Certificate Programs / ESL Program 

Biblical Studies

The Certificate of Biblical Studies is a one-year, in-residence program available to people who have already earned their bachelor's degrees. This program presents an excellent opportunity for students to supplement their college education with training that can be used to prepare for a variety of ministry-related vocations or for graduate theological study.

Christian Ministry

The Certificate of Christian Ministry is a one-year, in-residence program of study available to people who have already earned bachelor's degrees. This certificate program is an excellent opportunity for students to get training in areas such as cross-cultural studies or youth ministry. Each student in this program is able to work closely with a faculty advisor to tailor the program to his or her ministry focus.

Christian Foundations

This certificate program is for people who want to take some college work in Christian studies, but who do not desire to complete an entire degree program. Instead, they want to have a Christian foundation for further learning, or they want to learn how to effectively carry their faith into the workplace.

This program gives students considerable flexibility. It can be completed prior to enrolling in a degree program at another college. Or, students can enroll in the program after graduating from college, but prior to entering the workplace. Students in this program can select from a wide variety of courses that will meet their unique needs.

Link to Certificate Programs in Kuyper College Catalog - PDF

The English language is one of the most widely used languages in the world, and there are many opportunities for trained English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers to serve both in the United States and abroad.

To help meet the demand for teachers, Kuyper College has developed its Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. Through this program, students gain skills needed to teach and provide leadership in churches, schools, and other community settings here and overseas.

Many countries around the world routinely deny admission to people wishing to engage in ministry or missionary work. However, these countries need qualified people in many other professions. Kuyper College sees teaching English as a viable option for people seeking entrance into these countries and encourages students who desire to minister in this way to develop their gifts for teaching English.
Students in the TESOL Program can choose from two tracks: the TESOL Michigan teaching-certificate endorsement track or the ESL certificate track.

The TESOL Michigan teaching-certificate endorsement track allows a student to prepare for a career as a professional teacher with an ESL specialty within Michigan school systems. (This program track is coordinated with Cornerstone University's teacher-education program.)

The TESOL certificate track prepares students in the design, administration, and teaching of ESL programs both in the United States and abroad in nontraditional settings. These settings include adult-education programs, church-sponsored ESL classes and programs, or community-based, nonprofit programs, as well as cross-cultural programs abroad.

All classes are taught one evening a week and are open to the public. One TESOL class is taught per semester so that students can earn a complete TESOL certificate by attending class only one night per week for two years. Students may begin the TESOL course sequence in any semester since the courses are designed to stand on their own. Students who already have a college degree can enroll only in the certificate program to earn the ESL certificate.

You'll have the opportunity to learn the practicalities of teaching ESL from professionals while getting a major in social work, youth ministry, cross-cultural ministries, or pre-seminary studies. This practical certificate opens doors to teaching opportunities both locally and around the world, whether you're a professional teacher, or just someone who wants to help others learn the English language.

For more information, contact Teresa Renkema, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Communication, at (616) 988-3679.

Link to TESOL Program in Kuyper College Catalog - PDF

Link to TESOL Program Student Handbook 2008-2009

Link to TESOL Practicum Student Manual 2008-2009