Ministry

Overview

Ministry programs prepare people to work as ministers or priests.

Ministry programs include topics such as:

Theology
Church law
Liturgy and ritual
Evangelism
Church/parish organization
Christian ethics
Counseling strategies

Schools

Several community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in ministry. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in ministry. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in ministry. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Clergy

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

School Counselors

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

A letter of recommendation from your clergyperson can be very helpful. A record of community service through religious and social-action groups is also a plus.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Community Service
English Composition
Public Speaking
Second Language
World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to seminary is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your undergraduate degree should reflect a broad liberal arts curriculum.

If your goal is the Roman Catholic priesthood, you may want to pursue a certificate in pre-theology. Some seminaries offer this as a one- or two-year program. This helps advance your knowledge of religion and philosophy toward readiness for seminary. It also helps you dedicate yourself to the priestly lifestyle.

Admissions committees rightly believe that being in the clergy is a lifestyle, not just a career. It is not for everyone. You need to have a track record of religious and social service. People who know you need to provide letters that attest to your good moral character.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Interview
Essay

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

A bachelor's or master's program in the ministry typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Christian Education
Church History and Doctrine
Church Internship
Church Leadership
Church Management
English Composition
Ethics
History of Western Christianity
Homiletics
Letters of the New Testament
Ministry of Evangelism and Discipleship
New Testament Greek
Old Testament Law and Prophets
Old Testament Wisdom and Poetic Literature
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Philosophy of Religion
Professional Issues
Psychology of Personality
Religion in American Culture
Ritual
Speech Communication
Systematic Theology
World Religions
Writings of the New Testament Evangelists

Graduate Program Courses

A pre-theology certificate program (primarily for college graduates entering a Roman Catholic seminary) typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Ecclesiastical Latin
Epistemology
Essentials of Catholic Doctrine
Ethics
Introduction to New Testament Greek
Jesus and the Gospels
Logic
Metaphysics
Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Philosophical Foundations of Catholic Theology
Revelation and the Bible

Preparation for the ministry often includes supervised work in settings such as these:

Student pulpit at a small congregation
Hospital chaplaincy
Religious education at a congregation's Sunday school
Communal service through a local social service agency or missionary organization
Crisis center counseling
Youth group advising
Summer camp work