One outcome of an applicant’s interview with her Bishop is that the Bishop determines whether she needs a directed course of study (usually supervised by her Rector after approval by the Bishop), or a more formal certificate or degree plan through the seminary. The following are the options for formal programs in Deaconess Studies offered by the Reformed Episcopal Church. For information on financial assistance for Deaconesses and Deaconess Candidates who are attending an REC Seminary, visit the Scholarship Fund page. 

Cranmer Theological House (CTH)

A seminary of the REC Diocese of Mid-America, CTH offers a Deaconess Certificate and a Deaconess Studies concentration for the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) degree. Many of the required courses are offered online.

Reformed Episcopal Seminary (RES)

RES, a seminary of the REC Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, offers a Licentiate in Theology for deaconess candidates.

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary (CMTS)

Cummins Memorial, the seminary of the REC Diocese of the Southeast, offers a Deaconess Certificate Program.

---

Please note that the Deaconess candidacy process is separate from the seminary application process. A seminary degree is not required for candidacy, nor does completion of a seminary program guarantee that a woman will be Set Apart. Also, although seminaries offer courses to prepare men and women to serve Christ, the processes for Ordination and Setting Apart fall under the auspices of the Church, not the seminary.