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What is Ministry?
Ministry is the area of study and practice that is often related to the delivery of Christian beliefs and the spreading of faith.  Individuals who invest time in this field of study will become well acquainted with the bible and gospels, utilizing the words contained therein as the foundation of faith and preaching.
The faith demonstrated by ordained ministers will be a combination of support, education, counsel, and enlightenment of others. Regardless if a minister is part of a large church congregation or a small seed church, the objectives of spreading the word are similar in nature from region to region.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
28,380Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Ministry Training
Harvard University's top ranked Ministry Studies degree provides students meaning to the calling to serve others through traditional ordination, chaplaincy, non-profit leadership, doctoral work, and many other occupations. Preparing students in the arts of ministry in a multireligious, academically rigorous environment that fosters the skills and experience needed to enter a life of ministry. Students reflect an extraordinary diversity of backgrounds and ambitions. Recognizing that the world is a religiously pluralistic place. Offering authentic training for the ministry must include practical experience and reflection on that experience.
Acceptance Rate
4.64
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Yale University's degree in Religious Ministries is committed to completing the University in its task of educating students and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge. Dedicated to fostering respect and mutual understanding among people of different faiths and cultures as well as actively promoting dialogue within the University. Seeking to connect classroom and co-curricular discussions. The program convened and supported by the Chaplain's Office is a University council of professional clergy and laypersons representing the more than 30 religious and spiritual traditions that constitute an important part of Yale's diversity.
Acceptance Rate
6.08
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
The University of Chicago's Divinity School is a space and a community dedicated to some of the most important, most exhilarating, and most humbling questions of humanity. Offering a study that has moved and continues to move off the thoughts and aspirations of humanity. The institution has founded and cultivated a distinctive approach, simultaneously critical and constructive. Enriching both by imparting upon each a humility, an awareness of the need to explain itself and its claims.
Acceptance Rate
6.17
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Duke University's School of Divinity has a unique approach to theological education combining excellence in scholarship with a strong commitment to the church. Preparing students for transformational and innovative leadership in ministry to serve God, the church, and the world. Graduates serve in more than three dozen countries and all 50 states. They serve in parish-based ministry as pastors, music ministers, Christian educators, mission coordinators, youth ministers, and church planters.
Acceptance Rate
7.6
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
The University of Notre Dame's Campus Ministry is committed to cultivating the faith of all Notre Dame students. Fostering personal growth, encouraging participation in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. Supporting other forms of worship and personal prayer, provide opportunities for pilgrimages, retreats, and service, and seek to enhance and develop lifelong faith formation. The University of Notre Dame offers qualified students access to undergraduate, graduate, liturgical, and music ministries.
Acceptance Rate
15.83
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Vanderbilt University's Chaplain & Religious Life nurtures an inclusive community of communities. Building a community of diverse religious and spiritual perspectives, wisdom traditions, and worldviews. Offering a vibrant campus community that encompasses, cultivates, and teaches about diverse religious, spiritual, and secular perspectives, wisdom traditions, and worldviews. Emotional and spiritual support is offered through pastoral care and community gathering.
Acceptance Rate
9.12
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Emory University's Doctor of Ministry is designed for experienced ministers who want to strengthen the connection between theology and ministry practice. Providing ministry professionals with advanced training and the skills necessary to analyze ministry practices. The curriculum is designed for experienced ministers. Students are engaged in the design and development of a summative final project.
Acceptance Rate
15.6
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Boston College's Campus Ministry is shaped by the University's Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Inviting participants to recognize and respond to the call of God in their lives. They support individuals in their ongoing spiritual and religious growth. Challenging individuals to commit to a life of prayer and service to others. The highly regarded degree in ministry was curated by the faculty at Boston College to provide the breadth and depth of academic instruction necessary to thrive in this vocation. Learn more about the BC ministry degree program today by obtaining admissions information.
Acceptance Rate
27.22
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Boston University's Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) is a professional doctoral degree meant to enrich religion in traditional and non-traditional settings. Their main focus is transformational leadership, anyone can become a transformational leader. It is a three-year, low-residency program that combines online learning with intensive on-campus, and allows them to craft the program that they will need for their ministerial practice. Helping them to understand their community and know its strengths and needs, and a willingness to see possibilities for transformative change.
Acceptance Rate
18.94
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Wake Forest University's Office of the Chaplain is committed to contributing to a more open and affirming campus community. They plan to do this by challenging the students through the discomfort of navigating their privileges and their roles in the oppression of others. Incorporate an accessibility checklist when planning events, and accessibility information in marketing materials. They are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for the benefit of every student in the institution. Learn more about the WFU ministry degree today by requesting admissions information from the school.
Acceptance Rate
29.6
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Heritage Christian University's Master of Ministry degree is a 36-credit hour program. Seeking to enhance the service and leadership of persons who are engaged in ministry. Students may specialize in Biblical Studies, History of Biblical Interpretation and Theology, Homiletics and Ministerial Care, or Ministerial Counseling. The program is composed of six major divisions.
