13 Best Pastoral Degrees To Take In 2024
I grew up serving in church, and found myself in leadership positions consistently. When I decided to pursue training as a pastor, I wanted a deep dive in areas that felt essential but also challenging to tackle without a more structured education. Before I enrolled in a pastoral degree program, I often felt:
- Unprepared to teach and preach with the depth I knew my congregation needed.
- Unsure how to build effective discipleship paths that encouraged spiritual growth.
- Confused about the best approaches to church leadership that balanced vision with day-to-day management.
Looking back, I realized these gaps were there because I hadn’t yet been trained in these areas at a level that truly empowered me to lead.
That’s why I’m sharing this list of degree, masters, and doctorate programs for pastors—so you can get the comprehensive training that builds confidence in preaching, discipleship, and leadership. Here’s a look at each program and how it might support your ministry.
Best Pastoral Degree Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best pastoral degrees I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries (Northwest University)
- Biblical Studies Certificate Online Program (Grand Canyon University)
- MDiv Preaching and Pastoral Ministry (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
- The Pastoral Training Course (London Seminary)
- B.S. in Pastoral Leadership (Liberty University)
- Master of Ministry (Southern Adventist University)
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (St. Bernard's)
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) (Regent University)
- Pastoral Ministries (Nazarene Bible College)
- Pastoral Training (Calvary Chapel University)
- BA in Ministry and Leadership (Oral Roberts University)
- BS Pastoral Ministries (Campbellsville University Online)
- Pastoral Theology (Western Seminary)
Find out each detail of the degrees below.
Overview Of The Best Pastoral Degrees
1. Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries (Northwest University)
This program integrates academic learning, spiritual growth, and practical experience grounded in God's word. Students benefit from personalized guidance provided by seasoned instructors and formal training, and are led by the Holy Spirit as they undertake three semesters of internships to prepare for ministry roles. Graduates are equipped for full-time leadership and service positions.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring church leaders, pastors, business leaders, missionaries, and church planters
- Topics Covered:
- Church and ministry leadership
- General Ministries
- Youth, children, and family ministries
- Biblical studies
- Theological concepts
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Core curriculum requirements (57 credits): bible and theology (12 credits), written and verbal communications (9 credits), humanities (9 credits), social sciences (9 credits), science and mathematics (7 credits), formation and calling (3 credits), professional readiness (2 credits), and core electives (6 credits)
- In humanities (9 credits): 6 credits must be from writing practice courses, including 3 credits in any literature course, 3 credits in any history course, and 3 additional credits from art, bible, drama, english, history, language, music, or theology
- In social sciences (9 credits): 6 credits from writing practice courses, and 3 credits selected from at least two disciplines, including business, communication, economics, education, exercise science, geography, IT, management, marketing, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, or user experience design
- In professional readiness (2 credits): two elective credits must be earned through career readiness courses or introductory internships/job shadowing. This requirement is waived for students transferring 57 or more credits; those with 44-56 transfer credits need to complete one career readiness credit
- Major requirements (51 credits): college of ministry core (9 credits) and pastoral ministries requirements (42 credits)
- BIBL 1563 interpreting the bible is a prerequisite for all bible courses within the college of ministry programs
- General electives (14 credits): any college-level courses
- Take The Course: Northwest University
2. Biblical Studies Certificate Online Program (Grand Canyon University)
The biblical studies certificate provides a detailed understanding of key biblical concepts and their applications. It emphasizes interpreting scripture, identifying Christian values, and grasping the cultural and historical context of biblical texts. Graduates will be equipped to effectively teach and guide others in their spiritual journey.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking foundational biblical knowledge and aspiring Christian leaders
- Topics Covered:
- Old Testament studies
- New Testament studies
- Biblical interpretation
- Analysis of biblical genres
- Gospel and Acts
- Hermeneutics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 7 to 8 weeks per course
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $410 per credit
- Take The Course: Grand Canyon University
3. MDiv Preaching and Pastoral Ministry (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
The curriculum prepares students for religious preachers with a strong focus on expository teaching, partnerships, and theological training. It combines required courses with specialized track courses, equipping students with the skills needed for effective church leadership and ministry training. Students have the flexibility to choose the format that best fits their personal and professional schedules.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring pastors and church leaders
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral ministry and leadership
- Christian leadership
- Administration and education in the local church
- Preaching ministry
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 85 hours
- Hours of Instruction: 85 hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- In the MDiv Core, Preaching and Pastoral Ministry students take PMN 6500 for Pastoral Ministry and Leadership and PMN 6730 for Christian Leadership as part of their track
- Take The Course: Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
4. The Pastoral Training Course (London Seminary)
The pastoral training course is designed to equip individuals with a thorough understanding of scripture and practical ministry skills. The program combines rigorous theological education with practical training and spiritual formation to prepare students for effective pastoral leadership. Students benefit from a rich community environment and flexible study options, including in-person and remote formats.
