Alternate DCE Certification Routes
We now offer DCE certification both online as well as on campus. These alternate certification routes are intended for adult learners who desire to transition professionally to DCE ministry and have professional or volunteer experience in a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation. The following options are available:
- For students already working in a relevant ministry position in a church or church-related context, the online Christian Education Leadership Degree (CEL) with Director of Christian Education (DCE) Certification allows you to earn a bachelor’s, or complement an existing degree with a second BA and DCE certification.
- Students may complete the Master of Arts in Theology with DCE certification. Contact Christ College for more information.
For students who live in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, our on-campus certification route allows you to attend classes in person. For individuals already serving in a local congregation or making a career change, our online option may be your best option. Classes are held in real time alongside our undergraduate courses, so that you are able to interact with both the other traditional students as well as the professors. Summer intensive courses are required. Prior course work in related fields will be evaluated for inclusion for certification purposes, but not for MA credit. More information will be provided during the application process.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about alternate certification routes to becoming a DCE, please contact the Director, Prof. Rebecca Duport '98 at rebecca.duport@cui.edu or (949) 214-3621.