Training and educating local pastors to continue to lead in The United Methodist Church.
The Course of Study (COS) is a five-year program that offers training and education for people who are interested in becoming full or part-time local pastors in The United Methodist Church.
The Western Jurisdiction Course of Study is the basic five-year theological education program of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry taught by faculty of Claremont School of Theology and leaders in their field from across the Western Jurisdiction.
For questions about the Western Jurisdiction Course of Study or registration please contact Ms. Ruth Ketchum at ruth.ketchum@cst.edu phone: 619-647-7163 or Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin, Director, at faithconklin3@gmail.com phone: 760-443-9664.
Below is the 2026 Course of Study Schedule
Western Jurisdiction – COS Schedule 2026
All times are in the Pacific time zone.
Winter Zoom Classes Feb. 24th-March 19th, 2026 on Tues/Thurs., 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
Feb. Feb. 24, 26, March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19. Registration deadline is February 3rd.
| Course | Instructor |
|---|---|
| 123 Formation Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook |
| 221 Bible 2 Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Dr. Siliveinusi Tiueti |
| 323 Congregational Care Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Greg LaDue |
| 424 Ethics Click HERE for syllabus | Bishop Grant Hagiya |
| 523 Evangelism Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Nicole Reilley |
Spring Zoom Classes May 5th-28th, 2026 on Tues/Thurs., 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28. Registration deadline is April 14th
| Course | Instructor |
|---|---|
| 124 Leadership | Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth |
| 223 Worship and Sacraments | Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin |
| 322 Theology 3 | Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook |
| 422 Theology 4 | Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix |
| 521 Bible 5 Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Mark Kim |
Summer Zoom Classes August 4 – 27, 2026 on Tues/Thurs., 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
August 4, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27. Registration deadline is July 14th.
| Course | Instructor |
|---|---|
| 122 Theology 1 | Bishop Grant Hagiya |
| 224 Administration/Polity | Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth July 28-Aug. 20 |
| 321 Bible 3 Click HERE for syllabus | Rev. Mark Kim |
| 423 Mission | TBA |
| 522 Theology 5 Click HERE for syllabus | Dr. John Sweeney |
Fall Zoom Classes October 6 – 29, 2026 on Tues/Thurs., 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
Oct. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29. Registration deadline is September 15, 2026.
| Course | Instructor |
|---|---|
| 121 Bible 1 | Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix |
| 222 Theology 2 | Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook |
| 324 Preaching | Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin |
| 421 Bible 4 | Rev. Dr. Siliveinusi Tiueti |
| 524 Theological Reflection | Rev.s Jan and Mark Wiley |
Further Information
Cost is $400 tuition and registration per class. Full payment of $400 per class must be received by the Registration Deadline.
At least five students must be signed up by the registration date to hold a class. Classes with fewer than five students are subject to cancellation.
Most courses have reading and writing assignments due before the first day of class. See the syllabus to ensure you are prepared to complete the pre-work as instructed.
For more information please contact Ms. Ruth Ketchum at ruth.ketchum@cst.edu phone: 619-647-7163 or Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin at faithconklin3@gmail.com phone: 760-443-9664.
Western Jurisdiction Course of Study Registration
Click here to be redirected to the new online registration page.