Undergraduate Certification

Centenary College of Louisiana | www.centenary.edu
Certification: Christian Education

Centenary College is located in Shreveport on the west bank of the Red River in northwest Louisiana. In the year 1839, the Louisiana and Mississippi Conferences of The Methodist Church founded the college to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of John Wesley's first organization of the Methodist Societies in England. Consistent with its affiliation with the UMC, the college encourages a lifelong dedication not only to learning but also to serving others.

Centenary offers a Bachelor of Religious Studies with an opportunity for receiving an Interdisciplinary focus in Christian education. Students who are pursuing the interdisciplinary studies degree should also be enrolled in the Church Careers Institute and engaged in internships with local churches under the supervision of a professional Christian educator.

The Church Careers Institute provides an intensive training for full-time students, training that assists students of any major to explore questions of Christian vocation and professional ministry. Yearly topics include: spiritual disciples, servant leadership, the 21st century church, and Christian education. The program has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in Christian education.

For more information, contact:

Central Methodist University | www.centralmethodist.edu
Certification: Music Ministry

Central Methodist, in Fayette, Mo., for more than 150 years, has provided high quality, church-related higher education in a Wesleyan tradition. The university, which was chartered in 1855, is committed to values-centered inquiry, critical thinking, and a liberal arts curriculum. The university is located midway between Kansas City and St. Louis. The beauty of the Missouri countryside is complemented by the native brick and stone buildings all of which is designated a National Historic District.

Through the Swinney Conservatory of Music, the university offers a Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in Religion. The program is approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in music ministry.

The conservatory was built in 1927 and is located in the center of a beautiful campus. The three-story building offers practice rooms, faculty studios, classrooms, an electronic piano lab, a computer lab with wireless technology provided, and the newly renovated Willie Mae Kountz Recital Hall. Small classes with dedicated music faculty enable the student to benefit from music taught in a personal manner.

For more information, contact:

Columbia College | www.columbiacollegesc.edu
Certification: Music Ministry

Columbia College, Columbia, S.C., is a liberal arts women's college with a co-educational evening college. Founded in 1854 by South Carolina Methodists, Columbia College offers a unique setting for women and men interested in pursuing Christian education as their vocation. The college has been ranked for 10 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 comprehensive undergraduate colleges in the South.

Through the Department of Religion and Philosophy, the college offers an undergraduate major in religion with an emphasis in Christian education. The major is approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in Christian education or youth ministry.

Columbia College also offers innovative Web-based training for Christian educators through eChristianEd. eChristianEd affiliate programs are located in numerous districts and conferences in the United States and abroad. This program has been approved by GBHEM to meet the academic requirements of the UMC for paraprofessional certification in Christian education or youth ministry.

For more information, contact:

Huntingdon College | www.huntingdon.edu
Certification: Christian Education

Huntingdon College is located halfway between Atlanta (170 miles) and the Gulf of Mexico (160 miles) in Montgomery, Ala., a city that combines Old South charm and the New South. The inscription engraved in stone over the entrance to majestic Flowers Hall is a tangible reminder of the mission of Huntingdon College, "Enter to Grow in Wisdom. Go Forth to Apply Wisdom in Service." The college has been supported since its inception in 1854 by The Methodist Church.

Huntingdon College's religion program provides a critical perspective to the enduring values and standards of all cultures in order to prepare students for living, thinking, and working responsibly in a diverse world. Those in the religion program will be challenged to study how cultures around the world have derived the ultimate meaning of religion. Students in this program receive excellent preparation for further study in graduate or professional school or seminary. Whether students choose to complete the religion major or the religion major with a concentration in Christian education, they will be enriched by the understanding and interaction this program will provide.

The major in religion and concentration in Christian education has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in Christian education.

For more information, contact:

LaGrange College | www.lagrange.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Church Music

LaGrange College, located in the city of LaGrange, Ga., was one of two colleges first established in Georgia in the year 1831. It is now owned by the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. LaGrange strives to be a caring and ethical community. The hallmark of the college community is the quest for civility, diversity, service, and excellence.

The Christian education, youth ministry concentration within the religion major, and the degree in church music within the Department of Music has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church to meet all the educational requirements for undergraduate professional certification.

As a field of inquiry within the liberal arts, the study of religion or church music affords all students an opportunity to hone the critical thinking and communications skills that are an asset to any profession. A church leadership concentration within the religion major is designed to prepare graduates for church careers in educational and youth ministry.