- Who It’s For: Future pastors
- Topics Covered:
- Hebrew and Greek
- Old and New Testament studies
- Systematic theology
- Practical theology
- Contemporary studies
- Church placements
- Hermeneutics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration:
- 2 years for full-time
- 4 years for part-time
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Full-time students: £8,100 per year (fees are split into three equal payments, each due at the start of the term)
- Part-time students: £4,050 per year (fees are split into three equal payments, each due at the start of the term)
- Modular students: fees for individual modules are available on request
- Take The Course: London Seminary
5. B.S. in Pastoral Leadership (Liberty University)
The program trains students for roles in ministry by emphasizing skills in care, preaching, and church management. It integrates practical experience with academic learning, providing hands-on opportunities through internships. Students can transfer up to 75% of their credits and are prepared for both immediate ministry positions and further graduate studies.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring ministry leaders, evangelists, children’s pastors, young adult ministers, and missions pastor
- Topics Covered:
- Theology survey
- Pastoral epistles
- Church planting
- Hermeneutics
- Staff management
- Foundations to pastoral leadership
- New Testament
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 120 hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- General education/foundational requirements (40-43 hours): communication and information literacy (12 hours), technological solutions and quantitative reasoning (7 hours), critical thinking (3 hours), civic and global engagement (6 hours), social and scientific inquiry (6 hours), and Christianity and contexts (10 hours);
- Major requirements (60 hours): major foundational courses (3 hours) and major core courses (60 hours);
- Choose 10-16 hours of free electives
- Graduation requirements: complete a total of 120 credit hours and
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and
- Accumulate 30 credit hours of 300-400 level courses and
- Achieve at least a 'C' grade in all upper-level major courses and
- Complete 25% of major courses at Liberty University and
- Finish at least 30 credit hours at Liberty University and
- Submit the degree completion application in your final semester and
- Fulfill all Christian service (CSER) requirements before graduation
- Take The Course: Liberty University
6. Master of Ministry (Southern Adventist University)
This training program combines remote coursework with summer campus sessions, offering a comprehensive education in ministry-related fields, centered on Christ and service to the Christian church. It includes one to two weeks of on-campus intensives featuring preliminary reading and a major writing project, along with coursework available during the fall and winter. Eligible students may also receive tuition assistance.
- Who It’s For: Current pastors, church leaders, church workers, and individuals want to improve their coaching and counseling skills
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical Counseling
- Church leadership and management
- Evangelism and ministry
- Resolve conflict
- Build relationships
- Empower change
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 2 to 6 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and
- Complete at least 12 semester hours in religion courses, with potential waivers available for those with significant full-time ministry experience and
- Maintain a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, or if the GPA is between 2.50 and 2.99, applicants may request provisional admission and
- Provide a written list of church roles (such as elder, deaconess, sabbath school leader) and church outreach activities (such as conducting bible studies, participating in revelation seminars, assisting with health-education seminars) and
- Submit the graduate application with a $40 non-refundable fee and
- Send official transcripts from all colleges to [email protected]. If your degree is from Southern, this step is not needed and
- Provide two recommendation forms, including one from your employing conference if with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and
- Submit a denominational service record or the record of service form and
- Upload a "statement of purpose" through the application status page following the school of religion’s guidelines
- For international students, non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted through one of the following agencies: SpanTran (submit directly to Southern), Educational Credential Evaluators, inc. (ECE) www.ece.org, or World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org
- Evaluations must be sent directly to Southern Graduate Studies. Reports are advisory, and Southern makes the final equivalency decisions
- Take The Course: Southern Adventist University
7. Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (St. Bernard's)
This program integrates theological and ministerial training to equip students for various roles within the church, such as faith formation and parish ministries. It also offers tailored options for those preparing for the permanent diaconate, with customizable electives and timelines. Although it provides comprehensive preparation for different ministerial contexts, it does not fulfill the requirements for clinical religious counseling.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring lay ecclesial ministers
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical theology
- Historical theology
- Systematic theology
- Pastoral theology
- Sacramental theology
- Fundamental moral theology
- Christology
- Spiritual formation
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
8. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) (Regent University)
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), focuses on developing leadership skills, strategic decision-making, and practical theological tools to enhance effectiveness. Students benefit from mentorship by distinguished faculty and gain advanced insights into various aspects of their field.
