Program Information
Certificate Credentials
Credit Certificate: Generally, this credential will be a minimum of 5 courses (15 credits) in length. The program may include program requirements, core and elective courses.
Credit-free Certificate or Designation: Programs of this type must have a minimum of 50 instructional hours.
Diploma Programs
Graduate programs will have a minimum of 10 courses (minimum 30 credits).
Master Degree Programs
A master degree is a program of no less than 60 credits. The type of courses in each degree may vary because of accreditation requirements.
Change of Program
Students currently enrolled in an Ambrose Seminary program (e.g Certificate or Diploma), who wish to change their academic program, may do so by submitting a Change of Program Application (see ambrose.edu/registrar/request-forms) prior to the Add/Drop deadline (see Academic Schedule), meet any applicable program admission requirements and receive the approval of the Registrar. These changes may include moving from a sixty credit Masters to the Master of Divinity.
You should be aware of differences in core courses and program requirements before you transfer from one program to another. We advise you to consult the Finance Office concerning your student loans before submitting your Change of Program Application.
Please note that:
- Any completed courses that satisfy your new program’s requirements will be applied to the new program.
- Not all courses previously completed will meet your new program’s requirements, and therefore, be aware that transferring to a new program may extend the time needed to complete your degree, especially if you haven’t completed the new program’s core or prerequisite courses. If you have completed relevant course work at other institutions, it will be re-evaluated for transfer credit in light of the new program requirements.
Students who have graduated, should follow the Application for Admission process.
Earning a Second Degree
You can earn up to a maximum of two master’s degrees at Ambrose Seminary. To earn a second degree, you must apply to the Office of the Registrar and meet the following conditions:
- The admission requirements of the second degree
- The completion of requirements of both degrees
- The second degree must have a different specialization from the first degree
- No more than one-half of the credits required for the subsequent degree can be applied from a degree previously granted (i.e., a maximum of forty-five credits from the Master of Christian Studies are transferrable to the Master of Divinity)
- Both degrees must meet the criteria established by the Association of Theological Schools to retain the integrity of each degree offered