Academics


Curriculum

One of the most important aspects of a college or university is its curriculum. Even more important than how we teach is what we teach. The content of a school’s curriculum is far more important than the methods of instruction.

The Board of Directors, faculty, and staff of Zion Ministerial Institute are committed to a Biblically based, Holy Spirit-inspired, and Christ-centered curriculum. We have designed our curriculum to not only impart the knowledge of God’s Word to our students, but also to enrich their devotional and spiritual lives as well.

The word “curriculum” in the Latin refers to a race course that has a clearly defined finish line and goal. It literally means “to run a race.” Habakkuk 2:2 says, “… Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Through our curriculum we seek to place a vision and goal before our students of being transformed into the image of Christ and being filled with the knowledge of His Word and the power and anointing of His Holy Spirit. It is not enough to know the Word of God; we must put it into practice and reflect the beauty and nature of Christ in everything that we do. That is the goal of our curriculum.

Credit Hour System

Zion Ministerial Institute is a vocational institute. In our credit-hour system, 1 credit is equivalent to 18 (50-minute) hours of instruction and approximately 18 (50-minute) hours of homework for a total of 36 (50-minute) hours for 1 credit hour at the undergraduate level. As a vocational school, the number of hours of required reading are calculated into the hours of instruction.

Programs

Two options for studying at Zion Ministerial Institute:

  1. Diploma of Ministerial Training (64 credit hours)
  2. Certificate of Completion of Audit Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma of Ministerial Training program is to provide students a solid Biblical foundation with a special emphasis in Ministry. It is ideal as an academic and spiritual foundation for all believers, especially for those who feel a call to ministry, whether as pastors, missionaries, or lay leaders in the church.

The purpose of the Certificate of Completion of Audit Studies is to provide solid Biblical teaching to those who are unable to pursue the credit program. This program offers an excellent opportunity to learn the same life-changing truths as in the diploma program, without requiring the reading and course assignments entailed in the credit program.

Course Load

The student enrolled in the Diploma of Ministerial Training Program is a full-time student, and is expected to attend every class for every course for four distinct semesters. All assignments must be submitted. The student is enrolled in 16 credits of mandatory courses per semester.

Time Duration

The Ministerial Training program consists of four (4), thirteen (13)-week semesters. Each semester has a schedule of courses that must be attended by every student. The program’s courses are repeated cyclically every four (4) semesters, or every two (2) years.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for the Diploma of Ministerial Training must satisfactorily complete all required courses over four (4) distinct semesters. Candidates must have completed 64 credit hours of non-elective courses, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, and receive the Chancellor’s consent before they can be awarded the Diploma of Ministerial Training.

The student enrolled in the Certificate of Completion of Audit Studies must satisfactorily attend the required courses over four (4) distinct semesters of study.

Course Requirements

Students enrolled in the Diploma of Ministerial Training receive a Course Syllabus for every course. The syllabus outlines the course requirements. For each course, students must read the course textbook(s), complete the assignment(s) and or examination(s) prescribed by the instructor, and attend all class sessions.

To see the updated course listing for Zion Ministerial Institute, please download our academic catalog.

Semester Enrollment

Zion Ministerial Institute offers Fall and Spring semester enrollment each year. New students may enter at the beginning of any semester. However, graduation is held only in April of each year. Students completing their studies in the Fall semester will graduate the following April.

Admissions: All Applications for each semester must be received no later than one (1) month prior to the start date of the semester.