Acceptance Rate
23.53
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Pepperdine University's Campus Ministry is a group of passionate students embarking on a journey of faith. In this program, they will find purpose and meaning. Students find struggles, mistakes, and regrets are transformed into triumphs, hopes, and opportunities. Seeking to develop an intimate and personal relationship with God. Collect valuable admissions information on the ministry program at Pepperdine today to understand the value proposition of this program.
Acceptance Rate
31.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Baptist College and Seminary's International Baptist College and Seminary help students develop graduates and Christian leaders who glorify God and demonstrate their love for God and others. They are taught to living a biblical lifestyle, by obeying the Great Commission, and by championing the fundamentals of the historic Christian Faith. Committed to mentoring God-fearing leaders. Graduates dedicate their life serving God in their families, their local churches, the West, and the world.
Acceptance Rate
40.58
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Fordham University's Campus Ministry is a place where students explore their faith, learn about justice, and deepen their relationship with God. They accompany students of all spiritual backgrounds in their personal growth. Their initiatives will engage their heart and minds as they explore what they believe and discover how that informs who they hope to become. They offer events throughout the year and explore one of the many clubs and organizations that call Campus Ministry home.
Acceptance Rate
45.88
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Santa Clara University's Campus Ministry fosters the spiritual lives of students, acknowledging that engagement with faith is integral to developing whole persons inspired to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world. The program serves an ever-broadening group of students to cultivate spiritual transformation. They are known as a primary source of pastoral care which is grounded in the Christian faith. Their values espouses at Santa Clara University are to gather, discern, and transform individuals.
Acceptance Rate
48.82
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Southern Methodist University's Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life enhances the university's educational mission through programming and services that promote moral and ethical leadership development. Providing pastoral care, welcome, and hospitality for SMU's religiously diverse community. The program contributes to a transformative university experience by encouraging the pursuit of goodness with all students, faculty, staff, and administration. Their vision is to inspire the expression of religious faith and discourse in the university.
Acceptance Rate
47.29
Student to Faculty Ratio
N.A
Baylor University's Ministry Guidance degree program is designed to help students who are exploring careers in ministry to clarify and affirm their call to ministry and to introduce them to ministry as a vocation. Coordinated through the Ministry Guidance office in the Department of Religion. The program seeks to assist students who feel called to vocational ministry. The primary focus of the program is academic studies that are related to the practice of ministry.
Acceptance Rate
45.33
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Howard University's Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is designed who wish to engage in an advanced level of preparation for ministerial practice. Its primary goal is the integration of theological and anthropological, missional, and contextual understandings in the context of responsible engagement in ministry. All candidates are expected to be engaged in and to have some experience in some acceptable forms of ministerial practice. Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of credit with a B grade level higher and approved by the Doctoral Committee.
Acceptance Rate
36.08
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
North Park University's Theological Seminary helps students grow in knowledge and identity to answer God's call on their lives. Preparing women and men for ministerial service for more than 100 years. They firmly believe theological education is more than coursework. Giving students the tools and understanding needed to be competent across cultural, economic, geographic, and gender boundaries.
Acceptance Rate
47.64
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Sewanee-The University of the South Ministry's Doctor of Ministry degree provides persons actively engaged in professional ministry the opportunity to develop further the attitudes, skills, and knowledge essential to their ministry. The program is a summer residency degree designed for clergy who have been in ordained ministry for at least three years. Offering a master of sacred theology for those interested in an advanced degree with a more academic focus. The institution values what each and every student brings to enrich the community of scholars.
Acceptance Rate
66.71
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Harding University's College of Bible and Ministry equips students to know, live, and share God's Word. Teaching the Bible and Bible-related courses to a full-time Harding student every semester of their university attendance. Providing specialized instruction for individuals who choose to major in one of our several areas of study. Their faculty bring understanding academic training and successful ministry experience to their encounters with students both in the classroom and in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Acceptance Rate
61.34
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Judson University's Christian Ministry focuses on foundational areas of ministry leadership. Allowing students the flexibility to pursue other areas of educational development related to their unique ministry passions. The program is built around a common set of courses focused on ministry leadership areas. Students are allowed to pursue their specific passion related to the ministry.
Acceptance Rate
38.53
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Loyola University Chicago's Campus Ministry provides programs and activities that aid students in coming to a deeper awareness of their God-given gifts and invites them to consider how they might live those gifts in the service of others. Encouraging women and men to look within their hearts and to pay attention to their deepest desires and longings. The Jesuit education tradition invites students of all faiths to make time for quiet prayer. Students reflect on their experience of God's movement in their lives, to join others in communal prayer, and to serve others with love and compassion.
Acceptance Rate
67.22
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Johnson University's Strategic Ministry degree involves a partnership between the academy and the church that equips students. Students complete a Leadership Core and can choose a concentration in a specialty area. Residents are mentored by the institution's instructors. The program includes a 9-month ministry residency at churches in different areas.
