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A graduate being anointed: Regent University offers a spiritual formation certificate program online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Spiritual Formation

Online
12
August 25, 2025
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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.

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.

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
SFRM 501Spiritual Formation Foundations3
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 602Christian Spirituality3
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 603Early Christian Spirituality3
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 604Elements of Spiritual Formation3
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.

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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 15Monday, August 25
Session MFriday, September 12Monday, September 22
Session BFriday, October 17Monday, October 27
Session CWednesday, January 7Monday, January 12
Session TFriday, January 30Monday, February 9
Session DFriday, March 6Monday, March 16
Session EFriday, May 1Monday, May 11
Session FFriday, June 12Monday, 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.

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
Biblical Languages$51512$6,180
Biblical Studies$51512$6,180
Christian Theology$51512$6,180
Church History$51512$6,180
Church Leadership$51512$6,180
Online Ministry$51512$6,180
Spiritual Formation$51512$6,180
Worship & Media$51512$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.

“Thank you Regent University for making the most out of this special day for the Class of 2020.”
Richard Sarmiento, M.Div., 2020 Recruiting Specialist, Accenture Federal Services
“When I began my time at Regent, I had no idea of what “after” might look like. I just knew that now was the time and Regent was the place. My time at Regent was a deeply formative experience. Through my studies, my capacity for study has increased, my teaching gifts have been further developed, and I operate with a level of confidence I didn’t know that I had before. Regent equipped me for Africa, and my ministry in Africa has equipped me for my ministry at Regent and in my local church in Virginia Beach.”
Melissa Davis, Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology, 2023
“Regent University puts care into creating ministers with longevity.”
Timothy Berry, M.Div., 2015 Biblical Theology
“My training at Regent has equipped me to impact nations through teaching and preaching God's word. My teaching has changed from being content-centered to being learner-centered. I have gained a clearer vision about God's redemptive call on my life, and my time at Regent has left an indelible mark on my ministry.”
Dr. Samuel T. Koshy, Doctor of Ministry, 2024
“My journey through the School of Divinity was transformational, challenging and inspirational. The Spirit-filled faculty and staff were dedicated to my success as a student and a military officer. My classes — both on campus and online — exuded excellence and sound biblical teaching.”
Tierra S. Gibbs, M.A., 2012 Practical Theology