Courses & Programs
Courses – summer 2025
Church History I: Early and Medieval
Description: This survey course traces the development of the Christian Church from the end of the apostolic period up to the late Medieval period. Through close readings and discussion of primary texts, attention will be given to changes in the relationship between Church and empire, the development of Christian doctrine, the rise of the papacy, and the various models of Christian spirituality.
Instructor: Dr. Jon Cleland
Time: Mondays from May 5 – July 7. Class time from 10am-1pm
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary’s Burlington Ontario campus (St. George's Anglican Church, Burlington) and on Zoom.
Courses – Fall 2025
Old Testament: Prophets
Description: A study of the content and message of the major and minor prophetic (e.g. Isai-ah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) books of the Old Testament, with an emphasis on their function and meaning within the OT corpus, as well as their relevance to salvation history and the Christian life today.
Instructor: Dr. Byron Wheaton
Time: TBD
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary’s Ottawa Ontario campus (315 Lisgar St.) and on Zoom.
Systematic Theology I
Description: A systematic and biblical study of Christian doctrine, with special attention to the doctrines of revelation, the triune God, creation and the person of Christ.
Instructor: Jon Cleland
Time: Mondays from Sept 8—Nov 10. Class time 10am-1pm.
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary’s Burlington Ontario campus (St. George's Anglican Church, Burlington) and on Zoom.
FULL COURSE LIST
3 YEARS (96 CREDITS)
The Licentiate of Divinity (96 credits) parallels a master’s degree in divinity and provides education in the full range of pastoral and theological disciplines, including biblical languages. Non-credit requirements include the English Bible Examination (written) and the Doctrine Examination (oral).
2 YEARS (56 CREDITS)
The Licentiate in Christian Studies (56 credits) is a graduate degree in theology and ministry designed for those involved in or pursuing pastoral ministry or missionary service but who do not intend to advance to further graduate studies in theology. The foundational portion of the program includes 14 semester-long courses (42 credits) in Bible, theology and applied theology, while the advanced portion involves formal supervised training in preaching, pastoral ministry and worship in a local church setting (12 credits). Additional courses and/or examinations may be required by the student’s denomination or sponsoring organization.
1 YEAR (8 COURSES)
This program is designed for Christians who desire a well-rounded introduction to the Christian faith but who do not wish to pursue an advanced degree in theology. The Ryle Certificate in Christian Studies (CCS) is awarded to those who attend and participate in eight ten-week courses, including Bible Survey, Turning Points in the Life of the Church, The Major Doctrines of the Faith, Evangelism and Apologetics, Discipleship and Vocation, Christian Behaviour, and two elective courses on classic Christian texts or major figures. Classes will be held in-person (with a zoom option).
Additional Information
Seminary Training
Traditionally, seminary training has been required for individuals seeking ordained ministry in the church. Denominations have varying standards for ordination, and it is up to students to verify with their bishop/presbytery/board what program of study is acceptable. The primary role of Ryle is to educate students for effective Christian ministry, whether pastor, missionary, church planter, or lay leader.
Transfer Credit
Students with master’s level credits may apply for advanced standing for the Divinity and Christian Studies programs at Ryle. Students wishing to graduate with a Licentiate of Divinity program may apply for transfer of Ryle credit to accredited institutions.
Auditors
Any course may be audited, without any formal application or acceptance into any program. Auditors attend lectures, engage in classroom discussions, but do not need to turn in assignments.