Academic Programs – What We Offer

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

 Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological 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:

FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMMES

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

6 months – 1 year

Basic ministry training for lay leaders and deacons

Certificate

6 months

Introduction to Scripture interpretation and study

Certificate

6–9 months

Fundamentals of liturgy, sacraments, and rites

Certificate

6–9 months

Practical skills for parish management and church leadership

Certificate

6 months – 1 year

Training in faith-based pastoral counseling


DIPLOMA LEVEL PROGRAMMES

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

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Diploma

1–2 years

Foundational study in dogma, Scripture, and church history

Diploma

1–2 years

Practical pastoral care, preaching, and sacraments

Diploma

1–2 years

Theology and history of mission and evangelism

Diploma

1–2 years

Preparation for teaching catechism or religious education

Diploma

1–2 years

Designed for permanent deacons or transitional candidates


UNDERGRADUATE / BACHELOR LEVEL

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

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Bachelor's Degree

3–4 years

Full theological foundation; prepares for ordination or graduate study

Bachelor's Degree

3–4 years

Classical theological degree focused on academic theology

Bachelor's Degree

3 years

Practical training in leadership, preaching, and pastoral care

Bachelor's Degree

3 years

Focused on liturgical music, hymnody, and chant


GRADUATE / PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMES

Advanced degrees for clergy, theologians, and professionals seeking deeper expertise or specialization within specific theological fields.

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Master's

2 years

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

Master's

2 years

Academic master's for specialization and research

Master's

2 years

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

Master's

2 years

In-depth scriptural theology and biblical languages

Master's

2 years

Equips clergy and lay leaders for pastoral counseling

Licentiate-Level

2 years

Ecclesiastical legal studies for church governance and tribunals


ECCLESIASTICAL / CANONICAL DEGREES

These canonical degrees represent the highest level of theological and ecclesiastical scholarship. They are recognized for advanced teaching, research, and church governance roles.

Programme

Award

Duration

Purpose

Canonical Degree

2 years

Prepares candidates for doctoral work or professorial teaching

Canonical Degree

2–3 years

Advanced studies in Church law and governance

Doctorate

2–4 years

Highest academic degree in sacred theology

Professional Doctorate

3–4 years

Advanced pastoral leadership training

Doctorate

3–4 years

Highest ecclesiastical law degree, for judicial and advisory roles


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 degrees 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 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 Old Catholic Theological 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 Old Catholic Theological 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. 

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About Honorary Degrees
 The Seminary, in collaboration with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church, may confer Honorary Doctoral Degrees (honoris causa) upon distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional Christian leadership, theological scholarship, or outstanding service to the Church and society.

 These honorary recognitions are ecclesiastical in nature and not academic degree programs earned through coursework or research.

To learn more about eligibility, nomination procedures, and the nature of these ecclesiastical honors, please click Honorary Degrees.