Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) classes are offered each year in areas that meet disciplinary requirements and support pastors in their ministry context. ACOS courses also fulfill the Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) requirements for ordination.

Students pursuing Advanced Studies toward ordination should select electives based on their annual conference requirements. Some classes, such as Mission and Evangelism, are cross-listed. Students must choose one for their concentration.

Note: Advanced COS courses are not introductory; foundational material is covered in the regular Course of Study program.

Back to Advanced Course of Study Catalog

InfoClass ScheduleRegistration linkCost
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryMarch 1 - April 15, 2026ACOS Church HistoryACOS Church HistoryACOS Church History examines different aspects of how the Christian community has developed over time.OnlineMay 4 - July 13, 2026Register$400Summer
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryMarch 1 - April 15, 2026ACOS EvangelismACOS EvangelismACOS Evangelism teaches you that evangelism is the broad sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ across generations through genuine relationships and accountable discipleship. You’ll explore how these practices nurture spiritual growth and support the flourishing of the Christian community.OnlineMay 4 - July 13, 2026Register$400Summer
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryMarch 1 - April 15, 2026ACOS New TestamentACOS New TestamentACOS New Testament builds upon your knowledge of the Gospel and other New Testament scriptures and faithful interpretation in your pastoral and personal life.OnlineMay 4 - July 13, 2026Register$400Summer
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryMarch 1 - April 15, 2026ACOS Old TestamentACOS Old TestamentACOS Old Testament deepens your understanding and exegetical interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures and their application in your pastoral and personal life.OnlineMay 4 - July 13, 2026Register$400Summer
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryMarch 1 - April 15, 2026ACOS UM HistoryACOS UM HistoryACOS UM History explores the origins of the Methodist movement in 18th century England and its expansion into North America. You’ll examine key figures, practices, and developments that shaped early Methodism and gain the historical grounding needed to participate fully in the life and leadership of The United Methodist Church.OnlineMay 4 - July 13, 2026Register$400Summer
Duke Divinity SchoolApril 13 - May 17, 2026ADV TBDADV TBDOnlineJune 22 - August 1, 2026 Register$425 Summer
Perkins School of TheologyJanuary 15 - May 1, 2026Nuevo TeastamentoNuevo Testamento
ACOS New Testament builds upon your knowledge of the Gospel and other New Testament scriptures and faithful interpretation in your pastoral and personal life.
OnlineJuly 6 - August 21, 2026Register$400 Summer
Perkins School of TheologyJanuary 15 - May 1, 2026ACOSTeológia
ACOS Theology continues to explore your relationship to God and critically reflects upon God’s activity in the world and interprets it to the people you are appointed to serve.
OnlineJuly 6 - August 21, 2026Register$400 Summer
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS EvangelismACOS EvangelismACOS Evangelism teaches you that evangelism is the broad sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ across generations through genuine relationships and accountable discipleship. You’ll explore how these practices nurture spiritual growth and support the flourishing of the Christian community.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS Mission of the ChurchACOS Mission of the ChurchACOS Mission of the Church in the World expands your understanding of Wesley’s social holiness and justice within your ministry context across diverse and global settings.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS PreachingACOS PreachingACOS Preaching equips you to preach from the Old and New Testaments through theological reflection, biblical exegesis, and sermon evaluation. Learn to develop a theology of proclamation, assess sermons for integrity and effectiveness, and design sermon plans suited to their congregational and community contexts.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS TheologyACOS TheologyACOS Theology continues to explore your relationship to God and critically reflects upon God’s activity in the world and interprets it to the people you are appointed to serve.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS UM DoctrineACOS UM DoctrineACOS UM Doctrine introduces you to a practical understanding of United Methodist doctrine, its origins and sources, its shape and character, and its practices and contexts for ministry within our world.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryJune 1 - July 15, 2026ACOS UM PolityACOS UM PolityACOS UM Polity focuses on United Methodist polity and governance including its doctrine, mission, ordination, and connectional structure.OnlineAugust 3 - October 12, 2026Register$400Fall
Duke Divinity SchoolJune 8 - July 12, 2026ADV TBDADV TBDOnlineAugust 17 - September 26, 2026RegisterTBDFall
Duke Divinity SchoolAugust 10 - September 13. 2026ADV TBDADV TBDOnlineOctober 19 - November 28, 2026RegisterTBDFall
Perkins School of TheologyJune 30 - September 1, 2026ADV TBDEvangelismo
ACOS Evangelism teaches you that evangelism is the broad sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ across generations through genuine relationships and accountable discipleship. You’ll explore how these practices nurture spiritual growth and support the flourishing of the Christian community.
OnlineRegister$500 Fall
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryOctober 1 - November 15, 2026ACOS MissionACOS Mission
ACOS Mission of the Church in the World expands your understanding of Wesley’s social holiness and justice within your ministry context across diverse and global settings.
OnlineJanuary 1 - March 15, 2027Register$400Spring
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryOctober 1 - November 15, 2026ACOS New TestamentACOS New Testament
ACOS New Testament builds upon your knowledge of the Gospel and other New Testament scriptures and faithful interpretation in your pastoral and personal life.
OnlineJanuary 1 - March 15, 2027Register$400Spring
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryOctober 1 - November 15, 2026ACOS HistoryACOS Church History
ACOS Church History examines different aspects of how the Christian community has developed over time.
OnlineJanuary 1 - March 15, 2027Register$400Spring
General Board of Higher Education and MinistryOctober 1 - November 15, 2026ACOS UM PolityACOS UM Polity
ACOS UM Polity focuses on United Methodist polity and governance including its doctrine, mission, ordination, and connectional structure.
OnlineJanuary 1 - March 15, 2027Register$400Spring
Duke Divinity SchoolOctober 26, 2026 - November 29, 2026ADV TBDADV TBDOnlineJanuary 4 - February 13, 2027RegisterTBDSpring
Duke Divinity SchoolDecember 14, 2026 - January 24, 2027ADV TBDADV TBDOnlineMarch 1 - April 10, 2027RegisterTBDSpring
Duke Divinity SchoolFebruary 15 - March 21, 2027ACOSADV TBDOnlineApril 26 - June 5, 2027RegisterTBDSpring
Perkins School of TheologySeptember 15 - December 1, 2026ACOSTBDACOS January 28 - March 18, 2027Register$500 Spring