Awaken your calling while earning college credits
Find clarity on your purpose through Waymaker Institute's Academic Certificate Program Express InterestLearn MoreCollege Credits
Personal Development
Leadership Experience
The Academic Program is for you if you…
Are a high school graduate
Desire college credit
Thrive with hands-on training and experiences outside of the classroom
Want to serve God in the community, church, or across the world
Are still figuring out your next step in life
Aspire to become a confident leader
We believe you deserve coaching not just classes
Practical Training
Individual Coaching
Spiritual & Personal Development
Rooted In A Healthy Culture
Backed by the local church. Trusted by Academia.
Waymaker Institute partners with Liberty University and Cairn University to provide students in the Academic Certificate Program the opportunity to pursue an accredited undergraduate degree after completing the Academic Program.
Credits transfer to our partner institutions!
Get a jump-start on life, not just school
The one-year Academic Program focuses on the foundational skills and knowledge needed to one day effectively lead as a follower of Jesus in any context.
The program focuses on three key areas:
- Education
- Ministry Training
- Spiritual Formation
Whether your ultimate goal is a college degree or working in ministry, the development you receive in the Academic Program will give you the foundational tools to help you in future classrooms, life, and ministry.
become a waymaker today
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Apply For The Academic Program
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Get the development you need to become a high-capacity, high-character leader
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Impact your community, lead in your church, and change the world
Get the direction you’ve been missing
identify your calling
Two semesters of undergraduate courses to help you get there
find your confidence
Apply what you’re learning through hands-on training at Waymaker.Church
impact others
Develop your spiritual gifts to shape your character and influence
What Our Graduates are saying
Waymaker Institute provided me a safe place to awaken my calling and embrace my identity in Christ. Surrounded by a spirit-led community, I have been developed and cared for like never before.
From being an Academic Student at WMI to being a Summer Intern, I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without the development and growth I experienced at WMI! I had the pleasure of working with our Student Ministries Team during my time at Waymaker Institute - and I learned so much. I got to be a part of seeing The Lord transform the hearts of young people. God taught me that He wants to use my story and testimony to minister to the hearts of the next generation. All followers of Jesus have a role in building the kingdom of God, and Waymaker Institute gave me the space to learn how I can best serve with the giftings God has given me. I believe WMI was an amazing launching pad that has equipped me for a deep pursuit of ministry and as a follower of Jesus in everyday life!
Waymaker Institute has changed my view of ministry. It has prepared and equipped me to go after more within ministry than I would've ever thought possible.
The Academic Program was life-changing. This year shifted old ways of thinking and perspectives to new, transformative, godly approaches to the world and the church. I know I can walk confidently that the Lord has equipped me and will continue to equip me with the things for his mission. I am so grateful for WMI in how much this year taught me.
Waymaker Institute has prepared me for living out my life on purpose and being obedient to where God leads me.
Going through the academic program transformed my mindset in regard to walking faithfully and being Gospel-minded in all aspects of life. In addition to learning practical ministry skills, one of the most prominent lessons I still dwell on is the concept of beginning with the end in mind and allowing God’s heart for His mission to inform my decisions.
Take a test drive. Plan your visit.
Experience Waymaker Institute
Experience Waymaker Institute over the course of multiple days and see if it’s a fit for you.
You will participate in academic classes, meet professors, and shadow a student in ministry training.
Sign up to schedule your visit!
What You Get with a Waymaker Education
Classroom Instruction
Fall Semester:
- Old Testament Survey
- Spiritual Formation
- Church Ministries
- Academics 101
- Ministry Training
Spring Semester:
- New Testament Survey
- Hermeneutics
- Leadership
- Cultural Engagement
- Ministry Training
Ministry Training
The ministry training practicum provides students with a broad view of ministry in the local church through education and exposure. Students have an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to diverse ministry areas at Waymaker.Church.
Potential ministry areas include:
- Discipleship
- Outreach
- Worship
- Connections
- Groups
- Production
- Student Ministry: Middle School
- Student Ministry: High School
- Kids Ministry: Birth-4th Grade
- Creative Team (Graphic Design/Videography)
Spiritual Formation
Students participate in weekly environments that provide opportunities for spiritual development and personal growth.
Students craft their spiritual lives through the Waymaker Institute Rule of Life. The WMI Rule of Life calls our students to the regular practices of prayer, sabbath, fasting, and scripture reading.
Through these environments and practices, our students form their lives towards loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Take a test-drive and hear from our leaders
Certificate Program Requirements
Minimum GPA of 2.5
High School Transcript
Application
Complete Financial Check-In
Tuition: $4,000
- $250 deposit due upon Financial Check-in
- Includes: Textbooks, access to Microsoft Office 365
The Waymaker Institute Academic Certificate Program is proudly recognized by the Virginia State Council of Higher Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are the admissions requirements?
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- High School Transcript
- Application
- Complete Financial Check-In
- Tuition ($4,000)
What is the application process?
Application, questionnaire, personal statement essay, High school transcripts, and interview with WMI staff.
Can I transfer credits to another college?
Read more about how credits transfer HERE.
How do credits transfer to Liberty & Cairn Universities?
Click HERE to see how Waymaker Institute’s Academic Certificate Program credits transfer to both Liberty University and Cairn University.
Is there an age limit for students to attend WMI?
Do you admit international students on F or M visas?
Finance
How much does Waymaker Institute cost?
Tuition is $4,000, with $250 due upon Financial Check-in. Tuition covers classes, textbooks, access to Microsoft Office 365 and access to Accordance Bible Software.
Can I report payments to Waymaker Institute on my tax filing?
Is there a payment plan?
Yes, Waymaker Institute provides payment plans and fundraising options for Academic students.
Please see our Academic Program Tuition document for more information.
Can i receive federal student loans or financial aid?
Other FAQs
Is housing provided?
Waymaker Institute provides female and male housing in the neighborhood adjacent to Waymaker Institute. If you have questions, please email info@waymaker.institute for help.
Is transportation provided?
What are the technology requirements?
What are the doctrinal beliefs of Waymaker Institute?
Our institutional statement of faith and our statement of secondary institutional positions can be found here and here.
What do I receive after graduating from Waymaker Institute?
Not sure if you are ready to commit?
Experience Waymaker Institute over the course of two days and see if WMI is a fit for you!
You can participate in our academic classes, meet our professors, and shadow a student in ministry training on a Sunday morning. Over the course of two days, you and your parents can get clarity on your next step with Waymaker Institute.
Sign up to begin your next step today!