Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
You’ve got a passion to serve and meet the needs of others. Fuel that passion by being equipped with the experience to live out your faith in meaningful and purposeful ways with a degree in ministry leadership. Rooted in a biblical foundation and Christian worldview, our curriculum equips you to demonstrate influential leadership skills in decision-making, communication and conflict resolution. Learn alongside peers with a shared vision and faculty and staff dedicated to supporting you in holistic growth. Beyond your program, you’ll grow as a leader for wherever God desires you to be.
Estimated total cost is $24,855. Explore the full breakdown for more information.
Of students work full time while pursuing a degree.
Of alumni believe that their education prepared them for the demands of their vocational life.
Lead with confidence and conviction wherever God has called you. Cultivate opportunities to meet the needs of the world as you thrive as an influencer with the support of practical curriculum and an intentional learning community.
Lead with courage and conviction as an influential leader equipped with a range of courses designed to fuel your holistic growth. Through practical experience and essential biblical knowledge, you’ll be prepared for faithful work wherever you’re called.
The following courses are required on top of core and elective courses and must be completed prior to being accepted into the program.
No matter how much previous educational experience you have, we have a path for you to achieve a bachelor’s degree at Cornerstone. If you still need to earn additional credits before jumping into our bachelor’s degree program, we have two steps that are built to give you the credits you need and make an easy transition to your desired bachelor’s degree program.
Depending on the amount of transferable credits you bring in, you’ll start at one of three steps:
Once you achieve 56 credits, regardless of what level you’re at, you can move straight into your bachelor’s degree courses.
Several options are available to you to fill these additional credits. Some of these options can even be done while you’re waiting for your program to start. Here are a few to consider:
* These credits may be completed before your program begins.
If you are accepted into a degree program, connect with your academic adviser for more information about these options.
In addition to the courses listed here, you may also need additional elective credits to complete the required 120 total credits for your bachelor’s degree. If accepted into a program, your academic adviser can help you figure out how many credits you need and add them into your schedule.
CMI-302 Principles of Self-Management in Ministry
An examination of personal strengths and identification of areas of adjustment that may assist in personal growth, with emphasis on ministry leadership formation. Self-management includes the development of communication and management of individual and professional priorities. Emphasis is also placed on the nurture and development of personal faith, understanding the vocation of ministry leadership, and Christian worldview. Topics include communication processes within groups, goal setting, prioritizing, identifying personal values and time management.
ENG-119 Professional Writing
The study and practice of the various writing styles and skills required in a professional setting with emphasis on clear, concise expression aimed at a specific audience for a specific purpose. The course includes a library and research component, writing of professional letters, compilation of reports and graphs, use of computer technology and the writing of a research paper documented by APA standards. (Satisfies general education English requirement.)
COM-211 Professional Communication
An overview of the communication process in organizations with emphasis on oral presentation skills. (Satisfies general education speech requirement.)
CMI-312 Personal Growth for Effective Leadership
A study and application of the various facets of personal growth necessary for effective leadership. These include the purpose and practice of spiritual disciplines, identifying one’s spiritual gifts and natural abilities, and the importance of establishing relationships for accountability.
REL-228 Principles of Biblical Studies
An introduction to various methods of Bible study. Emphasis is placed upon inductive study with the intent to provide a method by which ministry leaders become independent students of Scripture. The inductive method is applied to various literary genres of both the Old and New Testaments.
REL-237 Interpretive Analysis of New Testament Literature
A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Special emphasis is given to the method of reading Scripture through a range of New Testament texts. Aspects of this method include attention to cultural, historical, grammatical and theological interpretation.
CMI-338 Ministry Ethics and Values
An examination of the principles and values that guide ethical decision-making, ethical relationships and ministry practices in parachurch and local church settings. The course focuses on helping students develop a personal code of ethics within the framework of a thoroughly Christ-centered worldview.
REL-238 Christian Doctrine I
A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including revelation, God, humanity, Christ and sin. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.
REL-345 Christian Doctrine II
A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including the Holy Spirit, the Church, salvation and end times. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.
CMI-331 Philosophy of Leadership
A study of the biblical concepts of ministry, theological presuppositions, skills, attitudes and values that shape one’s philosophy. Students formulate a ministry philosophy providing the basis for constructing a pattern for program development.
MGT-317 Organizational Behavior and Processes
An examination of organizational behavior, structure and processes. The course focuses on individual and group roles in the organization and the effects of cultural elements on motivation and productivity.
CMI-433 Systems for Cultural Impact
A study of the attitudes of faithfulness, sensitivity and persistence needed to impact one’s culture with the foundational truths of Scripture. Special attention is given to cross-cultural applications and developing a system for integrating evangelism and discipleship in one’s organization.
REL-233 Interpretive Analysis of Old Testament Literature
A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural, historical, grammatical and theological method of interpretation. The application of these principles is drawn specifically from the Old Testament scriptures. The course is designed to provide ministry leaders with a method to properly interpret the Bible.
MGT-315 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
A study of the development of communication and management skills necessary for successfully resolving conflict situations.
MGT-316 Managing the Not-for-Profit Organization
An examination of the role of management in the not-for-profit organization. Topics include marketing, legal issues, insurance, finance, fundraising, human resources and technology.
CMI-442 Applications in Organizational Leadership
A capstone module designed to allow students to integrate the various principles of the program with actual vocational environments. Case study analysis provides the basis for connecting ministry leadership objectives to vocational experiences. A special session is conducted on vocational search for leadership positions in ministry, service, or not-for- profit organizations. Completion of previous course work is necessary for successful completion of this course.
Be prepared to pursue your calling. This ministry leadership degree invites you into a journey of learning in community as you discover core principles, terminology and practices in biblical studies and leadership.
Michael Bradford (B.S. ’19)PGS enhanced my abilities to reach for a better understanding of learning about religion and how God’s people relate to it differently.
Follow your passion for serving where you’re called with these other programs available at Cornerstone University.
MON - THURS: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
FRI: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.