- Who It’s For: Advanced ministry leaders, aspiring ministry leaders, parachurch executives, military chaplains, and ministry consultants
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical renewal and preaching
- Chaplain ministry and leadership
- Christian leadership and renewal
- Advanced cosmogony and anthropology
- The ministry leader
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 36 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or an equivalent theological master’s degree with at least 72 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution or one accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Alternatively, 72 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, including at least 48 credit hours in seminary education
- Master’s degree with a minimum of 36 credit hours in ministerial studies (e.g., M.A. in spiritual formation or M.A. in church leadership) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- An additional essay addressing: your ministry calling and current activities, and
- Your personal devotional life and growth aspirations, and how the D.Min. program will enhance your ministry effectiveness
- High intellectual achievement and scholarship, as shown by transcripts and writing samples, and
- Spiritual maturity, character integrity, and readiness to grow as a leader, and
- Personal goals that align with the mission of Regent University, and understanding and acceptance of the statement of faith
- Submit an application through the Regent University online application
- Providing unofficial transcripts and authorizing Regent University to request official transcripts
- Submitting a resume or curriculum vitae that highlights significant ministry experience
- Providing a government-issued ID for verification purposes
- Price: $670 per credit hour
- Take The Course: Regent University
9. Pastoral Ministries (Nazarene Bible College)
This program is designed to equip students with essential skills for leadership in Christian service. The program emphasizes personal growth, effective communication of faith, and culturally relevant worship practices. Students will also engage in practical field study to apply their learning and develop skills in leadership.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring pastors, evangelists, and missionaries
- Topics Covered:
- Christian Education
- Pastoral care
- Preaching
- Church administration
- Evangelism
- Bible and theology
- Ethics
- Sociology
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 120 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Traditional structure requirements: general education core (45 hours), bible and theology core (30 hours), courses specific to the pastoral ministries major (41 hours), electives or minor courses (4 hours)
- Ordination requirements: completing the pastoral ministries major satisfies the educational requirements for ordination as an elder in the church of the Nazarene and
- Each district in the church of the Nazarene decides which courses meet ordination requirements and
- Students should check with their district ministry board to confirm specific course requirements
- Completion of the course of study and required years of service is needed for ordination consideration and
- The district board of ministry will evaluate the candidate’s fitness for ministry, spiritual and moral qualifications, doctrinal soundness, financial integrity, and mental capacity
- Take The Course: Nazarene Bible College
10. Pastoral Training (Calvary Chapel University)
This course focuses on equipping individuals for ministry through theological study and hands-on experience. The program emphasizes mentorship, teaching students to spread the Christian faith and fulfill the great commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring ministry leaders and pastors
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical education
- Practical training
- Discipleship
- Leadership
- Traits and characteristics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Calvary Chapel University
11. BA in Ministry and Leadership (Oral Roberts University)
The program is structured to fit your schedule with year-round terms, allowing you to start classes promptly and balance coursework with work and family commitments. You'll benefit from a user-friendly platform and receive support from experienced faculty and dedicated success coaches. This approach ensures you receive a high-quality education while managing other responsibilities effectively.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring church leaders, pastors, missionaries, chaplains, teachers, and children’s pastor
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral care
- Preaching
- Church administration
- Pastoral approaches to counseling
- Sermon preparation and preaching
- Team ministry
- Church growth and planting
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 3.5 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 124 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Oral Roberts University
12. BS Pastoral Ministries (Campbellsville University Online)
The program offers a comprehensive education, blending foundational studies with practical experience to prepare students for leadership roles. It integrates general education, core coursework, and a variety of electives, complemented by a hands-on internship for real-world application. This flexible and accessible format supports students in preparing for careers in ministry, religious education, and related fields.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring church leaders, executive pastors, worship directors, volunteer coordinators, and youth ministers
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical studies
- Missiology
- Church history
- Pastoral care
- Spiritual formation
- Philosophy
- World religions
- Contemporary theology
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 8 weeks for each course
- Eligibility Requirements:
- General education requirements (41 credit hours), Christian studies core requirements (18 credit hours), and
- Pastoral ministries requirements (15 credit hours), pastoral ministries electives (12 credit hours), and
- Biblical studies electives (3 credit hours), educational ministries electives (6 credit hours), and
- Theological, historical, and missiological studies electives (3 credit hours), free electives (22 credit hours)
- Submit the online application
- Provide official transcripts from all prior colleges or universities
- If transferring fewer than 24 credit hours, include your official high transcript
- Price: $424 per credit hour
- Take The Course: Campbellsville University
13. Pastoral Theology (Western Seminary)
The curriculum is crafted to enhance key ministry skills and knowledge. One course integrates leadership principles into practical church settings, covering topics like self-management, governance, and conflict resolution. Another course examines the biblical foundation of devotion and the use of music, while a third course focuses on refining skills in scriptural teaching through practical application and peer evaluation.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring pastors, and individuals aiming to excel as pastors in their ministry roles
- Topics Covered:
- Pastoral care and leadership
- Theology and practice of worship
- Advanced expository preaching
- Church history
- Systems and structures
- Specifies the criteria and attributes
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Western Seminary
Looking for practical, hands-on advice today?
Subscribe to The Lead Pastor newsletter to get our latest resources, best practices, and insights on managing churches (all coming from seasoned pastors who understand the unique challenges of life on the front lines of ministry.)
