Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Certificate in Christian Studies
The CSC Certificate in Christian Studies is Lutheran in scope. The fundamental tenets of Lutheran faith are: Lutheran cross theology, the Law, and the Gospel.
Regarding tuition fees
How much is the tuition? Can I pay in installments?
Tuition fees are payable per semester, calculated based on the credit hours of your selected courses, at NT$650 per credit hour. You will receive payment instructions after successful registration.
For example: If you have taken two courses this semester, "The Life of Christ" (3 credits) and "Bible Background" (2 credits), then the total credits for this semester will be 3 + 2 = 5, and the total tuition fee for this semester will be 5 x 650 = 3,250 NTD.
The Christian Certificate in Education (CSC) program has a total of 27.5 credits, and the total tuition fee will be: 27.5 x 650 = NT$17,875. You do not need to pay the full tuition fee at once; you only need to pay the corresponding tuition fee each semester according to the credits of the subjects you choose.
When and how should I pay the tuition?
After you submit your course selection form and receive confirmation each semester, the registration office staff will contact you to make the payment and send the payment method ( and transfer information ) to your email address.
Because each student's chosen courses and credits will be different, you need to calculate your own tuition fees and arrange payment yourself; the school will not collect payments collectively.
I really want to participate in the training, but my current financial situation doesn't allow it. What should I do?
Don't worry, we have prepared scholarships and grants for students in need. Please apply when you register.
1 Corinthians 2:9 As it is written: “ No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. ”
Questions about registration
Can I choose any courses from CSC and DCL?
CSC and DCL are two distinct learning stages. Students must complete the CSC curriculum before entering the DCL program. The CSC curriculum covers biblical and doctrinal foundations, providing students with the necessary basic equipment before they begin leadership and ministry training.
I already have a lot of experience in Bible equipping and ministry, and I prefer the DCL course content. Can I skip the CSC course?
Brothers and sisters from different churches have varying levels of doctrinal knowledge and understanding. The CSC stage helps them gain a more comprehensive foundation in knowledge and doctrine, and also unites them in the truth. All students must complete the CSC stage before entering DCL. After completing DCL , they can proceed to the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity programs.
I want to become a pastor and obtain a Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity degree. How do I apply?
All students enrolled at the Lutheran Theological Seminary aspiring to become pastors must first complete the two phases of study: CSC and DCL . Upon completion, we will assist them in smoothly transitioning to theological pastoral studies (the Bachelor's and Master's levels will be taught in person). The content of CSC and DCL is originally taught in Lutheran churches at the high school level and above. However, since brothers and sisters in Taiwan have not received this foundational theological training, they need to complete this material before smoothly entering the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity programs and progressing alongside other theological students. Our teachers and support staff will also do their utmost to help everyone complete these courses as quickly as possible and smoothly enter higher levels of study.
Sister, is it okay for me to register for DCL? Why does the course description encourage brothers to register?
The Christian Leadership Diploma Course aims to equip church leaders and Christians who aspire to become church leaders. We especially encourage brothers to enroll in this course to inspire more brothers to participate in church service, leadership, and teaching, and to assume the role of spiritual leaders in the church and their families.
I don't know how to fill out the course selection form, what should I do?
Don't worry, we have prepared a registration form template for you. Please fill it out according to the example.
You can find course numbers, course names, credits, and other information on the CSC/DCL course description page. For example, the course "Introduction to the Old Testament I" has the course number CSC-001 and 3 credits . The tuition fee should be: 3 credits x 650 = NT$ 1,950 . If you choose multiple courses, the tuition fee will be calculated based on the total number of credits.
Questions about course selection
With so many courses, which one should I choose first?
Five courses will be offered each semester . If you have enough time, we suggest you choose all the courses according to our schedule so that you can complete them all in one year.
If you are a working professional with limited time, we recommend that you choose two courses per semester. This way, you can complete the entire CSC certificate program in as little as two years .
