25 Top Colleges with Ministry Degree Programs New for 2021

What Is a Ministry Degree?

This type of degree program often allows students to learn about the Bible and Jesus Christ. Students may learn leadership to work in church or non church settings. They may also learn how to work in areas of counseling and theology. 

Types of Ministry Degree Programs 

Aside from the various degree levels available, there are also different focus areas you may be interested in. Some schools may offer a general ministry degree program, while others may offer:

• Children’s ministry degree program
• Women’s ministry degree program
• Youth ministry degree program
• Degree in pastoral ministry

Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry 

Students out of high school often start here. This coursework tends to take about four years to complete. Depending on the college you choose, you may find both online bachelor’s degrees in ministry as well as traditional on campus programs.

Christian colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in this area may focus initial studies on general education. An online Bachelor of Arts degree in this field may also include some leadership skill building. Ministry degree electives could also available for students to choose. 

Students often spend time learning Biblical and theological knowledge. They may engage in communicating the gospel through various strategies. That may include preaching and teaching methods.  

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BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
In Biblical Interpretation the students often learn to develop skills for studying the Bible. The course may look at how to communicate the messages of Scripture. Students may learn how to interpret the scriptures as well in this program. 

EFFECTIVE PREACHING
This class aims to teach students how to prepare and present sermons. The styles of communications necessary to deliver the sermon effectively may be covered. The class may also teach how to apply the Gospel to the current situations of today. 

MINISTRY AND LIFE CALLING
This course could cover the calling to ministry. Students may look at the lifestyle and skills necessary to be effective. Research, study and professional experience could all play a role in this course. 

PENTATEUCH
This course may look at the beliefs and teaching of the Bible. Often pays particular attention to baptism and other spiritual practices. 

Master’s Degree in Ministry  

A masters degree typically takes two years to complete. It may allow for focused education in areas of interest. Students may concentrate at this level. They may also study things like preaching, foundations of leadership, and how to create a sermon.  

Electives may allow students to choose things that interest them. Electives could include church history. Some may engage in a capstone in ministry leadership or outreach programs. Some may begin work in areas of nonprofit organizations that are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Graduate school offerings typically range widely. 

SYSTEMIC THEOLOGY
This course often looks at all levels of theology starting from creation of humanity to the current state of the Church. The course may also discuss the tasks and methods of theology over time and in the current arena. 

INTERPRETING THE OLD TESTAMENT
This course aims to allow students to have an understanding of interpreting Scripture. The course often uses both print and computer based tools to provide education. The course may also introduce Hebrew and Greek interpretations. 

CHRISTIANITY THROUGH THE AGES
This class may look at the history of Christianity. The course often looks at Christian philosophy and how it has been applied from the initial stages through current day. May cover concerns regarding preaching and evangelism. 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY 
This course typically covers the development of Christian character and leadership. The course may also cover the various leadership styles. The course also aims to help students to create better self awareness. 

PhD in Ministry 

Typically, the highest level of education is a PhD. It often allows students to choose their own focus. An online PhD or Doctor of Ministry program may allow students to dive into areas that are important to them. These may be a problem solving style of learning. Some may focus on increasing understanding or developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Some students may focus on pastoral leadership, while may already work as youth pastors and take leadership roles to the next level.  

CULTURAL, ARTISTIC AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
This course often looks at the different cultures and artistic expressions and how they are formed. Developing of creative skills and engaging within the culture and environment. 

HISTORICAL AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES OF LEADERSHIP AND FORMATION
Students may receive exposure to historical leaders of the spiritual movement. Students may also look at spiritual writings of different leaders in the faith movement. 

LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION
This course often allows the student to perform an inner evaluation of self. The course may then allows students to self-assess and to create a path of where and what they teach. 

MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP ETHICS
This course typically looks at the ethics and behavior and how to apply them to ministry. The primary focus is often on theological behavior and how culture effect ethics. Students use case studies to aid in studies and comprehension. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Ministry Degree? 

Completing higher education ranges based on full time or part time enrollment. Students may reduce their time through transfer credits or completing some of their bachelor of science degree in high school, when that is an option.

Typically, a bachelors degree will require 120 credits and take about 4 years to complete. A masters level program may range from 48 to 60 credits and may take 2 to 3 years to finish. The length of a PhD may vary. Some may take as little as two years to complete, others may take longer. Look closely at the dissertation requirements for any program you are interested in.

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How much does a Ministry Degree cost?

You may find degrees in theology at private nonprofit schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of attending one of these schools was $51,900 for the 2018/19 academic year. If your degree is available at a public college, the cost of tuition, required fees, books and supplies and living on campus tends to be lower ($24,900). See our list of top 25 colleges for more specific costs.

Our Top 25 Colleges with Ministry Degree Programs

Using NCES data, we compiled a list of the schools that awarded the most Ministry degrees in 2018.

Accreditation

One of the things accreditation often does is check that a school or program meets industry norms. This may make them well respected among churches, ministries and nonprofits.

Agencies in charge of this process may have the approval of the Department of Education. And or of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). When so, these schools may take part in federal financial aid. Some also have robust transfer credit policies. 

As far as faith related agencies, there are a few that the CHEA accredits.  

• Commission of Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. ATS accredits seminaries. At larger schools, they also accredit theology graduate programs. 
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. TRACS accredits Christian colleges including ones with online programs. 
• Association for Biblical Higher Education. ABHE accredits Bible colleges and schools that prepare for the Christian ministry. 

Is an Online Degree in Ministry Worth it?

A degree in ministry may yield versatile skills that may open doors and help you to possibly earn a 5 figure salary.

Lets compare this to a similar degree in Theology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 376,930 workers with a degree in theology. They project a 4% rise in demand through 2029. Salaries for careers linked to this degree vary. But the median annual wage is $40,000 as compared to $59,000 for all other fields. 

For those who already work or volunteer in the religious sector, going for an online degree may be useful. Many programs engage students in live streaming classes that engage you in discussion. Others may stick to a self paced format or mix elements of both.

More food for thought. Per the BLS, 59% hold jobs that require a bachelor’s degree and another 44% need a graduate degree.

How Much Could You Earn?

A degree in Ministry may prepare you for various secular and ministry focused roles. Many of these jobs entail at least a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to 2019 ONET data:

How Much Do Members of the Clergy Make?

As provided by BLS, the 2019 median salary by state is:

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