For more information, contact:

Martin Methodist College | www.martinmethodist.edu
Certification: Christian Education

Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870, is a liberal arts, four-year college that relates to the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church. The historic campus is located in the beautiful hills of southern Middle Tennessee, convenient to both Nashville (70 miles north to "music city") and Huntsville, Ala., (40 miles to the south).

Starting as an all-female college it became coeducational in 1938. The student body is now about half women and half men. In 1986, the word Methodist was added to the college's name. This addition affirms Martin's strong ties to The United Methodist Church and clearly states the values of the Wesleyan tradition which undergird the college.

A Bachelor's Degree in Christian education is offered as well as a degree in church vocations with an emphasis in church business administration, pre-seminary and church music. The major in Christian education meets the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for undergraduate professional certification.

The vision statement for Martin states that it is committed to being one of the leading, small, nurturing liberal arts colleges in the Southeast, and a model of church-relatedness for The United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact:

Ohio Northern University | www.onu.edu
Certification: Youth Ministry

Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, a town of about 5,000 residents situated in northwestern Ohio. ONU was founded in August 1871, near the end of President Ulysses S. Grant's first administration. By 1899, it had become a part of the Central Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, Ohio Northern, a United Methodist-related institution seeks to graduate students accomplished in scholastic achievement, prepared for a useful life and meaningful career, and inspired with a desire to contribute to the good of humankind consistent with Judeo-Christian ideals.

As a way of addressing the growing need for those serving youth in local churches, the Department of Philosophy and Religion is offering a major in youth ministry. This major is designed in consultation with the cooperation of the West Ohio Conference of the UMC to prepare graduates for full-time youth work. This major is approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in youth ministry.

Religion is an integral part of human life and culture. It includes the ultimate commitments, attitudes, beliefs, and forms of worship by which people live and find meaning for their personal and social existence. The department's approach to the study of religion is ecumenical and makes use of current scholarly methods of research and findings. Students will have an opportunity to explore various settings for youth ministry. This will include an internship in settings such as: local congregation, church camp, or mission trips, etc.

For more information, contact:

Oklahoma City University | www.okcu.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Youth Ministry

Oklahoma City University, established in 1904, before statehood, sits on a beautiful campus in the heart of Oklahoma's capital city. OCU offers a quality, values-centered education. Classes are small and taught by professors who share a commitment to the success of each student.

The Wimberly School of Religion and Graduate Theological Center offers an undergraduate degree in religious education and also in youth ministry. Graduates will have met the academic requirements for The United Methodist Church's undergraduate professional certification by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The school also offers a B.A. in religion and a B.A. in religion/philosophy. A master in arts and religion as well as a Master of Religious Education degree are offered. The MRE is offered in relationship with Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, Okla.

The school offers religious and theological studies in the United Methodist tradition that unite knowledge and vital piety, explore questions of meaning and value for the lives of all people, and prepare those seeking to enter a variety of Christian vocations in service to the church and community.

For more information, contact:

Pfeiffer University | www.pfeiffer.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Church Music, Youth Ministry, Camping and Retreat Ministries

Pfeiffer University undergraduate campus is located in Misenheimer, near Charlotte, N.C. Pfeiffer is supported by the Women's Division, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. Today the university has expanded to multiple campuses including Misenheimer and Charlotte (for graduate studies.)

Pfeiffer offers undergraduate degrees in Christian education, church music, youth ministry and Christian education with a concentration in camping and retreat ministries. Each of these majors has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification. The university also offers a degree in Christian missions.

Pfeiffer also offers a Master of Arts in Christian education with concentrations in youth ministry, children's ministry and organizational management. Graduates with a Master of Arts in Christian education, those with a concentration in youth ministry and students taking the required courses in spiritual formation will meet the academic requirements for certification by The United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact:

Shenandoah University | www.su.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Music Ministry

Shenandoah University, Winchester, Va., is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Beginning in 1875, the university was founded by the church of the United Brethren of Christ as Shenandoah Seminary. Over the years this institution has offered the church exceptional leaders. It evolved from a small seminary into Shenandoah University, now relating to the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church and partnering with Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. This relationship has given birth to the Institute for Church Professions. The purpose of the institute is to call, nurture, and launch leaders for tomorrow's church and world.

