The Best Online One Year Bible Certificate Programs

1. Moody Certificate in Biblical Studies

Moody offers a Certificate in Biblical Studies that can be completed online. The program focuses on the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis in biblical interpretation. This is a  26-credit fully online certificate allowing students a quick path to gaining practical knowledge of Bible survey, doctrine, methods of Bible study, evangelism, and discipleship.

This program is wonderful for those who want to expand their knowledge of the Bible and effectiveness in ministry, but don’t at this time have the ability to pursue a full academic degree.

Once you complete the certificate, students may apply the credits earned in the program towards an Associate of Biblical Studies or Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degree from Moody Bible Institute Online or any college or university of their choice.

The Moody Bible Institute is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, to grant degrees at the Associate, Bachelor and Master levels.

2. Liberty University Certificate of Biblical Studies Online

Liberty University offers their biblical studies certificate online. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Their program is great for those seeking a better personal knowledge of the Bible but also is great for those you are planning on future Biblical studies.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Biblical Studies provides an opportunity for you to pursue an academic program without the time commitment of a full associate or bachelor’s degree.

The course includes eight  foundational courses that allow you to dig deep into the Old and New Testaments. There is emphasis placed on important chapters, key persons, places, and events of the Bible. The program also includes a 2-course study of theology, which can help you focus on what you believe and why you believe it.

Liberty is ranked in the top 1% of more than 2,100 online colleges and universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility by BestColleges.com — and ranked as the #2 online school in America by Niche.com. This online program has been crafted with excellence by a well-respected academic institution. 

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3. Pacific Bible College Life Launch Program

Pacific Bible College offers a one-year program designed to direct students towards their God-given calling and purpose. This program offers a strong Biblical foundation for you to grow from whether your aim is to continue biblical studies, go on to university or start a business.

The program includes eight months of on-campus studies.

Once students finish the program they will complete a month-long foreign mission trip. This trip is a great way to broaden your knowledge about what God is doing around the world. The Certificate program makes up the first year of studies of the four-year Bachelor of Arts program, and students in this program have the opportunity to participate in an optional short-term foreign mission trip to put their knowledge to great use.

4. Cedarville University One Year Bible Program 

Cedarville University offers a one-year Bible program designed for those who wish to gain a greater knowledge of the Bible through intensive study in a single academic year. This program is there to enrich your personal life through formal Bible study and help you to develop a deeper understanding of biblical theology and philosophy. 

The aim is to equip you to be a more effective participant in your church or parachurch organization. Cedarville University is in the Top 5 in the U.S. for professors’ engagement with students according to the Wall Street Journal and 98.5% of all graduates are employed or in grad school within the six months of graduation. 

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5. Appalachian Bible College One-Year Bible Certificate Online

Appalachian Bible College’s one-year Certificates provide an opportunity for individuals to dig into the Bible and build your life on its firm truths. The Bible Certificate program at Appalachian Bible College is accredited. The program’s aim is for you to know God’s Word through courses in Bible interpretation and theology, and then to be equipped to share His Word through ministry courses such as Personal Evangelism and Missions.

The program is offered on ABC’s scenic West Virginia campus and is available as an online Bible Certificate. Coursework for the Bible and General Education Certificate mirrors the first year of a Bachelor of Arts schedule. If you choose you can return for your associates or bachelor’s degree after graduating with this Certificate.

6. Biola University Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies

Biola’s Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies is a fully online program for anyone who desires to deepen their knowledge of God and his Word. This program offers a cost and time-efficient way to gain a foundational theological education. This program is a great fit for a wide range of students — including church lay leaders, church elders, and ministers without formal training.

The certificate program offers six courses, including two courses that survey the Old and New Testament, a course on how to understand and interpret Scripture, and three theology courses. All the courses covered are part of the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees.

This allows those wanting to see if a full seminary degree is for them can use this certificate as a “trial run” and apply their credits toward a master’s program.

Students have the option of pursuing this certificate online, on campus or a combination of the two. Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. 

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 7. Lee University Online Certificate in Bible

Lee University offers an eight-course online certificate in Bible. The program’s 24 credit hours are designed to develop specific content knowledge and are applicable to a degree program. The aim of this course is to enhance biblical knowledge by selecting from the online catalog of BIBL courses.

You can choose from a list of course options that include: Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel of John, The Book of Acts, Methods of Bible Study, Pastoral Epistles, Synoptic Gospels, Minor Prophets, Johannine Literature, Theology of the OT & NT, Romans & Galatians, I and II Corinthians, and the Pentateuch.

Lee University offers similar certificates in Christian Education, Christian Leadership, Intercultural Studies, and Pastoral Ministry. Lee University continues in the “top tier” of the 2020 “Best Colleges” edition of U.S. News & World Report and has appeared in four specialty rankings: “A+ For B Students,” “Best Value School,” “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and “Best Colleges for Undergraduate Teaching.”

Lee University ranks #2 out of 25 private universities listed among the “50 Great Affordable Colleges in the South” by great Value Colleges.

8. Eternity Bible College One Year Certificates

Eternity Bible College offers one Year certificate programs that will give you an introductory understanding of the Bible and then help you understand how to apply it into a specific area depending on the certificate’s emphasis.

These programs are available online or on campus in Southern California. They offer certificates in Transformational Leadership, Youth Ministry, Discipleship and Counseling, Christian Ministry, and Global Ministry. The programs are either 26 to 24 credit hours to complete and are designed to be completed over the course of one year.

Eternity Bible College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate levels.

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9. Sattler College Certificate in Biblical Studies 

Sattler College offers a one-year (27 credit hour) Certificate in Biblical Studies is designed for Christians who seek knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments. This program is designed to equip students for kingdom work in their local churches and beyond.

Students will study the Bible, learn about the basic themes, issues, and schools-of-thought in Christian theology, study New Testament Greek, and develop the tools to integrate biblical knowledge with contemporary world issues and events.

You are able to choose an elective to customize their programs. These courses offer   practical application in work, church, and personal settings. Students will also participate in Sattler’s small group discipleship program, known as Journey Groups.Students who are able to complete the one-year Certificate in Biblical and Religious Studies at Sattler may elect to transfer into the BA in Biblical and Religious Studies and complete their degree in three years.

10. Crown College Certificates

Crown College offers online 12 credit certificate programs in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Hmong Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, or Biblical Foundations. These programs are affordable, convenient as they are all online, and give you access to the qualified faculty of Crown College.

The Certificate of Biblical Foundations was created for students who desire to strengthen their knowledge of the Bible. Crown College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

May God lead your steps toward the program that is right for you! Now more than ever it is so essential that Believers cultivate a strong understanding of the Bible and its teachings. God is sure to use your willingness to dive deeper into his Word as a way to be a light in your community. 

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