Catholic Bible Institute

Certificate in Biblical Studies

This two-year program is a critical and reflective study of Scripture, designed for those in ministry as well those seeking a personal exploration of Scripture for their own enrichment.

The Catholic Bible Institute of Los Angeles is shifting to a two-year cycle from the current one-year cycle. This means new applicants will be enrolled every two years, rather than every year. This process will begin in Fall 2023.

Only those who are currently enrolled in CBI in Year 1 will be eligible to register for the 2023-2024 year. We will also accept people returning for recertification. 

Open registrations for the next cycle will begin in the second quarter of 2024 for the 2024-2025 year. We look forward to seeing you then!

Please contact Barbara Murphy, ORE Coordinator for the Catholic Bible Institute, for information.

bmurphy@la-archdiocese.org

Registration is with the Archdiocesan Office for Religious Education.

The Catholic Bible Institute entails a comprehensive study of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures focusing on methods of study, sharing and praying with Scripture. The purpose of the Institute is to provide for the training and formation of leadership at the local parish. To further this purpose, the fourfold goal of the Institute is to enable participants to grow in appreciation of God's revealed word, to foster a Catholic understanding of the study of Sacred Scripture, to integrate Bible study with prayer and Christian living, and to provide formation and training in basic Catholic Bible-study principles.

The program of study for the Catholic Bible Institute is cyclical, including a year of studies focusing on the Old Testament, and a year of studies on the New Testament. Upon successful completion of the first two years (first two courses), students will be awarded a certificate of completion in Biblical Studies.

A third year, focusing on particular skills for working with adults and running a parish-based Bible study program, is offered to those looking to be commissioned by their local diocese or archdiocese as Bible study facilitators.

Who Should Participate

Those who are in ministry, education, or simply seek to foster their own spiritual growth and broaden their own understanding of Scripture, will find participation in the Catholic Bible Institute to be a richly rewarding experience. While priority is given to those seeking the certificate, we also encourage and welcome participants who seek personal enrichment and education.

Program Benefits

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Appreciate and understand Scripture as a historical and revelatory text
• Properly integrate Bible study with prayer and Christian living
• Develop and facilitate parish and community-based Scripture programs

Credit from this program may be applicable to catechist certification at the discretion of the certifying diocese or archdiocese. Please be sure to check with the appropriate diocesan office to confirm that this program qualifies for credit towards certification or recertification.

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.

Please note: because this is a fully online program, enrollment eligibility is dependent on place of residency. Please review these provisions in full before enrolling.