit to GTCU from another institution of higher learning must provide official, sealed transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Office of the Registrar.

Students will be granted credit for work done on an equivalent level and for a similar amount of time in subjects that fit in the student’s program of study at GTCU.

Transferable grades must be a “C” or higher. Transferred grades will be included in the student’s overall grade point average (GPA) at GTCU.

Formal transfer credit evaluation is done by the Office of the Registrar after all official transcripts have been received. Transcripts must be received within 60 days of the student’s application to GTCU in order for the transfer credit to be included in the academic year.

To receive a degree from GTCU, students must take or transfer in credits covering Program #1 subjects and complete a minimum of 30 credit-hours in one of the University’s programs.

Ministry Life Experience (MLE) Credits

Ministry Life Experience credit recognizes academic study for the preaching and teaching of the Word of God in formal classes or services sanctioned by the church, such as adult services, children’s church, and youth services.

To qualify for MLE credit, the majority of the material presented should result from the instructor’s own study of the Word of God and not rely upon use of pre-printed curriculum. MLE credit will also be awarded for evangelistic speaking engagements, as well as teaching or preaching over radio and television. Conducting Sunday school classes, home Bible studies, or cell groups do not count toward MLE credit.

The maximum MLE that can be awarded are 30 credit-hours undergraduate students and up 9 credit-hours for graduate students. No MLE credits can be awarded for (doctoral) level students.

GTCU students should see the Registrar for an MLE Application. There is $25 evaluation fee will be charged at the time of submission, payable by credit/debit card. A further fee of $10 per credit-hour (undergraduate level) or $15 per credit-hour (graduate level) will be assessed for each MLE credit-hour awarded. If no MLE credits are awarded, no additional fee is incurred.

Your MLE Application must be received by the Office of the Registrar within 60 days of the student’s application to GTCU in order to be included in the current academic year. The Office of the Registrar will review the application and award credits for all qualifying life experience. The Registrar will send a letter showing the MLE credits for which the student is eligible and the total fee due. Upon remittance of that fee, the MLE credits will be officially awarded, and the academic standing will be re-assessed. The student will then receive a report showing his or her upgraded academic standing.