Course of Study and Advance Course of Study Courses

Many Course of Study (COS) and Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) classes are asynchronous online, allowing you to complete weekly coursework on your own schedule. Some courses may offer or require synchronous online sessions with your facilitator and peers via video and audio. If a course includes synchronous sessions, those dates will be indicated in the course catalog.

Registering for Classes

Registration dates for schools vary. School dates and the respective registration links are indicated in the course catalog. To register, you need a PID number (similar to a student ID number). PIDs remains with you throughout your education. To be assigned or reminded of your PID, contact cos@gbhem.org.

Registration includes the notification of and approval from the District Superintendent and conference registrar so plan accordingly. Failure to provide an accurate name and email address for the DS and registrar will delay the registration process.

Courses listed as ACOS are Advanced COS courses and cannot be taken until you have finished Course of Study (COS) courses unless (1) you are taking ACOS courses as a supplement to a seminary degree or (2) you are transferring to The United Methodist Church from another denomination. ACOS courses cannot be applied to your COS requirements.

The Terms

Course of Study terms mirror terms for the regional school’s parent seminary. Term dates and registration windows are indicated in the course catalog. Some schools may offer multiple sessions during a term. Those sessions are indicated in the course catalog.

  • Fall (August-October)
  • Spring (January-March)
  • Summer (May-July)
COS calendar
Open Bible

Prerequisites

COS 121 – Bible 1: Introduction and COS 122 – Theological Heritage 1: Introduction are prerequisites for any other Course of Study class. These are foundational courses providing basic instruction and a shared language for biblical interpretation and theological reflection in the United Methodist ethos. These courses prepare you for the upper-level coursework required in the COS curriculum. A shared biblical and theological foundation is particularly important as many local pastors come from non-United Methodist traditions.

Costs

Costs for courses will vary slightly among schools due to varying financial relationships between the regional school and its host seminary.

  • COS course costs are $300-$450.
  • ACOS course costs are $350-$500.

Books and other required resources are not included in the course cost.

Transcripts

Licensed Local Pastors may request their official transcript by contacting cos@gbhem.org at any time. Transcripts are provided to the annual conferences in February.