Acceptance Rate
53.27
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Olivet Nazarene University's School of Theology & Christian Ministry prepares students to serve God and people in the setting of today's Church is foundational. Students enter with a desire to serve and graduate prepared to serve. The program is a comprehensive training, providing entry-level knowledge and skills in the areas of biblical studies, theology, philosophy, and the history of Christianity. The diversity of experience and preparation of their faculty makes for a rich and challenging learning environment.
Acceptance Rate
57.76
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Top Ministry Degrees
For students considering a degree in ministry, it is important to understand the span of programs available to choose from within ministry. Accredited colleges and universities offering ministry programs can include:
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Graduate Degrees
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificates
In addition to the degree types, schools around the country offer online degrees in ministry, traditional classroom-based degrees, and hybrid programs that blend the two modalities. Below you will find an overview of each type of degree program along with a tool to quickly connect with accredited colleges and universities.
Ministry Certificate Programs
A certificate program in ministry can come in two basic forms: undergraduate and graduate. The undergraduate certificate is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and basic skills in ministry.
Undergraduate certificates can be used to obtain entry-level positions or a segue to a degree-granting program. On the other hand, a graduate certificate is a tool used by qualified students and working professionals to add additional skills, remain competitive, or prepare for a career transition.
Certificate programs can be offered in a number of different domains of ministry. Examples can include Christian ministries, biblical studies, Christian leadership, communication studies, organizational communications, human services, global studies, pastoral counseling, public policy, school leadership, theological studies, and worship studies.
Ministry Bachelor Degree
Online bachelor degrees in ministry or their campus-based equivalent, can be conferred as a BS or BA degree. A BA is a Bachelor of Arts while the BS degree is a Bachelor of Science. Both BA and BS programs are 4-year programs for full-time students and longer for part-time students. Classes will blend liberal arts education such as communication, philosophy, psychology, math, and history with core curricula.
The core classes will depend on the program and schools design as programs vary from school to school. Areas of concentration can include: biblical studies, worship, music studies, cinematic arts, business, pastoral leadership, theatre ministries, womens leadership, youth ministry, and worship technology. The area of concentration in ministry will dictate classes taken and each students subsequent career options.
Ministry Master Degree
The masters degree track in ministry is a 12 month to two year program of full-time matriculation for most students. Master degrees in ministry can be conferred in one of three ways: 1) Master of Arts (MA), 2) Master in Divinity (MDiv), or 3) Master of Science (MS). In most cases, graduate students will be required pursue an area of specialization offered by the college.
The most common areas of concentration for master degree students include: biblical studies, worship, theology, Christian apologetics, pastoral ministries, church history, chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, community chaplaincy, church ministry, evangelism, church planting, military chaplaincy, counseling, homiletics, leadership, and healthcare chaplaincy. Your area of study will correlate to coursework in the degree program and subsequent career opportunities.
Ministry Doctorate Degree
Doctoral degrees in ministry can be conferred as a PhD, DWS, DMin, EdD, or DBA. With the various degree options to choose from, it is vital to your success to understand which makes the most sense for you.
A PhD in counseling and supervision could be ideal for one student while another may be inclined to pursue a DMin in expository preaching. Begin your discovery process by selecting information from top schools found on this portal. Decisions become easier with quality information from the best schools in ministry.
Bible College Degree Requirements
Education in the area of ministry can result in a variety of degrees ranging from the bachelors to doctorate from bible colleges and seminary schools in the United States. Individuals will study the Bible extensively, including in depth examination of relevant portions.
Students will also learn to become public speakers as well as to apply logical argument in order to defend scripture in the face of adversity. Lessons in history, particularly in the ancient Biblical world allows for a proper context of understanding for the explored material. A curriculum in Christian ministries may include:
- History
- Logic and Reasoning
- Social Interaction
- Bible Studies
- Christian Counseling
- Global Studies
- Biblical Languages
- Theology & Apologetics
- Worship
- Evangelism
- Christian Ministries
- Technical Studies
Ministry programs are generally found through seminaries or christian colleges. Individuals searching for the right school will typically choose one that is operated by their personal denomination.
Some schools offer non-denominational or open enrollment for such programs, allowing student of varying faiths to receive their desired education. As a result student less inclined toward local or denominational offerings may wish to explore better known or more widely acclaimed schools that allow for cross-denominational enrollment.
Employment Opportunities in Ministry
Individuals will typically pursue employment within their denomination, often as a pastor or minister within a an established or newly founded church. Salary is generally based on cost of living, and such individuals are expected to become an active participant in the community.
Job growth is expected to grow over the next decade, particularly due to expanding roles of churches as part of community and the expansion of various denominations into new areas. Scholarly review of ministry and employment in seminaries or colleges as an instructor is also possible. Additional resources are available through the NACM and the NALM as national associations in the ministerial sector of employment.
Bible Colleges Near Me
To quickly locate seminary schools and bible colleges near you, search accredited colleges with our online search tools, state-based bible colleges, or an alphabetical list of accredited schools listed below. To quickly help you find a clustering of ministry programs, we have grouped seminary schools in an easy-to-read fashion for visual learners.