Admissions

Whether you’re training for diaconal ministry, or looking for continuing education to develop your skills and analysis for faithful action, CCS is a great place to bring together your faith and the needs of the world.

I’d like to apply for the Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program.

I’d like to apply to be a Continuing Studies student.
(for example, if you want to take Learning on Purpose or another learning circle as a stand-alone course.)

[Already been accepted as a Diaconal Ministry student, Certificate student, or Continuing Studies student?  You can register for upcoming courses here.]

[Applying for the United Church Admissions Orientation Circle? There is a simplified application process for you at the bottom of the UCC Admissions Orientation page.]


Diploma in Diaconal Ministries Program (or Certificate Program):

STEP ONE

Apply for admission to the Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program or one of the Certificate programs…

  • Diploma or Certificate Program Admissions form (online)
  • $95.00 non-refundable application fee (Note: This is the application fee. You will be invoiced for the tuition once your application has been accepted.) You can send your application fee by mail or email office@ccsonline.ca to arrange payment by credit card or e-transfer.
  • 2 Diaconal references.  (Suitable references might include someone who has known you for more than 5 years, someone who has supervised or taught you, a co-worker, a member of your congregation, or your minister. Please do not ask a member of your family to act as a reference.)  Direct your reference to the CCS Reference page and ask them to fill out a Diaconal reference.
  • a resume
  • academic transcripts
  • an interview with the Principal or representative of CCS.  (This will be arranged once your application is underway.)

STEP TWO

Register for upcoming courses you’d like to take.  (You can submit a Course Registration form at the same time as your Admission form, but you won’t be registered in any courses until you’ve been accepted into the Diaconal Ministries diploma or certificate program.)

Note: Although it is not required at the time of admission, if you are accepted into the Diaconal Ministry or Certificate Program you will also need to submit a vulnerable sectors Police Records Check before taking part in any field placement.

Application Deadline: You can apply whenever you wish, however the registration deadline for Praxis, Field, and Integration courses is June 1st, and the registration deadline for courses and circles (eg. Learning on Purpose) is one month before the courses start date.


Continuing Studies:

for students who want to take individual courses (eg. Learning on Purpose, Ministering by Word & Example, or a specific theme learning circle)

STEP ONE

Apply for admission as a Continuing Studies student…

  • Continuing Studies admissions form (online)
  • $55.00 non-refundable application fee (Note: This is the application fee. You will be invoiced for the tuition once your application has been accepted.)  You can send your application fee by mail or email office@ccsonline.ca to arrange payment by credit card or e-transfer.
  • 1 Continuing Studies reference.  (A suitable reference might be someone who has known you for more than 5 years, someone who has supervised or taught you, a co-worker, a member of your congregation, or your minister. Please do not ask a member of your family to act as a reference.)  Direct your reference to the CCS Reference page and ask them to fill out an Continuing Studies reference.
  • a resume (including educational history)
  • An interview with the Principal or representative of CCS might be required.

STEP TWO

Register for upcoming courses you’d like to take.  (You can submit a Course Registration form at the same time as your Admission form, but you won’t be registered in any courses until you’ve been accepted into the Continuing Studies program.)

Application Deadline: You can apply for Continuing Studies status whenever you wish, however the registration deadline for courses and circles is one month prior to the course start date.


How do you decide if I’m suitable for the CCS program?

Decisions about admissions are made by the Registrar in consultation with the Program Staff.

We like to know that applicants understand and can work within CCS’s learning model, which relies on group discussion, collaborative learning, and self-reflection. CCS programs also require a fair bit of post-secondary-level reading and writing, and so we like to know as well that applicants are prepared for that kind of rigor. We don’t require a post-secondary degree for admission, but if you haven’t done any university or college education we ask you to submit a writing sample so we can evaluate your ability to think critically and reflectively, organize ideas, and express yourself in writing.

Overseas applicants?

Please note, the Centre for Christian Studies is a small school and does not have resources to assist overseas students with tuition costs, travel expenses, or accommodations and living expenses. Students are responsible for arranging their own volunteer field placement site. CCS does not have resources to assist with visa applications.