Academic Programs – What We Offer

Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary
 “Forming minds, shaping hearts, and empowering ministers for the work of the Gospel.” 

 Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary offers its academic programs through distinct faculties designed to meet diverse ministerial and theological callings within the Church: 

Our academic programs are designed to unite faith, reason, and service. We believe that theological formation is more than the accumulation of knowledge—it is a sacred journey toward spiritual maturity, pastoral competence, and doctrinal depth.

Each of our programs integrates academic excellence, spiritual growth, and practical ministry formation, preparing men and women to serve effectively in parishes, missions, chaplaincies, and diverse ministerial contexts.

Our curriculum follows the classical theological tradition of the Early Church, while embracing the richness of Scripture, the Fathers, and contemporary theological reflection. Whether you are discerning a vocation to ordained ministry or seeking to deepen your understanding of the faith, there is a place for you here.

Faculty of Sacred Theology section
Credit Requirements
Certificate: 24 credits
 Diploma: 60 credits
 Baccalaureate: 120 credits
 Licentiate: 60 credits  

FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMMES
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

These introductory certificates provide solid grounding for lay leaders, aspiring deacons, and those beginning formal theological study.
 They are flexible, accessible, and deeply practical—ideal for those balancing ministry and other life responsibilities.

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Certificate

3 – 6 months

Basic ministry training for lay leaders and deacons

Certificate

3 – 6 months

Introduction to Scripture interpretation and study

Certificate

3 – 6 months

Fundamentals of liturgy, sacraments, and rites

Certificate

3 – 6 months

Practical skills for parish management and church leadership

Certificate

3 – 6 months 

Training in faith-based pastoral counseling


DIPLOMA LEVEL PROGRAMS
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes. 

Diploma programs offer structured theological and ministerial formation for those preparing for more advanced studies or specific ecclesial roles.

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Diploma

2 years

Foundational study in dogma, Scripture, and church history

Diploma

2 years

Practical pastoral care, preaching, and sacraments

Diploma

2 years

Theology and history of mission and evangelism

Diploma

2 years

Preparation for teaching catechism or religious education

Diploma

2 years

Designed for permanent deacons or transitional candidates


ECCLESIASTICAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS  
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

Our Baccalaureate-level programs lay the full theological foundation required for ordination or advanced ecclesiastical roles. They combine classroom study with pastoral formation and spiritual direction. 

Programs

Award

Duration

Purpose

Baccalaureate 

4 years

Full theological foundation; prepares for ordination or graduate study

Baccalaureate 

4 years

Classical theological training focused on academic theology

Baccalaureate
4 years
Practical training in leadership, preaching, and pastoral care

Baccalaureate
4 years
Focused on liturgical music, hymnody, and chant

LICENTIATE PROGRAMS
All programs listed are ecclesiastical in nature and awarded solely for church, ministerial, and theological purposes.

Licentiate programs is theological and ecclesiastical scholarship for clergy, theologians, and professionals seeking deep expertise within the Church. They are recognized for advanced teaching, research, and church governance roles. 

Programs

Award

Duration

Purpose

Licentiate

2 years

Comprehensive theological and pastoral formation for ordained clergy or lay ministry leaders

Licentiate

2 years

Theological training for specialization and research

Licentiate

2 years

Focus on liturgical theology, sacramental rites, and the church year

Licentiate 

2 years

In-depth scriptural theology and biblical languages

Licentiate

2 years

Equips clergy and lay leaders for pastoral counseling

Licentiate

2 years

Ecclesiastical legal studies for church governance and tribunals

Licentiate

2 years

Prepares candidates for ecclesiastical research work or professorial teaching


OTHER SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMES (Optional or Modular)

We also offer a range of specialized and short-term modular courses designed to deepen expertise in specific areas of theology, spirituality, and pastoral practice:

These short-term programs can be taken independently or alongside ongoing programs for continuing education or ministerial enrichment.

Accelerated Formation Option

Recognizing that many of our students are already engaged in ministry or hold prior theological qualifications, Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary offers an Accelerated Formation Pathway.
 Under this model, qualified candidates may complete their chosen program in a shorter period based on prior learning, pastoral experience, or demonstrated competency.

This ensures that formation remains comprehensive yet flexible, respecting the unique journeys of those called to serve the Church while maintaining the high academic and spiritual standards for which the Seminary is known.

A Community of Learning and Faith

Beyond academics, every student at Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary is immersed in a life of prayer, community, and service. We believe that intellectual growth and spiritual formation must walk hand in hand. Our faculty and mentors accompany students personally, guiding them in discernment, ministry preparation, and holistic Christian living.

Whether you are taking your first step into ministry or seeking advanced theological refinement, our programs will nurture your calling and strengthen your witness for Christ and His Church.

Want to hear from those who have taken our courses? Visit our Student Testimonies page to read how our programs have transformed lives and deepened faith. 

Note on Ecclesiastical Nature of Programs

All programs offered by the Good Shepherd Ecumenical Seminary are ecclesiastical in nature and are designed primarily for ministry formation, theological education, and service within the Church. The Seminary’s degrees and diplomas are intended to prepare clergy and lay leaders for sacred and pastoral work, rather than for secular or state-regulated professional use. The Seminary does not present itself as a university and does not award government-accredited academic degrees.

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