10 Best Degrees for Pastors What to study for a ministry career

Pastors are spiritual leaders who offer guidance and prayer for their congregation. Some pastors provide counsel, teach from the Bible, or work within a team through religious missions. The exact role of a pastor depends on their theology, domination, and the church’s requirements.

Many pastors deliver sermons or lead church services each time the congregation meets. In addition, they create lesson plans and study in preparation for the upcoming services or work with a team to manage special events at the church. A pastor may also visit the home of parishioners or come to hospitals when their church members need prayer.

As a career path, becoming a pastor could provide a rewarding career where you help people in your area or different regions of the work. On average, pastors earn about $60,900 annually and may receive benefits such as healthcare insurance. In addition, the salary opportunities may increase if the pastor travels on missions or travels to teach others through religious studies.

To start this career, many churches and religious organizations prefer pastors to complete specialized training such as seminary school and a college degree program. Reading this guide helps aspiring pastors learn about the ten best degrees for pastors, which include the following:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
2. Bachelor of Arts in Religion
3. Bachelor of Arts in Theology
4. Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Seminary
5. Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry
6. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Religious Studies
7. Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Philosophy
8. Doctor of Ministry
9. Master of Divinity
10. Master of Arts in Church Leadership

As you review these programs, you find the best ways to start your career as a pastor in your preferred domination. And you can determine what college or university helps meet your career goals. You can also find out which degree programs qualify you for more advanced degrees you may need later in your career as a pastor.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies

Majoring in Theology and Religious Studies prepares pastors for the high demands of an ever-changing world with many cultures and traditions. Since religion has shaped the world and continues to evolve, pastors need an advanced understanding of scripture and how it applies to today’s world. In the program, you develop a sensitivity for differing cultures and understand how to approach diverse populations without offense or hostilities.

Social justice is a significant part of the program, and pastors develop a greater passion for correcting injustices within their communities and worldwide. By the end of the program, you understand all traditions within all theologies and religions. The study of these approaches, methodologies, and intellectual fields helps pastors appreciate the role of religion in their lives.

They gain the ability to draw conclusions about the relationships between human rights, freedoms, and responsibilities according to theology, religion, and varying cultures. The pastors become more aware of correlations between their faith and social justice.

2. Bachelor of Arts in Religion

A Bachelor of Arts in Religion prepares you for Christian ministries and offers a foundation in Christianity, theology, and biblical studies. In addition, it provides a formal educational background for anyone wanting to work as a pastoral minister, through missions or evangelism, or as a chaplain.

The program is a terrific choice for pastors who need advanced knowledge of Christianity in the context of teaching others within an organized setting. By completing the program, you could enter graduate programs in Christian-based studies as necessary to reach higher levels within non-profit administration, Christian education, or even youth ministries.

Through select colleges and universities, you could advance your knowledge by studying religions worldwide. Understanding the differences between these religions and Christianity helps you discuss how the role of God applies to other cultures and past belief systems. In addition, increasing your knowledge enables you to share the gospel with others and better comprehend that religion plays a role in the lives of people outside of the US.

3. Bachelor of Arts in Theology

Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Theology lets you share your passion for scripture and the gospel. By gaining a solid foundation in practical ministry, biblical studies, and theology, you better understand the biblical history and the context of each passage. In the program, students learn how to apply the word of God to today’s issues and social problems.

You’ll study the history of Christianity and see how theology has developed throughout the ages and how to create lessons and study plans for your congregation. It’s possible to gain leadership skills through the program and show each church member to find answers and purpose through scripture and the teachings of Jesus.

Once you’ve completed the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, there are more educational courses to help you gain the knowledge you need in your career. They can include church planting, human services, mission work, and church administration. Qualifying for graduate programs in theology and religious studies requires you to complete at least an undergraduate degree program.

4. Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Seminary

Through a pre-seminary degree program, you complete theological courses to advance your knowledge of Christianity and scripture. A second part of the program prepares you for religion-based educational services. The program presents approaches in philosophy, sociology, psychology, and theological history and languages.

In pre-seminary programs, participants discover the role of the Christian faith within the community. Students learn how to apply the Bible’s teachings to everyday life and methodology for teaching others these practices. Entering pre-seminary studies helps pastors learn how to address the needs of their congregation and how to recognize solutions according to God’s word.

This program is helpful for prospective pastors and anyone who wants to work within religious-based educational programs, including schools. As a result, they could gain the educational experience and background necessary for their career paths.

Completing the program prepares students for seminary school and advanced educational programs in religious studies. Many students complete programs through religious colleges and universities that offer community-based training and experiences. Preparatory courses can also help students become more confident and comfortable with public speaking and aspire to take on more leadership roles through their church.

5. Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry

Pastors gain the essential tools to study Christianity and scripture and expand their understanding of God’s message and how it applies to emerging aspects of life. A Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry prepares you for leadership roles in ministry and missionary work. If you want to enter graduate seminary studies, the degree program helps you achieve the prerequisites for advanced programs.

Select colleges offer electives specific to your career goals as a pastor. Completing at least a bachelor’s degree opens the door to many opportunities within churches, religious organizations, and non-profit companies based on theological views and practices.

When choosing your coursework, you’ll review concentrations that increase your knowledge and skill set. These concentrations could include Christian ministries, biblical languages, Bible, and theology. You examine the Christian faith through concentrations, starting with the Old Testament and advancing through the New Testament. Understanding how to interpret scripture and Bible passages lets you teach and lead your congregation.

Personal spiritual journeys let you discover more aspects of Christianity that you may not know, and you’ll learn how principles of evangelism, discipleship, and mission work enhance your knowledge and enable you to help others. Practical ministry skills are vital to your career as a pastor, and as you lead through God’s word, you spread the gospel and a better understanding to church members and the surrounding communities.

6. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Religious Studies

As a pastor, you take on the role of a church leader. Through a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Religious Studies program, you secure a foundation in the Bible’s scripture and thoroughly explore each testament. Studying church-related dilemmas in history, you gain more knowledge and comprehension of theological practices in various cultures and regions. You discover the wisdom and gain the skillset to achieve your calling and become a positive leader within your church or non-profit organization.

Select biblical and religious studies may include linguistics courses to understand Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew used in the Bible. These language skills are vital for missionary work in which you and others see untranslated scripture in different countries. In addition, in many seminary schools, language arts can help you excel and gain knowledge that not all pastors or ministers possess.

When reviewing degree programs, review internship opportunities as they provide more significant advantages for future pastors and could connect you with current leaders and churches in new areas. For example, many graduates take on roles through internships to offer youth ministry services as they expand their knowledge of the Bible and how to interpret scripture to convey new messages to congregations.

You could also participate in internships that offer independent study or research options. Researching the degree programs could connect you to national missionary services and other avenues to help you succeed in your career.

Admissions specialists can help you choose minors or set up a double major opportunity to study sciences and liberal arts. For example, you could add classical Christian education to gain knowledge and experiences based on what you want to achieve in your community after graduation. You could also add more humanities classes to gain a better worldview, increase your critical thinking skills and knowledge of the world’s cultures, and discover why empathy is crucial for pastors.

7. Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Philosophy

Starting a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Philosophy introduces you to the history of Christian doctrine. The program helps students find their purpose and serve congregations in local churches and abroad. In addition, you can gain the skillset to engage the public and introduce others to Christianity during mission trips worldwide.

Students develop deep into the Bible and address each scripture as it applies to today’s world. In addition, instructors nurture aspiring pastors and ministers and help them become better public speakers. These skills are helpful when discussing the word of God with others who may not understand Christianity or practices within your religion.

Pastors take on leadership roles in their church or community and must become ethical decision-makers. This degree program may include critical thinking exercises or courses for these purposes. You’ll examine different perspectives and worldviews that may conflict with your viewpoints, and instructors will help you find a way to articulate your feelings and thoughts with compassion and without offense.

As you grow as a pastor, you develop your faith and gain professional skills. Many Christian studies and philosophy programs link you with like-minded individuals who are learning about Christianity and may also have the same questions you have. Support in your program and later when you are working with the church is necessary, and as a pastor, you provide support to others who struggle or face difficult life decisions.

Acting as a counselor for your congregation requires knowing how to address social issues that present challenges for everyone. You need to understand human nature, free will, and how to find a purpose in life. Applying your knowledge can help you work with church members to achieve solutions when morality or faith is questioned. Fundamental problems within religion and practices could even present you with a purpose through God as you discover new opportunities to shape the lives of others.

8. Doctor of Ministry

After you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree program, a Doctor of Ministry could provide you with further knowledge and skills for your career and help you serve God. The program involves theological reflection on how you approach your role as a pastor or minister. Many schools offer the program on-campus and online to offer versatility and flexible schedules.

In the program, you compare current ministerial practices and your experience to more contemporary leadership and methodologies. You’ll take your understanding of Christianity to a deeper level and find techniques for helping others with world changes that affect their lives. If you wish to enter higher job positions or leadership roles within Christian-based organizations, this degree could introduce you to more critical thinking skills and practices that enhance your spiritual journey.

Examining the textbooks and courses helps you choose the best doctoral program to meet your career demands and preferences—many of the schools over additional details about textbooks and other reading requirements for courses.

Some degree programs involve textbooks written by the instructor, who can provide a more personal approach to the course materials and present their story during the class. These opportunities can help you as a pastor to connect with religious leaders in more profound Christian-based organizations, missionary services, and opportunities to fulfill your life’s purpose. Top-tier universities could also improve your ability to complete meaningful work anywhere you go.

Many colleges and universities offering this degree program provide mentors to guide you through coursework and ensure your success in the program. As you prepare for a Doctor of Ministry program, you can review scholarship opportunities that help you cover tuition and related expenses. Applying for scholarships before graduating from your bachelor’s degree program could give you faster access to funding for the next step in your pastoral career.

9. Master of Divinity

Answering your call to more profound life purposes starts with a Master of Divinity. Meeting the program’s prerequisites is critical to gaining acceptance into the graduate program, and experience as a pastor can increase your career prospects. At this educational level, you can achieve far more in your career and serve in new roles beyond your current geographical region.

Many who take on the challenge of a master’s program seek positions as pastors in larger organizations and may also serve as a chaplain. The program could include real-world experiences where you travel throughout your area or beyond to address social injustices and aid in critical care situations. In addition, you may share experiences with classmates from various cultures and religions to better understand faith traditions and spiritual work you have yet to consider.

Students participating in this higher education program gain experience and knowledge that enables them to examine formative intellectual work opportunities within Christian communities or find new ways to evaluate and address religious questionings in local communities. For example, you could become a public voice for your congregation or city and share a message about God’s work through activism and education.

Pastors take on many roles throughout their careers, and the more you understand life’s challenges and how to address spiritual dilemmas, you can become a driving force for change. In the program, you learn how to use fundamental intellectual tools when studying and teaching the principles of Christianity. You can also gain further language skills to present more information to your congregation and explain how interpretation and comprehension of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek play a role in how members and visitors follow Christ.

The practical skills you gain in the program help you to teach and lead your church effectively. You will only spend some time in a classroom and gain field experience with well-known Christian leaders offering guidance and educational opportunities.

10. Master of Arts in Church Leadership

A Master of Arts in Church Leadership prepares you to take on a more significant role as a pastor of your church. Many individuals who want to start a new church complete the advanced degree program. As a leader, you must master many tasks, including becoming a spiritual leader. In addition, you may become an administrator who must understand how to create a budget and maintain the church.

The degree program offers new opportunities to embrace more profound ministry knowledge and gain more experience as a scholarly teacher. Coursework presents further leadership skills based on 21st-century worldviews and teachings that help you become more academically informed biblically and through theological approaches.

You discover refinement techniques you’ll use as you lead your church and address new social problems. Students participating in the program develop a new perspective based on today’s society and what role scripture plays in the world. The degree program can prepare you for additional spiritual work beyond your church and present you with new roles in the future.

Universities offering a Master of Arts in Church Leadership present flexible classes and online opportunities for current pastors. If you are unsure which school meets your needs, consider reviewing the course catalog and comparing these offerings between different schools. An advanced religious education enhances your ability to lead your church and introduce your congregation to unique approaches to Christianity and life.

As you start your career as a pastor, you must gain the knowledge and skills to lead and counsel your congregation and others within your community. This critical role enables you to spread the gospel according to Christ’s teachings and educate your church members and citizens of foreign countries. In each degree program, you develop as a spiritual leader who speaks effectively in public and has the compassion and empathy to understand cultural differences and alternative worldviews and perspectives.

Choosing the best degree program is paramount to achieving all your career goals and succeeding as the church’s leader and the first contact for many cultures unaware of God’s word, how the scripture applies to life today, and how God’s love can transform lives. According to how you want to serve God and your community, you must review the coursework, program requirements, and job-specific demands to enroll in the most appropriate degree program.

If you seek advanced degrees in theology or religious studies later, you must complete the prerequisites by completing at least a bachelor’s program and all required courses. Then, as a pastor, you can achieve a rewarding career in that you serve and help others and earn higher salaries based on where you serve and your ability to travel. Reading more about all bachelor’s degree programs in your preferred discipline enables you to make well-informed decisions and find your true place in this world.