What is accreditation?

An accredited institution has passed rigorous evaluation by an independent agency to meet strict academic, ethical, and financial standards. Only students at accredited institutions can receive federal grants and loans through the FAFSA.

Why are some seminaries and colleges not accredited?

Some seminaries or colleges deliberately avoid accreditation to maintain theological independence or to offer flexible, lower-cost courses to students who cannot afford or take the time to pursue a more traditional education.

Is Colorado Theological Seminary (CTS) accredited?

CTS is not accredited by any agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education for financial and biblical integrity reasons.

What authorizations does Colorado Theological Seminary (CTS) possess?

Colorado Theological Seminary (CTS) is authorized to operate in the state of Colorado under Colorado’s Degree Authorization Act (23-2-101 et seq., C.R.S.). CTS is a Sustaining Member of the Florida Council of Private Colleges and The Council of Private Colleges of America. CTS is also a Certified Academic Institution with the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA), the largest educational and training association of Christian counselors in the world. Additionally, CTS partners with the National Conservative Christian Church (NCCC) to provide students and graduates with ministerial credentialing, church covering, and accountability.

Is tuition affordable at Colorado Theological Seminary?

Yes. Our average tuition is $114.50 per credit hour.

Student Testimonials About Colorado Theological Seminary

The schedule is flexible

The Doctoral Courses for Biblical Studies are designed to give a student an excellent overview of Biblical studies. I spent many hours reflecting, repenting, praying, reading, and writing term papers starting with the Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The lectures were very enlightening and challenging, requiring me to cultivate a more mature perspective of my relationship with God , family and others. Moreover, I appreciate the emphasis on the history of Israel (covenants, and feasts) and the focus on Jesus my Messiah who lived His life as a devout Jew who was totally submissive to God’s will and plan to save and reconcile a lost humanity. The schedule is flexible allowing students to study while caring for a family, ministry, and work. My mentor Dr. Charles Legg was prompt in grading my term papers I appreciate his prayers, guidance and support. I am grateful for the opportunity to study at Colorado Theological Seminary.

I have seen great returns in my investment in this education and training

I was excited to find Colorado Theological Seminary and the Clinical Pastoral Counseling Program. I have spent the last ten years working with mostly first responders, military and their families helping process and deal with the stresses of their world. Even with all my training and education I felt that there was something missing.

I began the Clinical Pastoral Counseling program and immediately know that this was the piece that I had been praying for in my process of helping. I have found that the education and Godly insight that I gained from attending Colorado Theological Seminary is priceless.

I have seen great returns in my investment in this education and training. Clients are amazing at the results and insight that they gain and the healing of their anxiety and mental and spiritual pain.

I have found that this program not only made me a better Chaplain and Biblical Counselor, but it has also made me a better person as I have gained my own insight for healing.

I would highly recommend Colorado Theological Seminary to anyone that asks. The support from staff and the educational material they use is on point.

James Wilson, MA

An excellent learning opportunity

Colorado Theological Seminary offered me an excellent learning opportunity with quality knowledgeable instructors and thorough course work. The instructors were consistently responsive and helpful. For anyone that has a tight demanding schedule and is looking for a quality affordable educational opportunity Colorado Theological Seminary is an outstanding choice.

CTS has impressed me with the seriousness and profundity of its materials

In a time and age where information abounds, finding the right arsenal for a specific goal is rather tough. There are so many schools and online programs, besides the whole available information on the web, that is easy for a person to give up even before starting. As for theology, in days where Christianity is so challenged and the truth is so vital, those called for the ministry or simply interested in better understanding the Christian faith may face a real struggle to find the right path. As someone aware of my own vocational calling, and also mindful of the hard reality in which we are living, I can say without hesitation that CTS is the right choice, for a number of reasons.The course is online, which gives you the benefit of organizing your agenda. It is time for people to realize that online programs are not for the future but a present reality. The cost is much fair in comparison with other seminaries. Above all, however, is the quality of its content. The available textbooks we find at CTS treat the precious message of God fairly, respecting hundreds of years of tradition and tackling specific subjects insightfully and in a spiritually profound manner. The leaders and mentors are serious Christians, very acquainted with the ministry. My mentor, Dr. Charles Legg, is a well-rounded pastor and has shown to be very attentive and supportive during my journey.

