New Course of Study Curriculum

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry has introduced a revised Course of Study curriculum designed to strengthen the theological formation of local pastors in The United Methodist Church while making the program more clear, connected, and accessible. Shaped by a churchwide review, the new 16-course structure integrates theology and practice, simplifies the path to completion, and expands flexibility for students and schools. These updates reflect a shared commitment to equipping clergy for the realities of ministry today, with a phased implementation beginning in 2026 and full rollout by June 2028.

For Students

The Course of Study is moving from a 20-course program to a streamlined 16-course curriculum designed to better respond to today’s needs for theological education and formation, integrate theology and practice, and create a clearer path to completion.

  • Fall 2026: Transition begins
  • Spring 2027: Licensing School launches revised curriculum
  • Summer 2027: New students start the revised curriculum
  • June 2028: Full implementation is complete

Your experience will depend on your progress:

  • Early in the program: You may transition into the new curriculum
  • Midway through: Your completed courses will be reviewed and applied
  • Near completion: You’ll be supported to finish under your current requirements

All students will receive clear, individualized guidance.

Yes. Teach-out plans will ensure your completed coursework continues to count toward completion.

A new completion audit system will help you:

  • See what you’ve completed
  • Understand what remains
  • Track your path to completion

Manual support will be available during rollout.

The program includes fewer courses while maintaining high standards. It is designed to:

  • Reduce repetition
  • Strengthen connections between topics
  • Help you complete more efficiently

Yes. Changes include:

  • No part-time/full-time restrictions when selecting schools
  • More flexible scheduling across schools
  • Improved access to needed courses

Courses will be offered in synchronous, hybrid, or in-person formats, supporting stronger interaction and community learning.

Yes. Reading lists are being updated to better reflect today’s church, diverse voices, and real ministry needs.

  • Your COS school or director
  • GBHEM communications channels
  • Updates will be posted on this page.

For COS Directors and Schools

  • 16-course integrated curriculum (replacing 20 courses)
  • Updated objectives and reading lists
  • Required synchronous, hybrid, or in-person learning
  • Greater flexibility in course scheduling and offerings

  • Fall 2026: Begin transition
  • Spring 2027: Licensing School launches revised objectives and recommendations
  • Summer 2027: New curriculum launch
  • June 2028: Full implementation

Directors will:

  • Guide implementation locally
  • Communicate clearly with students and faculty
  • Oversee class revision to ensure classes meet the new goals and objectives
  • Support students through transition and teach-out plans

GBHEM will provide shared messaging and resources.

  • Completion audit system (in development)
  • Revised goals and objectives for each of the 16 classes
  • Updated reading lists for each class
  • Central FAQs, video, and communication materials
  • Ongoing guidance for implementation and advising

For Clergy, Bishops, and Boards of Ordained Ministry

The review identified the need for:

  • More relevant and integrated formation
  • Updated materials and course design
  • A more efficient path to completion

The revised COS strengthens clergy preparation by:

  • Connecting theology and practice more directly
  • Integrating a Wesleyan ethos and intercultural competency into the objectives for each class
  • More manageable path to completion through a streamlined 16-course structure that maintains academic rigor
  • Reflecting current ministry realities

  • Understand the timeline and transition plans
  • Support clear communication to candidates and local pastors
  • Prepare to advise students during the transition

GBHEM will focus on:

  • Setting standards and oversight
  • Supporting schools and directors
  • Ongoing program and curriculum review