Shenandoah Conservatory offers both a bachelor's and master's degree in church music. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in religion and concentration in Christian education and a certificate in church leadership. Both of these undergraduate degrees meet the academic requirements of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for professional certification in The United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact:

Southwestern College | www.sckans.edu
Certification: Youth Ministry

The mascot of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kans., is called, "Mound-builders." Each year opens with a Moundbuilding Ceremony, during which student organizations paint a rock and place it on the mound. The ceremony, started in the 1920s, symbolizes the students' desire to make a positive contribution to the world, to be "builders."

Southwestern, chartered in 1885 by the Methodists of Kansas, opened its doors with 43 students. Enrollment has grown to more than 1,400 students. Besides its undergraduate program, Southwestern College offers graduate and masters degrees in education, business, and business administration, along with a Master of Arts in Specialized Ministries. Students are offered opportunity to live in a residential community on campus and participate in activities that enhance development of interpersonal relations and leadership potential.

Students are challenged to take responsibility for the future of society, and to affirm the role of individual Christians in shaping a world that preserves honesty and integrity and nurtures communities of service and care.

To help meet the needs of local churches looking for qualified people with specialized training in working with youth, Southwestern offers an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religious studies with an emphasis in youth ministry. This degree is approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in youth ministry.

The Discipleship Southwestern program offers a unique opportunity to students. It is a four-year, service-learning program in which students take academic courses, participate in covenant groups, and develop leadership skills while engaging in a variety of ministry and service opportunities. Financial aid is available for students who are invited to participate. Interpreter magazine featured the program in October, 2005.

For more information, contact:

Texas Wesleyan University | www.txwes.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Music Ministry

Texas Wesleyan University maintains its historic campus four miles southeast of downtown Fort Worth, Tex. It was founded by The Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1890. The heritage of Texas Wesleyan is reflected in some of the historic buildings with Georgian-style columns, while progress is seen in the contemporary design of the newer buildings.

The university is committed to the principles that each student deserves personal attention and that all members of the academic community must have freedom to pursue independent thought and to exercise intellectual curiosity. It endeavors to foster an environment for spiritual sensitivity, with an opportunity for each student to pursue individual academic excellence.

The Department of Humanities, Religion, and Philosophy offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in religion. A student will choose an emphasis in Christian education, youth ministry or music ministry. Each of these three areas has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification. Texas Wesleyan also offers a pre-seminary emphasis through a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion. Classes are offered in the evening and on weekends for students who work full time or part time.

For more information, contact:

University of Indianapolis | www.uindy.edu
Certification: Youth Ministry

University of Indianapolis, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, was founded in 1902 by what is now The United Methodist Church. The university is a comprehensive institution of higher education with a faculty and student body representing diverse faiths, nationalities, and racial and ethnic heritages.

Through the College of Arts and Sciences the university offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in youth ministry. The program is multifaceted with academic, vocational, and professional applications. The major combines three areas of study: theological foundations courses from the Philosophy and Religion Department, Christian vocations courses from the Lantz Center for Christian Vocations, and youth ministry courses provided through nearby Christian Theological Seminary. The program has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification.

It is the goal of the Youth Ministry Training Program to equip students with the skills necessary for the integration of youth as full partners in the life of the church congregation.

For more information, contact:

West Virginia Wesleyan College | www.wvwc.edu
Certification: Christian Education, Youth Ministry

West Virginia Wesleyan College's beautiful 100-acre campus, featuring towering oaks and red-brick buildings of classic Georgian architecture, is situated in the county seat town of Buckhannon. Firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition and closely related to The United Methodist Church since 1890, the college is a community of learning based on discovery, human dignity, mutual support, social justice, self-discipline, and the appreciation of diversity and the natural world.

The college offers a major in religion, Christian education and church leadership, and youth ministry. It provides a solid blend of practice and theory for people preparing for a career in ministry as Christian educators, youth ministers, and church and community workers. This program has been approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet the academic requirements of The United Methodist Church for undergraduate professional certification in Christian education or youth ministry.

Areas of competency in theory and practice include (a) sound orientation for ministry; (b) critical appreciation and knowledge of the Bible, theology, and Christian education theory; (c) working knowledge of human and faith development; (d) teaching-learning skills sharpened through local churches and mission setting internships. Many students volunteer at the Parish House Community Center, located across the street from the college.

For more information, contact: