The Essential Guide to Getting a Theology Degree

When Paul traveled the then-known world to preach the Good News of the Gospel, he would often stay for a short while, preach and teach, plant a church and leave it to elders/overseers. Soon after, other communicators would come by, discredit his teachings and popularize false instructions.

There is one notable exception to this pattern, the Berean Jews. They “… received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day (emphasis mine) to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11 NIV). They searched daily the Scriptures for the truthfulness of the Message.

As you embark on a journey of discovering which theology degree you should get, follow the Bereans’ example: search the Scriptures, seek counsel, and read this article! You have a love for the Word of God since you want to add some studies to your toolbox.

Now, where do you begin? Where’s the starting line? Which college? Which degree? The list of questions can go on and on. It can be a little overwhelming, for sure. Bringing clarity to your decision-making is vital to this manner.

As you answer these questions with an honest intention, open-minded curiosity, and authentic desire to walk on the best path for you, you will be able to make the best choices and follow the most fitting ways.

Get your grey matter active, be ready, go read and ask the Holy Spirit to “…teach you lessons for living so you can stay the course. Give you insight so you can do what You tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response.” (Psalm 119:33 MSG)

1. Before You Actually Decide Your Field of Study…

Quick decisions, without thinking, are not always the wisest ones! Ask yourself this critical question: Why do I want to get a theological degree? The importance of your answer will be pivotal to which degree you should get…or forget!

Here are a few motivations people have when answering that exact question.

They Want a Bigger Toolbox

Many aspiring and experienced pastors choose to go back to school, which is admirable. Growing and investing in yourself as a tool in the hands of God is always an honorable way of life. The bigger the ministry toolbox you get, the more diverse ministry you can probably accomplish.

They Want to Gain Knowledge

Some ministers want to gain more knowledge to heighten the quality of their teaching or preaching. Feeding the sheep on a weekly basis necessitates some hard work upstream to present a worthwhile message to the congregants. After all, Paul does state to “Preach the Good News. Be ready at all times and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with great patience and careful teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NCV). Being able to communicate, correct, and encourage will require some practice and studies.

They Want to Discover their Calling

Many younger men and women who passionately love God, serve their church graciously, and love people willingly, wonder if they should pursue studies in the theological field. What they are really asking themselves is if they are or could be called to full-time vocational ministry. Though the question is certainly worth pondering, for many, studying in a certain field will not bring an answer. You would know yourself better than anybody else. Has studying something ever confirmed or invalidated your desire for that thing? If not, going for a theology degree could be a costly venture!

They Want to Follow Others Who Have Studied Theology

Getting a degree, as mentioned, is always a good thing. Some desire to acquire a theological degree because, well, everyone has one! Perhaps that is very close to reality. Yet in recent church history, A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan and Martyn Lloyd-Jones are living proof that even without formal theological training, it is possible to have a fruitful and lasting ministry.

Do not get me wrong; I agree with a good theological education. Many people are looking for a Gospel “to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3) thus, being able to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) is supremely important. Paul’s regard is on being diligent and approved, not on the studies his mentee has undergone.

They Want to Learn about the Centrality of The Scriptures

Pastors and leaders study theology so they will be able to bring the Scriptures and its teachings back to what they believe is the Bible’s place: the center of the very core of life. A good degree and some serious studying will help you to do just that.

They Want to Influence the Outcome of Their Ministry

You can agree with the statement of Jesus when he boldly declares “Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives?” (Mark 6:36 CEB). Our Savior declares the importance of a human’s life. People’s lives and eternal destiny are still the purpose of one’s calling in ministry. Because the outcome is a matter of eternal life and death, many pastors want to study.

As you can see, the reasons are diverse in motive and output. So, YOU, and no one else, can know your deep, personal motivations to get a theology degree.

If you come to a conclusion that you don’t need a degree, don’t worry. Go, the Holy Spirit can and will still use you in the Body Of Christ. On the other hand, if you are now more convinced than ever you need to jump in the deep end of your studies, keep on reading!

2. Determine the Prerequisites Needed

There is a simple answer to this one. Most colleges’ and universities’ first and foremost prerequisite is having a GCSE, your General Certificate of Secondary Education. Your high school diploma, basically. It doesn’t matter if you obtained it in a public or private school nor if you were homeschooled, or even if you studied abroad. All you need to show is your grading ranging between “A and C.”

What If You Don’t Have the Needed School Prerequisites?

Though not impossible to get an undergraduate, it does mean you will have to prove otherwise your qualifications. Here are a few ways to bypass this.

Do some volunteer work in your academic area. For example, you want to study practical theology in student ministries. Volunteer in a youth group or lead volunteer teen overseas missions. This proves your diligence, desire and motivation.
Perhaps you can consider, prior to submitting an application, to work as an intern in your desired study branch.
Get a “motivation package” ready that will include your resume of experiences, letters of recommendations from highly regarded people such as a pastor, boss, teacher or school leader. Add a perfectly written letter of motivation and your chances of acceptance will grow.
You could also consider studying for a certificate with t-shirt term classes first before applying for a bachelor’s. By doing so, you are showing motivation, dedication and you’re putting your best foot forward.
Go get your equivalences in a community college nearby. You can find one here: HTTPS://WWW.AACC.NCHE.EDU

What Other Prerequisites Should You Have?

It is recommended, though not necessary, to be able to show empathy and some level of emotional intelligence as you will interact with many people. Strong written communication is always a plus, knowing you will have written essays of different lengths to produce. With that, the ability to do some research and quote correctly books that need focused reading and interpretation of difficult texts is a must. Getting a degree forces you to build an engaging argument and the capacity to maintain it!

Your competency and awareness of some of the heated debates in your field of study alongside your knowledge of contemporary issues are paramount to your success. Since you’re adding activities to your plate like studying, more reading and research, good practice requires a well-balanced time management skill.

3. Start Your Search for the Right School

Though there are innumerable degrees you can get in a Christian college, university or seminary which pertain to ministry in a church or para-church environment. You can obtain leadership or business degrees. An MBA (master’s in business administration) might be very useful for an executive pastor of business or a MAML (Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership) for a pastor of ministries and a BAIS (Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies) will serve well a missionary. These, though absolutely appropriate for ministry, are not specifically addressed to theology.

There are 4 types of theological branches of study.

Biblical theology studies on the Bible as a theology resource, revelation of God through history and an emphasis of the unity of the Bible
Historical theology focuses on Christian doctrine and beliefs throughout history, understanding the different influences that morphed some dogmas
Systematic (or dogmatic) theology spotlights the organization and order of the Christian faith regarding subjects like salvation, God, Christology, Ecclesiology and so on
Practical theology targets practical applications of theology, beliefs and the Christian Life

Knowing this, there are 4 types of diplomas you can obtain.

Certificate
Undergraduate Bachelor’s
Graduate Master’s
Post-graduate Doctorate

4. Determine the Type of Diploma to Pursue

In this section, you will discover the most common degrees out there, though undoubtedly not all of them. Most colleges will offer all of these diplomas or at least many of them. In another very useful article on the “Ultimate Online Seminary Guide,” you can find myriads of Christian colleges, universities and seminaries that will offer certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate degrees. You can find some of these institutions here.

For each of these following degrees, you will find one example of an institution offering that diploma.

Certificate Programs

Most certificates will be comprised of 6 to 10 courses (18-30 credit hours) and can be completed in one full-time year. Here are some examples of certificates that are available.

Certificate in Biblical studies from BETHEL UNIVERSITY

Who it is for: Pastor, lay leader, elder or deacon

Courses: Hermeneutics, Bible surveys (OT and NT), Systematic Theology 101, Christian Ethics

Certificate in Christian Ministry from MOODY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Who it is for: Pastor, lay leader, ministry leader

Courses: Bible introduction, Bible surveys (OT and NT), Systematic Theology 101, Practical ministry philosophy

Certificate in Christian Education from ASBURY SEMINARY

Who it is for: Pastor, ministry leader or pastor in Next Gen ministries

Courses: Bible introduction, Christian Education 101, Systematic Theology 101, Family ministry, Bible Communication (Homiletics) 101

Certificate in Ministry leadership from THE FATHER’S HOUSE

Who it is for: Ministry leaders, aspiring leaders and pastors

Courses: Bible Introduction, Philosophy of Ministry and Leadership Classes

Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degrees

The undergraduate degree is called a bachelor’s and is usually a 4 to 5 year full-time venture. It is a 120 to 150 credit-hour diploma. This requires a more intensive and formal decision to study. Almost every seminary will offer these graduate degrees or some form of it.

Bachelor in Theology from HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

This diploma is intended to survey and start digging deeper into theology and Bible classes, as well as an overview of Christian leadership and thought. It is a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B.Th. or BA.Th.)

Who it is for: Senior or lead pastor, ministry pastor, associate pastor, Bible teacher in local church context

Courses: Bible classes, Systematic Theology survey a=of all disciplines (Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Theism, etc.), Ministry classes, Communication (Homiletics), Biblical History, Church leadership, and Management

Bachelor in Religious Studies from GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

This Religious Studies diploma is designed for the future ministry leader who wants to ready himself for vocational ministry. An experienced leader with a desire to learn more would fit right in. It is a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (BA)

Who it is for: Senior or lead pastor, ministry pastor, associate pastor, missionary

Courses: Bible classes with studies specifically on each biblical section, Systematic Theology survey of all disciplines (Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Theism, etc.), Ministry classes, Communication (Homiletics), Homiletics, Faith and culture, Religious movements

Bachelor in Ministerial Leadership from ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

This diploma will fit you if you’re into ministry leadership in the context of local church, parachurch, and faith-based organizations. It is a bachelor’s in science (BSML)

Who it is for: Ministry pastor, associate pastor, missionary, outreach and evangelism coordinator, parachurch ministry director

Courses: Bible classes, Ministry classes, discipleship, Faith in the modern world, Ministry leadership, Non-Profit management, team building

Bachelor in Family Ministry from BOYCE COLLEGE

This diploma is for those that serve families specifically. It is more than a children’s or youth ministry diploma as it covers the life span of family life. It is a bachelor’s in science (BSFM)

Who it is for: Children or youth pastor, next-gen or family pastor, inner-city youth leader, camp director, counselor

Courses: Bible classes, Practical and Philosophical Family Ministry classes, Pastoral Care, Practicum classes, Ministry internship, Church and business management, Spiritual Formation

Bachelor’s in Worship Ministry from SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

This diploma is for those that breathe worship through the arts, whether it is musical or visual. Creatives will feel at ease studying the whole process of worship. It is a Bachelor of Arts (BSFM)

Who it is for: Worship pastor, music director, music teacher, associate pastor

Courses: Bible classes, Practical and Philosophical Worship Ministry classes, Songwriting and Hymnology, Music Proficiency, Musical Theory

Graduate Master’s degrees

The graduate degree is called a master’s and is usually a 2 to 3 year full-time studies. It is a 36 to 72 credit-hour diploma. You will need to have earned an undergraduate degree before commencing. This line of study is for the serious student who wants or needs specialized knowledge in a specific subject.

Master’s in Divinity (M.Div.) from GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

With this classic diploma, you will be equipped and ready for full-time vocational Ministry. You could be granted ordination by your fellowship and your denomination.

Who it is for: Pastor, professor, chaplain, missionary, pastoral counselor

Courses: In-depth Bible courses, Systematic Theology 2, Church history, Christianity and World Religions, and Hymnology, Homiletics 2, Christian Ethics, Pastoral Counseling

Master of Arts in Biblical or Theological Studies (MABS or MATS) from BIOLA UNIVERSITY, TALBOT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Though these are slightly different degrees, they are still similar and will focus on the Bible as well and on theology. Your studies will allow you to preach and teach the Scriptures and make them relevant.

Who it is for: Pastor, professor, chaplain, bible professor, religion writer

Courses: Systematic Theology 2, Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics, Original Biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek), Historical background of OT and NT

Master’s in Leadership (MAML, MACL or MACM) from WESTERN SEMINARY

These Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership, Christian Leadership or Christian Ministry cover a wide array of courses to help you better organize and lead the church. You’ll learn strategies to grow the Kingdom of God.

Who it is for: Pastor, campus leadership, chaplain, missionary, market-place ministry, church planter

Courses: Strategic missional leadership, Bible exposition, Effective Discipleship, Christianity and Culture, Spiritual Formation, Bible classes.

Master’s in Family Ministry from SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

This diploma’s name is pretty self-explanatory. You want to serve children, youth and their families in the best of your capacities, these studies will make you an effective pastor.

Who it is for: Children or youth pastor, next gen or family pastor, family ministries director/pastor

Courses: Bible classes, Ethics and Contemporary dilemmas, Family Dynamics, Family intervention, Conflict Management

Master’s in Counseling (MACC) from REGENT UNIVERSITY

This diploma exists in many iterations: Christian, pastoral or biblical counseling and they all have in common the “counseling” part. The purpose of these studies is to equip you with the needed tools to care for your people.

Who it is for: Pastoral care minister, chaplain, counseling centers, coach

Courses: Pastoral Care, Ethics, Conflict management, Crisis Management, Addictive Behaviors, Personality types, Counseling skills, Christian Psychology

Doctorate degrees

The post-graduate degree is called a Doctorate and is usually a 2 to 3 year full time studies. It is usually a 25 to 36 credit-hour diploma. You will need to have earned your graduate degree before commencing. It is the highest form of study for ministerial work.

Doctor in Divinity (D.Min) from FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

The D.Min exists in many names: Christian, pastoral or biblical counseling and they all have in common the “counseling” part. The purpose of these studies is to equip you with the needed tools to care for your people.

Who it is for: Senior pastor, professor, bible scholar, military chaplain, pastoral counselor

Courses: Ministry development and research, Organizational Health, Urban Ministry, Spirituality, Church Mission

Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) from DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

The Ph.D. is there to prepare you for the highest levels of study and research in order to become a scholar or an educational leader.

Who it is for: Senior pastor, professor, bible scholar, researcher

Courses: Bible exposition, New or Old Testament studies, Hebrew and Greek exegesis

After going through your thinking and praying process, it is now the time to choose your study path. You discovered which type of degree you should go for and what is required for you to be able to onboard that program.

What is left to do? Maybe Jesus and Paul’s words will ring true to you.

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 NIV)

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:16,17 NLT)

The Essential Guide to Getting a Theology Degree