General Program Information

Post-Secondary Certificate Programs

Summit University® Online is a post-secondary certificate-granting institution. It confers non-degree certificates, not academic degrees. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion for the program(s) in which they have enrolled.

Current Programs

Our programs are organized and conducted by Summit University’s School of Theology and Spiritual Studies, and they take place almost entirely online.

Current offerings include certificate programs in Ministerial StudiesLeadership Studies, and General Studies. Students may also take individual General Studies courses for credit or for audit.

Please be aware that curriculum and courses are subject to modification. Summit University reserves the right to change them without prior notification.

Credits and Course Load

 Effective December 1, 2015

Current certification programs require 18 credits of study. Courses are delivered based on a part-time study schedule; full-time options are not currently available.

Students who wish to complete their program in three semesters should take an average of six credits a semester. To maintain a balanced pace and course load, all students are encouraged to complete a minimum of two to four credits in their first semester and to maintain that minimum throughout their program. However, if students encounter personal circumstances that require them to slow their SU online pace, they may request in writing the option of taking just one or two credits or taking a semester sabbatical.

Absence from Program

Effective December 1, 2015

Students in all certificate programs or taking individual courses for credit who do not complete any course credits in six semesters (three years) are required to submit an essay explaining their absence and why they are now ready to continue their SU program studies. They may also be asked to speak with an SU representative.

After an absence of 10 semesters (five years), students will be required to reapply if they wish to resume their certificate program. All credits earned within the past 10 years will be honored.

After 20 semesters (10 years) from date of the completion of a credit, the credit will expire if the student’s program has not been completed. Any course(s) taken 10 years ago would need to be retaken.

Audit students are not required to complete a certificate program and do not earn any credits that might expire. Therefore the above Absence from Program timelines and polices do not apply to audit students.

Acreditation

Although Summit University is exploring accreditation and will pursue this goal as the online school develops, SU is not yet accredited.

Transfer of Credit

The goal of the School of Theology and Spiritual Studies is to offer programs for those who would like to prepare for the ministry or serve in spiritual leadership or community developer roles in their local communities. Acceptance for transfer of course credits to other schools is determined by the receiving institution.

Placement Services

Summit University does not offer placement services for graduates or enrolled students. We do not guarantee service opportunities, employment, occupational advancement, salary or benefits.