After completing my Master’s in Christian apologetics in the USA and returning to Brazil, as a Brazilian I had difficulties to find the right seminary to do my Doctorate’s studies. Living among the growing of false Christian doctrines in South America, strictly aligned with the Marxist’s thought, I found myself with no ways to go, until I found CTS. I sincerely thank God for this program – it gave me hope that true, relevant and profound theology are still kept somewhere – and without boundaries! As an apologist I can affirm: When it comes to the truth, it is vital that a program presents it as simply as it is: the truth. CTS has impressed me with the seriousness and profundity of its materials. The curriculum is very challenging, which obviously requires a good amount of self-discipline. No doubt the rewards compensate for the efforts. If someone is looking not only to get a degree but also to grow in relevant and experiential knowledge, I sincerely recommend CTS. To the whole staff involved in this project, may God richly bless you as through you many other lives are also blessed.

Anderson Rodrigues de Miranda, MA (Liberty University) – Current Doctor of Biblical Studies Student from Brazil

Christian compassion, human understanding and godly wisdom

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” I feel that the greatest educational component I gained from studying at Colorado Theological Seminary is “gratitude.” Though I have always considered myself a thankful person, my studies at CTS have helped me to comprehend the value of things I so often take for granted. I want to express my gratitude to CTS, Dr. Gary Tryzbiak, and Dr. Elizabeth Oakley for providing not just an education, but an affordable education. In fact, one entire class at CTS costs less than most seminaries charge for just one credit hour. I thank CTS for providing a curriculum format where I can study one course at a time in order to stay completely focused on the subject matter rather than spread among several topics at the same time. Dr. E. has a profound manner of instruction that encourages the student to stay disciplined and focused while providing direction and guidance with Christian compassion, human understanding and godly wisdom.

Anything worthwhile requires commitment. The CTS curriculum challenges the student to study with a fervent, conscious vigor that produces a deeper understanding of God, the church, and the Bible. The benefit received is a renewed value in persistence, patience, commitment, dedication and hard work.

I am grateful for the ability to study at home at my own personal pace rather than a campus miles away from home. As a husband, dad and grandpa, it is a wonderful blessing to be able to set a textbook and laptop aside for a few minutes when a grandson asks for a few moments to play with “pa-pa.” May God bless and honor the sacrifices of the CTS staff. Thank you for providing Christian students around the world the ability to study and receive the essential components of Biblical wisdom.

Has been absolutely amazing

My experience at Colorado Theological Seminary (CTS) has been absolutely amazing. There is something to be said for attending a Christian School. I have been fortunate enough to have earned three degrees from Christian Schools including a Doctorate of Education from Liberty University (2013). I have had the privilege and honor to work through two different degrees at CTS; Master of Ministry (2005) and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pastoral Counseling (2015). The experiences I had with each of these two programs were distinctly similar. I was blessed to be paired up with wonderful mentors, Dr. Del Chapman and Dr. Carla Letsch. Both of them were always available to answer any questions I might have and were very encouraging throughout the program.

In Virginia, I serve as a Youth Minister at a Baptist Church and am also a High School Principal. The education that I have gained through CTS will not only help me in the future, but helps me instantly when building relationships with members of my Youth Group and their families. With the Clinical Pastoral Counseling program, I have already strengthened my counseling relationships with many of the families that have unfortunately gone through times of crisis and distress. If you are looking for a Christian education that is both affordable and enlightening, then CTS is certainly the place for you. I thank God for Dr. Tryzbiak, Dr. Chapman, and Dr. Letsch. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this school or the individuals that have helped me reach my goals.

In His Love,

Quality education and positive experience

I am very thankful for the quality education and positive experience that I had as a doctoral student at Colorado Theological Seminary. I first learned of CTS when a colleague and a friend of mine was sharing with me what a wonderful experience he had when he completed his Master’s degree at CTS.

