Modality: Online
The Concordia University Chicago post-baccalaureate Director of Christian Education Certification Program through colloquy is a means by which an individual with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may become certified as a DCE with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. This certification would enable an individual to be eligible to receive a Call as a DCE and to be placed on the roster of the Synod as a Commissioned Minister-Director of Christian Education. Online options are available for DCE courses. Completion of previous course credits similar to required courses will be evaluated to determine if they meet the current requirements for DCE specific courses or if additional courses will be needed. Required theology courses can be fulfilled by previously completed coursework at an LCMS Concordia University or online through CUEnet. For more information, contact Dr. Debbie Arfsten, DCE Program Director, at debra.arfsten@cuchicago.edu or 708-209-3604.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DCE-6320 | Administration of Parish Education | 3 |
| DCE-6330 | Youth Ministry Theory and Practice | 3 |
| DCE-6340 | Church Leadership and Development | 3 |
| DCE-6352 | Parish Teaching | 3 |
| DCE-6450 | Family and Children's Ministry | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Completion Requirements
- Have on file an application for this program.
- Complete, for the program being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with course grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Have on file approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s), "Course Substitution" form(s), or evaluation(s), if applicable.
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts.
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to completion requirements.
Program-specific completion requirements:
Required theology courses through CUEnet or an LCMS Concordia University based on evaluation.