Which Diploma program should I pursue?

Who should consider completing the Diploma of Biblical and Theological Studies?
  • The person who is considering doing a graduate degree in theological studies, but wishes to lay a strong foundation in the classic subject areas of theological education first
  • The person who teaches adult Bible study and adult Christian Education courses who wants a solid grounding in Biblical and Theological scholarship without needing to complete a degree program.
  • The person who wants to study at a level beyond the certificate program.
Who should consider completing the Diploma of Pastoral Studies?
  • The person who has been called to give pastoral leadership to a small church, especially the part-time or "bi-vocational" pastor.
  • The person who has been called to preach and do pastoral ministry in a local church, but who is not seeking ordination. (The "Lay" or "Local-Licensed" pastor)
  • The person called to pastoral ministry but does not have a bachelor's degree and thus is ineligible for entry into Palmer Theological Seminary's master's degree program.

Which Certificate program should I pursue?

Who should consider completing the Certificate of Christian Leadership?
  • The person who is already involved in providing lay leadership in a local church but who feels the need for more training than can be provided in their church.
  • The person who feels God is calling them to non-vocational ministry other than pastoral leadership, such as: community outreach, discipling, youth ministry, senior citizen ministry, and other forms of volunteer ministry.
Who should consider completing the Certificate of Christian Studies?
  • The person who wants to further their personal knowledge of the Bible and Theology.
Who should consider completing the Certificate of Biblical Studies?
  • The person who wants to further their personal knowledge of the Bible and Theology.
  • The person who teaches Sunday School or Christian Education at their local assembly.
  • Those who are Youth leaders and Cell group leaders.

General Information

What are the courses of study?

ESCM offers two tracks of study in its non-degree, non-credit program:  a certificate track and a diploma track. There are two certificate and two diploma programs within each track.

The Certificate programs are:

  • Certificate of Christian Studies
  • Certificate of Biblical Studies

The Certificates can be completed in five terms. They require the completion of ten (10) courses.  Each course has a total of 15 hours within a six week term. Weeknight courses are 2 1/2 hours for six weeks. Saturday courses are 3 hours for five weeks.

Length: 10 Classes

The Diploma programs are:

  • Diploma of Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Diploma of Pastoral Studies

Diplomas require the completion of twenty-four (24) courses. Each course is a total of 15 hours within a six week term. Weeknight courses are 2 1/2 hours for six weeks. Saturday courses are 3 hours for five weeks.

Diplomas are intended for people who are called to bi-vocational pastoral ministry, faith-based organizational leadership or who are preparing to enter the degree program of Palmer Theological Seminary or Eastern University.

Length: 24 Classes

All classes are open to any student regardless of whether they are pursuing a certificate or diploma track.  Scholarships are available.

Where are we located?

Eastern's School of Christian Ministry is located in Philadelphia:

1 Winding Drive
The Monroe Building
Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Instructional Sites
  • Main Campus: Palmer Theological Seminary, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087 Phone: 610-645-9350
  • Philadelphia, PA: Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2800 Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150 Phone: 215-843-4140
  • Internet
How much does the program cost?

For more information, please view the Tution & Fees Website. 

What is a Term?

A term is an abbreviated session (five – six weeks as opposed to a semester which usually lasts 12 -14 weeks) in which our courses are held.  Each course consists of fifteen instructional hours.  Individuals can start the program at the beginning of any term.  There are four terms during the academic year.

What are core courses?

Core courses are the building blocks of our program. All other coursework and instruction will be based on a sound understanding of the material offered in these three courses. The courses are Biblical Interpretation, Spiritual Disciplines and Formation, and Christian Leadership. Core courses will be offered at least twice a year on main campus, and once a year at satellite sites.

What are required courses?

Required courses are a combination of courses focusing on Biblical themes, Christian thought and mission, and Christian ministry, in order to give students a holistic education in the area they wish to pursue. Bible courses cover the basics that every believer should know. Christian Thought and Mission deals with the purpose and beliefs of the Christian church. Christian Ministry addresses the practical ministry skills that are needed to fulfill lay-leadership responsibilities. These course types are represented in our course numbers as follows: Bible (B), Christian Thought and Mission (CTM), Christian Ministry (CM), and Academic Development (ACD) which represents courses of basic educational skills.

What are elective courses?

ESCM also offers educational enrichment courses, including courses to help international students and persons for whom English is not their first language improve their facility in the English language. Elective courses for these students are NOT used to complete the certificate or diploma programs, but are offered to help them be successful in their program. They are enrichment courses. View the elective academic skills courses.