Ministry Training

The ministry degree program at North Park University offers students preparation to become ordained ministers or priests in various Christian religious sects and traditions, to preach at churches or religious schools/organizations. Students seeking a divinity degree will have gained knowledge in the theology and polity of a particular church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church/parish organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer ministry training.

The Ministry program at North Park University is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools for more than 62 years.

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North Park University (NCC)

30 N Brainard St, Naperville, IL

North Park University, located in Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church. The founding was a result of Swedish immigrants to the northern mid United States feeling the need to have an institution that reflected their traditions and values. Initially the school was a two year institution, but in 1958 the school expanded to offer four year degrees. The school offers a liberal arts education grounded in faith. Though the school maintains connections to its Swedish and Evangelical roots, it has become a multicultural institution admits individuals of all faiths while maintaining its Christian persona. The school has approximately 3,o00 students enrolled annually.

Academics

North Park University offers a number of majors resulting in bachelor degrees. These programs are based in a liberal arts system that allows students to experience a variety of topics while pursuing their major. The school also maintains the North Park Theological Seminary which allows students to pursue graduate studies in ministry. Adult and weekend programs are also available to members of the surrounding community seeking to enhance their education and opportunities.

Programs offered include:

• Biblical and Theological Studies
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Business
• Environmental Science

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at North Park University must submit a completed application, along with all pertinent transcripts and test scores, an academic and personal reference. Once completed students will be asked to interview with an admissions officer. Students should have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 with an ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 1360 to be considered. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study. Students in need of aid should complete and submit the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the school or visiting the financial aid portion of the school's website.

Athletics

The North Park University Vikings participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as members of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Students participating in sports programs will find they may develop additional skills that can prove useful in academic and professional environments. These skills include teamwork, discipline, mental and physical health, and social development.

Athletic programs offered:

• Football (Men Only)
• Baseball (Men Only)
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Track and Field
• Golf
• Cross Country
• Volleyball (Women Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Rowing (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Ministry Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. North Park University offers a master's degree program in ministry.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Clergy

Description

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, clergy employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.66
  • Average Annual Salary: $45050
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 140
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.29
  • Average Annual Salary: $33890
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 80
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $43660

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).