He mentioned to me that there were also doctorate programs available in various fields of study. I immediately contacted CTS to inquire about the Ph.D. programs that I would qualify for. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to obtain my doctoral degree from a seminary school. After this one phone call to CTS, I knew that dream could become a reality.
The staff and especially my mentor Dr. Gary Tryzbiak, were very supportive every step of the way. The courses were relevant and the knowledge I have obtained will be very useful in the counseling field. I am so thankful that I chose to pursue my dream and complete my terminal degree at Colorado Theological Seminary!

Completely turned my life around

I am writing this letter of thanks to Dr. Charles Legg, my mentor, Dr. Gary Tryzbiak, President and to the Colorado Theological Seminary. My journey with you has been truly Holy Spirit led and blessed by God. I started with the college by completing a certificate course in Biblical Studies. Although a medical doctor practicing Internal Medicine, I found that the course assignments were able to be completed at my own pace, and truly felt my knowledge of Scripture to be enhanced. I was saddened on completion, since the daily studies had become almost a way of life. My mentor, Dr. Legg, was always an enthusiastic participant in my studies, and in particular, he encouraged my writing. I asked him to prayerfully consider and suggest another course for me. To my surprise, he recommended a Doctor of Biblical Studies program.

As a medical doctor, and before that, a chiropractic physician, I was rather accustomed to tests but never had I completed a dissertation. I had begun to have a true enjoyment of writing, and each course required both an insight paper preceding it, and then the final paper after the completion of assignments. I felt that Dr. Legg saw something in me that I did not see in myself. He kept encouraging my writing, and I feel it was truly with his continued support and advice, that not only did I complete the program, but have now become a published Christian author.

My dissertation was the majority of my book. I expanded it a bit to provide for more of a general readership, but the book itself transformed me. I had not meant for it to be reflective, but I have learned something through my study of Scripture to date. God is purposeful in His direction, and what began as my gift to Him, ended up being His gift to me.

Studying the assignments kept showing me life applications. As I studied and wrote, my life and spirit were being transformed. When I began the certificate course, I was practicing medicine in a very affluent area in Orlando near the theme parks. On completion of my dissertation, I realized I was being sculpted for full time medical ministry in an underserved area, and in listening to God, my husband and I

sold my practice, our home, and moved to rural western North Carolina.

So what began with me, as a medical doctor, steeped in structured learning, trying to expand my knowledge of the Bible in a certificate course through the Colorado Theological Seminary, completely turned my life around. I now have completed a Doctor of Biblical Studies degree and published a book, called Kingdom Work: A Guide for Christian Doctors and their Patients. We have moved to a poor community to minister to those with the greatest need. The experiences I have had through my studies at this college have quite literally changed my entire life.

a rich, foundational source for sermons and teaching the Word of God

As a full time Associate Pastor at a small church in Tampa, FL, a speaker and author, a Chaplain with the Florida Army National Guard and a Chaplain in the USAF Auxiliary/Civil Air Patrol, my plate was pretty full. But I kept getting this pressing on my spirit to complete some additional ministerial studies. I had already completed my graduate work at Rider University years ago, and the thought of now tackling a doctoral program somewhere was mind boggling to say the least. There was no way with my schedule that I could even entertain the thought of an in-residence degree program.

So, as many of you have done, I prayed first then dove in to some online research. I definitely know it was Providential that I found CTS. I looked over the courses and they were just what I was looking for. And, an added benefit…as a Vietnam Veteran, I qualified for the military discount. CTS was the perfect match for an arduous schedule and a desire for a Doctor of Biblical Studies degree.

The courses were excellent, my professor was outstanding in her feedback and mentoring and the overall experience, though challenging was worth every minute. Many a time I had to pull an all-nighter to complete my schoolwork, but that was because of my rigorous schedule. The courses at CTS were designed for such a situation. I could work at my own pace and timeframe and not have to squeeze in weekend or weeknight classes or travel to work study groups etc. Everything you need, from the Amazon bookstore, to help from your prof, to ordering your next course, is all done online. It is affordable and ever so doable for the busy pastor.

