Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) offers a growing suite of for-credit micro-credentials designed to provide focused, academically rigorous training in key areas of theology, apologetics, philosophy, and ministry practice.
Micro-credentials are short, structured programs that allow students to complete a defined area of study with a clear and attainable goal, while maintaining full academic credit toward future certificates or degree programs at SES.
Upon successful completion, students earn a digital badge recognizing the micro-credential, and all earned credits remain fully applicable to relevant SES certificates and degree programs, subject to standard program requirements.
Micro-credentials typically consist of two graduate-level courses (6 credit hours total), unless otherwise noted.
Courses used in a micro-credential are existing, for-credit SES courses and are taught with the same academic rigor, learning outcomes, and assessment standards as those courses when taken within a degree program.
Courses are scheduled so that a micro-credential can often be completed across two consecutive academic terms.
Students may enroll in a micro-credential as a standalone academic pursuit or later apply the earned credits toward a certificate or degree program at SES, where applicable.
Admission, grading, academic standing, and transcript notation follow standard SES academic policies.
The following micro-credentials are currently offered. Additional micro-credentials may be approved and added as partnerships and curricular needs develop.
This micro-credential equips students to clearly articulate and defend the Christian faith in public, conversational, and teaching contexts. Through foundational apologetics and core theological grounding, students develop the ability to communicate Christian truth faithfully while engaging contemporary questions with clarity and confidence. The practicum component emphasizes real-world presentation and communication skills.
This micro-credential provides students with essential tools for responsible biblical interpretation. Students learn to understand Scripture within its historical, cultural, and literary contexts and to apply sound hermeneutical principles for faithful interpretation and teaching. Emphasis is placed on developing interpretive skills that support both personal study and ministry application.
This micro-credential introduces students to the foundational structure of Christian theology, focusing on first principles and the doctrine of God as revealed in Scripture. Students gain a framework for understanding how biblical revelation informs theological reflection, laying the groundwork for deeper doctrinal study and theological coherence.
This micro-credential introduces students to the philosophical foundations that have shaped Christian theology and apologetics. Students engage key ideas in classical philosophy and philosophy of religion, learning how reason, metaphysics, and worldview analysis contribute to a robust understanding and defense of the Christian faith.
This micro-credential prepares students for apologetics-informed leadership within the local church and ministry contexts. Students explore how apologetics supports teaching, discipleship, and educational programming, equipping pastors and ministry leaders to address cultural and theological challenges while fostering intellectual discipleship within the church.
This micro-credential equips students to engage moral, cultural, and ethical issues through careful reasoning and a Christian worldview. Students develop critical thinking skills and examine contemporary ethical questions—particularly in the area of human sexuality—preparing them to thoughtfully engage cultural conversations with both conviction and charity.
This micro-credential also serves as an extension of SES’s partnership with the Colson Fellows Program. Colson Fellows who complete these two courses, in addition to previously awarded elective credit, may earn a total of up to 12 hours of seminary credit, subject to standard SES policies.
