The Children’s Ministries Institute® (CMI®) is a nontraditional program that exists to provide specialized training for individuals involved in direct ministry to children and for potential leaders of children’s ministries. Due to the length and non-traditional nature of the program, the Institute does not qualify for formal accreditation by higher education accrediting associations. However, because of its reputation for a quality program and solid doctrinal position, various Christian colleges and universities are awarding academic credit to students who hold a CMI diploma or have completed certain modules.
Articulation Agreements
The following regionally accredited Christian colleges and universities have entered into articulation agreements with CMI and have agreed to award academic credit. Three colleges consider CMI courses part of their academic program.
Appalachian Bible College
CMI and Appalachian Bible College (ABC), located in Bradley, West Virginia have an articulation agreement whereby 19 credits will be awarded to CMI graduates toward an associate of arts degree specializing in children's ministry. In addition, CMI students participating in summer missions programs can receive a maximum of eight credits. (See Appalachian Bible College Web site: www.abc.edu.)
Calvary Bible College
The Children's Ministries Institute has entered into a partnership agreement with Calvary Bible College (CBC) in Kansas City, Missouri, whereby CMI courses are considered part of Calvary's academic program. Students who complete the 12 week CMI diploma program can receive 23 credits toward a two year associate's degree or a four year bachelor's degree. In addition, Calvary Bible College will award three (3) semester credits for acceptable, documented summer missions internship programs such as MI301 Summer Missions: USA Assignment; MI401 Summer Missions: USA Urban Assignment; MI 402 Summer Missions: Overseas Assignment. Credit for other courses will be considered for up to a total of 30 semester hours.
Corban College
Corban College in Salem, Oregon, has agreed to grant 16 academic credits for the satisfactory completion of the 12 week CMI diploma program. Credits will be awarded based on the student’s major.
Grace University
CMI has an articulated participation agreement with Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska, whereby students who hold a CMI diploma can receive 19 credits toward a one year Bible certificate, a two year associate's degree, or a four year bachelor's degree. In addition, Grace University will award three (3) semester credits for acceptable, documented summer internship programs such as MI301 Summer Missions: USA Assignment; MI401 Summer Missions: USA Urban Assignment; MI 402 Summer Missions: Overseas Assignment . Credit for other courses will be examined on a case by case basis. CMI courses are considered part of GU's academic program.
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster Bible College, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will grant CMI graduates 19 academic credits on an individual basis according to their degree program.
Liberty University
Liberty University (LU), Lynchburg, Virginia has established a Bachelor of Science of Religion degree program with a specialization in children's ministry. LU and CMI entered into an articulation agreement whereby LU students will attend CMI for one semester as the specialization component of their degree program, typically in their junior year. CMI graduates who desire to enroll in LU's B.S. of Religion will receive 15 credits for their CMI training. CMI courses are considered part of LU's academic program.
Prairie Bible College
CMI has entered into an articulation agreement with Prairie Bible College located in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, whereby PBC will extend credit transfer to approved graduates of CMI courses. The credits will be applied to general transfer hours and will be subject to the proper requirements and established guidelines to provide students with the most favorable transfer. CMI graduates desiring to enroll in a PBC degree program should contact the PBC registrar’s office for an evaluation of coursework to determine the number of academic credits that will be awarded.
Providence College and Seminary
Providence College and Seminary, located in Otterburne, Manitoba, Canada has agreed to grant up to 15 academic credits for the satisfactory completion of the 12 week CMI diploma program. Credits will be awarded based on the student’s major.
Rocky Mountain College
Rocky Mountain College (RMC), located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has an articulation agreement with CMI whereby RMC will extend credit transfer to CMI graduates. The amount of transferable credits will vary depending upon the specific RMC program being entered.
Other Partnering Institutions
Although no formal articulation agreements have been made, the following colleges are awarding academic credit for the internationally acclaimed Teaching Children Effectively™ Levels 1 and 2 courses:
Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA (2 credits)
Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC (3 credits)
Tennessee Temple, Chattanooga, TN (2 credits)
Washington Bible College, Lanham, MD (2 credits)
Note: Additional colleges will award academic credit for certain modules of the CMI program. Check with the registrar of your college to inquire about receiving credit for CMI courses.