Programs of Study
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Currently, BKSM offers three programs of study to prepare students for ordination:
- Certificate in Presbyteral Studies - for those preparing to be ordained priests,
- Certificate in Diaconal Studies - for those intending to serve as vocational deacons, and
- Certificate in Anglican Studies - for persons who have previous ministerial education in other Christian denominations.
BKSM also offers three lay certificate programs that provide the course work to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a:
General Information
Students enrolled in a certificate program leading to ordained ministry typically take 10 courses a year, from August to May. Students on the priest track (presbyteral studies) take 30 classes over three years, while students on the deacon track (diaconal studies) take 20 classes over two years. Students seeking a Lay Certificate can typically complete the program within a calendar year.
While most students complete their studies in the anticipated window, it may be necessary for some students to extend this time frame due to career and family conflicts. We encourage all students to work closely with the BKSM dean and their bishop to finalize their education plan.
Lay persons are encouraged to enroll in any of our classes for personal enrichment or continuing education. We gladly welcome people from other Christian denominations.
Learn more about the:
Each of the six dioceses has its own policies regarding students enrolling at the Bishop Kemper School, so you should contact your diocese's office for further details. The contact information for each of the for partner dioceses is found on the Sponsoring Dioceses page
However, we know you might have questions after clicking through the website. If so, feel free to contact us at BKSM. We would love to hear from you.
- Lay Catechist: six classes
- Lay Evangelist: six classes
- Lay Preacher: six classes
- Pastoral Leader: ten classes
- Parish Ministry Associate: typically an ELCA program, course number varies
General Information
Students enrolled in a certificate program leading to ordained ministry typically take 10 courses a year, from August to May. Students on the priest track (presbyteral studies) take 30 classes over three years, while students on the deacon track (diaconal studies) take 20 classes over two years. Students seeking a Lay Certificate can typically complete the program within a calendar year.
While most students complete their studies in the anticipated window, it may be necessary for some students to extend this time frame due to career and family conflicts. We encourage all students to work closely with the BKSM dean and their bishop to finalize their education plan.
Lay persons are encouraged to enroll in any of our classes for personal enrichment or continuing education. We gladly welcome people from other Christian denominations.
Learn more about the:
- required courses for the Certificate in Presbyteral Studies
- required courses for the Certificate in Diaconal Studies
- required courses for the Lay Catechist Certificate
- required courses for the Lay Preacher Certificate
- required courses for the Pastoral Leader Certificate
- 2025-26 course schedule
Each of the six dioceses has its own policies regarding students enrolling at the Bishop Kemper School, so you should contact your diocese's office for further details. The contact information for each of the for partner dioceses is found on the Sponsoring Dioceses page
However, we know you might have questions after clicking through the website. If so, feel free to contact us at BKSM. We would love to hear from you.