It took me a little longer than I thought. Some years I was able to finish a few courses, and others it was only two…but plugging away, little by little, the task was accomplished. I started in 2005, finished in 2010, and I am so grateful to have completed it.

The courses required me to dig into the scriptures and their background research that I never would have done on my own. To this day, they are a rich, foundational source for sermons and teaching the Word of God.

Hopefully, this short testimonial will stir your hearts to respond to that call from God and dig into His Word through the more structured setting CTS has to offer. I am so glad I did…I think you will be too. God is with us.

Colorado Theological Seminary is a great place to start your journey!

If caring for others is one of your strengths and you enjoy learning new things, then I want to sincerely encourage you to consider one of the many online degree or certificate programs at Colorado Theological Seminary. If you think you don’t have what it takes to get that degree you’ve always wanted then I hope you’ll think again and check out CTS! Here’s why I did…

I believe CTS is a unique educational opportunity for several reasons. The coursework not only provides students with exploration through traditional textbook methodology, but it also provides an innovative way of learning through the Internet and other advanced technologies. These varied adult learning principles work for the busyness of just living life. Furthermore, its affordability makes it easier than ever to attain an advanced degree through the available means of financial assistance for interested applicants. The CTS staff makes it hassle free!

After considerable research of distance learning programs, I applied to the Master of Christian Counseling program at Colorado Theological Seminary. CTS provided the heart-centered coursework that I was interested in with a challenging balance of biblical and counseling principles. Throughout the coursework are many examples of case studies presented by qualified counseling professionals for practical skilled application. Also, I found the material presented in the coursework to be relevant for the changing world in which we live and work today. So, whether you are interested in full time ministry or simply to engage your mind through personal enrichment, Colorado Theological Seminary is a great place to start your journey!

With joy,

Leola G.

Graduate, Master of Christian Counseling Program

I would recommend Colorado Theological Seminary to anyone

I am writing to tell you of my experience at CTS the last several years. I enrolled because I wanted an affordable degree, and one that I would be challenged with. I enrolled in the Doctor of Biblical Studies and found exactly what I had been seeking. After the initial selection, I was assigned a mentor who was always available if I had a question or difficulty. The Scriptures spoke to me with each course I enrolled in. The course materials provided by CTS were excellent and full of information. The research papers helped to reinforce what I had read and now putting that knowledge and information on paper proved to be an important part of the course.

I would recommend Colorado Theological Seminary to anyone who wants to learn, grow and gain a greater knowledge of Scripture. It is not an easy road but it is not impossible either. You get out of it what you put into it. I appreciate the opportunity to get this degree at CTS and feel as if I am an integral part of this institution. CTS did not give me anything; rather they provided the tools with which I could use to become what I am today.

As I reflect on the words of Dr. Hill “It is not the paper that you earned, but what you have become by it and how you will apply next in your life.” Indeed, a better person, a more knowledgeable person, and better equipped to serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank you to all at Colorado Theological Seminary. May God bless you richly as you continue to do His will in all your lives.

extraordinary opportunity to further my Christian growth

Dear Dr.Chapman,

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and the Colorado Theological Seminary for this extraordinary opportunity to further my Christian growth. Having completed the requirements for the Doctorate of Ministry program I can take great satisfaction in having become a different person after going through your program. By the grace of the Holy Spirit I am better equipped to serve our Lord in whatever direction He may lead me. This has been life-long dream for me to undertake such a program as you have provided. It has been challenging and growth producing in following our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter where I am led I am grateful for this time that has been so well spent. It is the best educational program that I have ever taken. To be successful with the Colorado Seminary programs requires maturity and discipline with willingness to take up our cross and follow Him. I am most willing to recommend the Colorado Theological Seminary to all who wish to follow Christ in a more meaningful and rewarding way.

In His Service and at yours,

Dr. William H. Hill

I glorify the name of the Lord for Colorado Theological Seminary

“It’s one thing to be a labourer in the Lord’s vine yard,it’s another to know the appropriate tools to use and how to use them in order to fulfil the call of God. My study at the Colorado Theological Seminary, coupled with the NCCA/APS certification programe has helped me to achieve these,…showing myself approved as a workman who need not to be ashamed.Today am a better Pastoral Counselor,more confident,more fulfilled as a tool in the hands of the Lord. I glorify the name of the Lord for Colorado Theological Seminary.

