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: 12 credit hours

· Diploma: 60 credit hours

· Baccalaureate: 120 credit hours

· Licentiate: 36 credit hours

· Doctorate: 60 credit hours

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 Programs - 12 credit hours

· Certificate in Ministry

· Certificate in Biblical Studies

· Certificate in Liturgical Studies

· Certificate in Church Administration

· Certificate in Christian Counseling

· Certificate in Pastoral Studies

· Certificate in Christian Ministry

· Certificate in Church Leadership

· Certificate in Biblical Studies and Interpretation

· Certificate in Biblical Foundation

· Certificate in Ecumenical Studies

· Certificate in Spiritual Formation


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 Programs - 60 credit hours 


· Diploma in Theology

· Diploma in Pastoral Ministry

· Diploma in Missiology

· Diploma in Christian Education

· Diploma in Diaconal Studies

· Diploma in Christian Ministry

· Diploma in Pastoral Studies

· Diploma in Ministerial Leadership

· Diploma in Church Administration

· Diploma in Pastoral Care and Leadership

· Diploma in Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue

· Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies


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 in Theology

· Baccalaureate in Church Administration

· Baccalaureate in Pastoral Studies

· Baccalaureate in Sacred Music

· Baccalaureate in Christian Ministry

· Baccalaureate in Pastoral Care & Counseling

· Baccalaureate in Christian Education & Discipleship

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

Licentiate programs are 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.

Licentiate Programs - 36 credit hours 

· Licentiate in Theology (L.Th.)

· Licentiate in Liturgical Studies (L.L.S.)

· Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (L.S.S.)

· Licentiate in Christian Counseling (L.C.C.)

· Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.)

· Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.)

· Licentiate in Pastoral Theology

· Licentiate in Christian Ministry

· Licentiate in Theological Studies

· Licentiate in Christian Education

· Licentiate in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

· Licentiate in Ecumenical Theology

· Licentiate in Christian Leadership 

Programs

Award

Duration

Purpose

DOCTORATE PROGRAMS - 60 credit hours

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


Doctorate programs represent the highest level of ecclesiastical scholarship. They prepare clergy, theologians, and professionals for pontifical teaching, advanced research, and senior church governance roles.


Program

• Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.)

• Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.) 

• Doctorate in Sacred Scripture (S.S.D.)  

• Doctorate in Spiritual Theology (S.T.D.) 

• Doctorate in Pastoral Theology (S.T.D.) 




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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