Academics
The academic programmes listed below are accredited by ACTEA. Bishop Okullu College (BOC) is also registered and Licensed by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to train the following KNEC examined courses:
Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Pastoral Theology
- Diploma in Community Health & Development
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECDE) – KNEC Examined
Certificate Courses of BOC
- Certificate in Pastoral Theology
- Certificate in Community Health & Development
- Certificate in Business Management
The diploma in Pastoral Theology has two majors, namely, Ministry and Christian Counseling. The Ministry major is geared towards preparing students for the ordained ministry, while the Christian Counseling major is both for the ordained and non-ordained people like teachers, counselors, health workers, chaplains in schools, hospitals and in the armed forces, among others.
The diploma is offered in three different modes: full time, part time and distance learning mode. Applicants for the distance and part time modes must have a Diploma in Theology with Distinction or Credit from a recognized Theological College
Full Time Mode
Full time Students are required to reside at the College during the entire duration of their studies. For those who hold a Diploma in Theology, the course will take 2 academic years, while those with a KCSE certificate the course will take 4 Academic years. (International students are expected to produce their equivalents qualifications from their respective countries).
Part Time Mode
The part time mode requires the students to reside on campus for two weeks every term interacting with faculty, and engaging in research under the supervision of faculty when they are off campus. The mode has three terms in a year. The advantage of this mode is that it enables the students to learn while at the same time maintaining their employment or ministry. The mode is designed so as not to disrupt the student’s employment or family life.
Distance Learning Mode
This mode is open only to students who hold a Diploma in Theology from a recognized theological college. The course will take two academic years of three terms each. Each term every student will be expected to do four units. This Course will put emphasis on a Research Component. Two weeks every year the student will spend time in the institution interacting with the faculty.
Diploma and Certificate in Christian Counseling
This is a programme that takes two academic years to complete (BA) and one year (Diploma). It is meant to empower ordained and non-ordained Christians with skills for counseling from a Christian perspective.
Diploma and Certificate in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship)
The Diploma in Business Studies is intended to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the students, while at the same time equipping them with business management skills. The course is suitable for those working in the business and public sector, NGOs, CBO, and Faith Based Organizations. The diploma takes 2 years while Certificate course is 1 year.
Diploma and Certificate in Youth Development and Women and Gender Development
The Diploma and Certificate in Youth and Women and Gender Development are geared towards mainstreaming the young people as well as women, to help them maintain and improve the standard of participation in issues of spiritual and Socio-economic development. The Diploma is one and half years while the certificate is one year.
Diploma and Certificate in Pastoral Theology
This is a foundation programme for all those answering a call to the ordained ministry. It is also suitable for those who want a better understanding of the Word of God, yet do not necessarily want to be ordained.
Diploma and Certificate in HIV/AIDS Management (In Conjunction with MAP International)
The Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management is meant to help all those working with the people who are either affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. The components of the programme include HIV/AIDS counseling, home based care, palliative care, management of opportunistic infections and triple therapy. The Diploma is 2 Years while the Certificate is 1 Year.
Certificate in Information Technology (IT)
The Certificate in Information Technology is meant to equip students with computer knowledge and skills to meet the demands of communication in the modern world. It takes 6 Months to complete.
TVETA/NITA Courses
The following is a list of the Vocational/Technical courses on offer and examined by TVETA or NITA:
Artisan Courses
- Artisan in Fashion design and Garment making
- Grade III in Tailoring & Dressmaking
- Grade III-I in Hairdressing
Short Courses
Continuous Theological Formation (CTF – Advanced) (with emphasis)
It is a short course for church leaders and Lay Readers. CTF short courses are:
- Advanced Certificate in Catechisms of the Church (Anglican)
- Advanced Certificate in Eucharist practice
- Advanced Certificate in Church history survey
- Advanced Certificate in Liturgy and Spirituality
- Advanced Certificate in Old Testament survey
- Advanced Certificate in New Testament survey
- Advanced Certificate in Pauline and General Epistles
- Advanced Certificate in Mission and Evangelism
- Advanced Certificate in Pastoral Ministries
- Advanced Certificate in Congregational & Departmental Relations
- Advanced Certificate in Basic Anglican Constitution Concepts
- Advanced Certificate in Basic Anglican Canon Laws and Policies
- Advanced Certificate in Charismatic Spirituality and Indigenous Movements
- Advanced Certificate in Environmental Health
- Advanced Certificate in African Traditional Spirituality/Religion
Admission requirements
These short theological programs are meant for those holding different leadership positions in church, for example lay readers from all denominational divide.
The following shall be eligible for admission in the above diploma programs:
- A holder of a certificate in Continuous Theological Formation (CTF) or any other equivalent training in church leadership at certificate level.
- Applicants MUST be holders of KCSE certificate with a minimum grade of D –
- The applicant shall present a letter of recommendation from his/her parish priest or para-church organization.
Course Duration and Pattern
- The advanced certificates listed above shall take a period of three (3) semesters, i.e. 1 year
- The course is offered during intensive program i.e. April, August and December respectively
Application for Admission
- Formal application for admission shall be made to the register academics Bishop Okullu College on http://bishopokullu.ac.ke/admission/
- The applicant can as well visit the college to do application or call the phone numbers provided on the website for further direction and assistance.
Continuous Theological Formation (CTF)
CTF is a program open to all church personnel with responsibilities to assist priests in performing ecclesiastical duties. CTF equips the already serving ministers and those yet to join the ministry in different positions e.g. lay-readers, Sunday school teachers, teen/youth leaders etc. For the purpose of admission, the academic level is not so much looked at, but the willing-liness, availability and the passion to train and serve. CTF is offered in the local language of the learner when necessary, to help the trainees understand basic theological concepts in familiar language.
Short Courses for people in Management positions
Continuous Refresher Courses (CRC)
- Certificate in Financial Management and Book keeping
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Stewardship
- Certificate in Basic Human Resource Management
- Certificate in Resource Mobilization, Management and Administration
- Certificate in Effective Basic Communication Skills
- Certificate in Basic Christian Ethics
- Certificate in Leadership Training
- Certificate in Team Building Training,
- Certificate in Change Management
- Certificate in Preparation for Retirement Training
- Certificate in Conflict Management & Bridge Building Initiative
- Certificate in Environmental Health
- Certificate in Induction Training for new Leaders
Admission requirements and duration
Any member of the Church in leadership position or aspiring qualifies to join this programme. The programme takes two semesters or terms equivalent to one academic intensive week for those who came to classes during April, August and December holidays. The programme is open to people working in various organizations including church, government and non-governmental institutions. The applicants must have basic English language as a requirement and must exercise some level of literacy.
Short Course in Information Communication Technology (ICT)
The short courses in this section are:
- Computer Packages
- Computer Programming (C and C++)
- AUTOCAD
- Database Management Systems