It requires diligence but the work is so rewarding!

Through an Internet search of distance learning, I found CTS and what a blessing it has been. As an older student (very much older), I wanted to challenge myself and improve my Bible knowledge since I am the music minister at my church. It has been a very rewarding experience in that CTS is NOT a diploma mill. It requires diligence but the work is so rewarding! Each course is filled with many salient points and there is always something new to learn. Another plus: the courses did not require the sale of “an arm and two legs” so I was able to pursue and complete both the M. Min and the D. Min degrees without going bankrupt.

I can’t thank my mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Oakley, enough. She was truly a blessing, responded helpfully and thoughtfully to questions, and was an excellent counselor when I was close to a “meltdown” over my dissertation topic.

Well, as you can tell, I’m very satisfied with everything related to CTS and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in further study in God’s Word.

Dr. Linda Duxbury, D.Min.

I have learned so much about God’s truth

For many years I have been reading the Bible, listening to Pastors and Leaders in the church explain the meaning of God’s Word, and in my heart I truly believed, that I knew what Scripture was saying. Also for many years God has been telling me, through His teachings and His children, that He wanted me to “Study His Word and help people” and as the years passed by, and as I played the fool in the world of men, Our Lord never changed what He had commanded me to do.

In fact, every time I would shut down my busy life and seek out God’s Spirit in a place of solitude, I would pray to the Father, fill me with Your Spirit, and He would fill my empty cup and illuminate my very being. After He had graciously filled me with the mind/heart of Jesus Christ, and I felt as if He was going to pull me up into the heavens, He then would remind me, “I want you to study My Word and help people.” Then, instantly I would start arguing with God and telling Him all the reasons that at this time in my life, I could not possibly do what He wanted. This cycle never ended, and as I have already stated it went on for many years.

Well, if you have been a Christian for many years or if you are just starting out in your walk with Christ, you can probably imagine who won this argument. The incredible arrogance on my part was that I actually thought that God was listening and agreeing with my feeble arguments. The truth is I should have obeyed at His first command, because I forced the Mighty Hand of God and He pinned me down, opened my heart so that now, I could not focus on anything but Him.

Now that God had my undivided attention, I started doing research on Seminaries that were God centered and Biblical in their curriculum, affordable for a working man, and a schedule that would not increase my stress levels with deadlines that would take me away from my family commitments. It has been three years now that I have been studying at Colorado Theological Seminary. I have learned so much about God’s truth through the commentary/study guide that is supplied for each course and the support I have received from my mentor and the staff is inspirational. I can not say enough about all the love through the teaching of Christ Jesus that Colorado Seminary has poured into my life.

Studying God’s Word at C.T.S. is so humbling because the more we learn; the more God Spirit wants to teach. So if, “God is calling you to study Scripture and to help people” do not run like I did for many years, forcing the hand of a Loving Father. Study today, obey and pray!

Scott Lancaster
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Colorado Theological Seminary has been a wonderful part of my life