- For students attending for the first time, we suggest you choose the courses "Law and Gospel" and "Luther's Short Questions" to help you learn about the main teachings of Lutheranism.
- For students who frequently travel for work, work overtime, or have irregular free time, "Bible Background" is a good choice because it is an online self-study course. You can arrange your study time freely, and our teachers will provide remote guidance to you at any time.
- The course "Christian Family" is only 8 weeks (two months), and it is a short, easy, and lively course that is also very suitable for students with limited time.
- Students who wish to delve deeper into the Old Testament can choose "An Introduction to the Old Testament" and "Bible Background." The Bible Background can help you better understand the events of the Old Testament and double your learning gains.
- You can also choose the appropriate courses based on your free days each week. Classes are usually scheduled for evenings from Monday to Friday and during the day on Saturday.
Are the courses the same every semester?
Different courses will be offered in the spring and fall semesters, and students can complete all courses within one or two years ( or longer if needed ) according to their own schedule . If fewer than six students enroll in a course , it may be canceled or replaced. We will also arrange a summer semester to increase students' opportunities to take courses, based on their needs.
Questions about attending class
Where will I take classes after registering?
After successful registration, we will send an email to students before class to notify them of the class time, website, software, password, etc. Please remember to check your email frequently to avoid missing important notifications. We will also arrange a " New Student Orientation Meeting " for new students to guide them on how to use the classroom software and learning website.
What textbooks are available? Where can I buy them?
You do not need to purchase textbooks. The most important book for students is the Bible. We will provide all relevant textbooks, learning materials, presentation documents, learning videos, workbooks, etc. for each course free of charge on the learning website. These materials can be downloaded and printed.
Are online courses recorded video courses?
Our online classes are interactive, conducted via Webex or Zoom . Teachers will answer student questions and conduct class discussions, and there will also be small group discussions. Homework, short essays, and practical projects will be assigned outside of class, and teachers will provide feedback on each student's assignments and papers.
Is it okay if I only want to listen to the lecture and don't want to talk or do homework?
Our educational goal is not only to equip students with knowledge, but also to cultivate their ability to serve those around them and teach the words of the Bible. Therefore, student practice both in and out of class is crucial. Class participation, group discussions, assignments, papers, and practical projects will all be weighted towards the final assessment. For students who are temporarily unable to speak, our online learning software includes a typing window where students can participate in discussions and answer questions. Absence or failure to submit assignments will result in no credits.
What should I do if I have to miss class due to unforeseen circumstances?
We understand that many brothers and sisters have full-time jobs and may face situations such as business trips, overtime, and family responsibilities. If you need to take leave, please notify the instructor in advance and obtain permission. Also, proactively inquire with the instructor whether there are any make-up classes available, as each instructor's requirements may differ. Missing classes will result in missed opportunities for class discussions, which will affect your grade. Please note: Even after missing a class, you will still need to submit the assignment; otherwise, you will not receive credits.
Where can I find the assignment? When is it due? How do I submit it?
After you successfully register and select your courses, the Academic Affairs Office will send you a username and password for the learning website. You can log in to the website to see the list of your selected courses. Each course will have a " syllabus . " Please read the syllabus carefully. In the syllabus, the instructor will explain in detail the content, requirements, deadlines, grading methods, and submission methods for weekly assignments. Please note that the requirements will vary for each course (some assignments must be completed before class to participate in class discussions), so please be sure to read the syllabus requirements for each course carefully.
How do I find out my grades at the end of the semester?
At the end of each semester, teachers need time to grade all students' exams or papers, and also need to compile statistics on each student's attendance, assignments, quizzes, and participation in discussions. Finally, the teacher will submit all students' scores to the academic affairs office for record-keeping, and your score will eventually appear in your personal course list on the learning website. If there is a delay in receiving your score, please don't worry; you can email the teacher to inquire. If you fail a course, we will also promptly notify you to retake it free of charge.