Colorado Theological Seminary has been a wonderful part of my life and will be an experience that I will never forget. I had been a Youth Minister for 3 years and last year I decided I wanted to take some formal classes to further my education in the ministry. I had been to many seminars and conferences, but had never taken a formal theological class. I didn’t know where to start. I was working full time as a Computer Systems Technology Instructor, a Youth Minister part time, and taking classes to get my Teaching License. There was no way that I could fit Seminary into my schedule! I would have to take classes on weekends and at 10:00 PM at night and of course, they aren’t offered. I decided that Distance Education would be the best situation for myself. I searched and searched and found quite a few different ones online, but they just didn’t seem right. I then stumbled upon Colorado Theological Seminary. I knew right away, CTS was the place for me. A wonderful gentleman by the name of Dr. Del Chapman became my instructor and I have nothing but the highest regards for him. Dr. Chapman always was very thorough when answering questions, polite, and friendly. Dr. Chapman explained concepts to me that I did not quite understand and has helped me immensley. CTS has helped me in so many ways. The courses in counseling had information that will stick with me for a lifetime. Sure, I had taking psychology courses and some counseling courses in my undergraduate degree and teaching classes, but they were not from a Christian perspective. CTS provides that information in a Christian perspective and provides counseling techniques that are sensible. I recently became an Interim Pastor/Pulpit Supply for my local Association in Virginia. I know that CTS definitely had a hand in this. I had been in the ministry for 3 years prior to enrolling at CTS, but after the courses I have taken through CTS, I feel much more equipped in the ministry than I did before. I will soon be enrolling in the Doctorates of Ministry program. I have never really thought about where I was going to enroll in a Doctorates program, because the choice is so clear and obvious. I will be right back at CTS with Dr. Chapman & Dr. Tryzbiak. They have been so wonderful to me over this past year, that it is quite an easy decision to make as I progress through my education. If you are thinking about furthering your education in the ministry, CTS is the place for you. The course material is relevant and challenging. You will learn so much more than you currently know. Whether you are a pastor, youth leader, sunday school teacher, or even a worshipper of Christ, CTS can provide a quality education that will help you spread the word of Jesus Christ to others who may not know him. As CTS’ slogan and II Timothy states, “…study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed…” Come join “The Seminary Without Walls” for a wonderful accredited and very affordable Christian Education.

B.J. Crowder
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please allow me to recommend Colorado Theological Seminary to you

I spent three years looking for an accredited seminary where I could study on-line, complete a quality post-graduate degree, know in my heart that the effort was a good one, and the result would mean something. I looked through the websites of a number of schools, most of which were quality schools, but my sense was that God was directing me to look further. I prayed for direction and eventually found the website belonging to Colorado Theological Seminary. For certain the Lord knows best! I have been challenged and encouraged at the same time. Dr. Tryzbiak is committed to the academic process. Through this experience of finding the right school and the God-appointed mentor, I have been blessed to be at the centre of God’s will (Romans 12). I have now completed Phase II of the Ph.D. program in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Already doors have opened to me that were firmly closed, and I have found a system of counseling through the NCCA Temperament Therapy model that brings amazing results.If you are seeking a quality school, and an empowering academic experience, please allow me to recommend Colorado Theological Seminary to you. If you are committed to serving Almighty God through Christ the Son, then this school, the staff, and programs will most certainly stand you in good stead for Christian Ministry.

Rev. Jerry P. Richards, Calvary Family Fellowship Ministries, St. Paul, Alberta, Canada.M

my deepest thanks for providing an opportunity

To Whom It May Concern; I am a recent graduate of the Master in Ministry course from the Colorado Theological Seminary and wish to convey to you my deepest thanks for providing an opportunity to study, learn, and develop in the understanding of the Bible, Christian doctrine, and homiletics. I found the materials and methods used to present the class curriculum to be very conducive to learning with minimal difficulty. I do not mean to say the course was easy, but rather well structured to allow an ease for grasping many complex theological concepts and ideas. I wish to thank the seminary for their rapid response to my concerns, questions and even general comments about both the materials and the course of actions to properly pursue the degree earning result I obtained. I fully recommend if someone is looking for a way to start or enhance their religious training, whether for a degree or personal growth, that they consider the Colorado Theological Seminary as a viable option. My deepest thanks once more to the seminary.

Yours in God’s Grace and Love,

Richard Shipley Master of Ministry

the hand of God that directed me to CTS

With all confidence I can say that I know it was the hand of God that directed me to CTS. In the time that it has taken me to work through my degrees I have seen a constant of knowledgeable, respectful, and caring instructors whose earnest support encouraged me to continue and to achieve my goal of attaining a Doctorate. Reaching beyond simply Christian academics on a scholastic level, it has become obvious that God-anointed ministry is involved in their teaching and correspondence.I have been challenged by the curriculum and strengthened by the mutual support of the Holy Spirit as I worked through the courses of study. God has said He would be there if we seek Him, and so He has remained faithful in His guidance.

Dr. Valerie B.

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