Theological and Ministerial Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals pursuing advanced understanding of religious traditions and spiritual leadership, this program offers a comprehensive academic exploration of theological principles and ministerial practice across diverse faith communities. It prepares students for religious vocations beyond mainstream Christian and Jewish contexts, fostering deep engagement with sacred texts, ethical frameworks, and pastoral responsibilities in interfaith and multicultural settings.
- Comparative Religious Traditions: Examines core beliefs, practices, and historical developments of non-Christian and non-Jewish faiths, promoting intercultural understanding and theological literacy.
- Scriptural Interpretation: Develops skills in analyzing sacred texts from various religious perspectives, emphasizing context, language, and hermeneutical approaches.
- Ministerial Formation: Focuses on the practical and ethical dimensions of spiritual leadership, including counseling, community engagement, and ritual facilitation.
- Religious Ethics and Social Justice: Investigates moral teachings across faith systems and their application to contemporary societal challenges and ethical decision-making.
- Leadership in Diverse Contexts: Equips students with tools to serve effectively in multicultural, multi-religious environments, emphasizing inclusivity, dialogue, and adaptive ministry.
Theological and Ministerial Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Theological and Ministerial Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees, including Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, Clergy and Religious Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 91,090 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1126 | $78,050 | $47,550 - $134,910 | 20,840 | N/A |
| Clergy 21-2011 | $60,820 | $37,140 - $99,720 | 58,080 | $29.24 |
| Religious Workers, All Other 21-2099 | $45,120 | $29,120 - $75,920 | 12,170 | $21.69 |
Theological and Ministerial Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $36,600 in West Virginia to $87,240 in Utah—a 138% difference. The highest-paying states include Utah, California, and Maine. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 91,090 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Theological and Ministerial Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 97 institutions offering Theological and Ministerial Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Theological and Ministerial Studies is found at Moody Bible Institute (MBI) (130 graduates), Fuller Theological Seminary (102 graduates), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) (102 graduates), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) (83 graduates), and Oral Roberts University (ORU) (79 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,712 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moody Bible Institute (MBI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
130 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | moody.edu |
| Fuller Theological Seminary |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
102 | Pasadena, California | Private | fuller.edu |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
102 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | nobts.edu |
| Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) |
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
83 | South Hamilton, Massachusetts | Private | gordonconwell.edu |
| Oral Roberts University (ORU) |
Master's
Residency
|
79 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | oru.edu |
| Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
66 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | pts.edu |
| Northwest University (COEE) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
58 | Kirkland, Washington | Private | northwestu.edu |
| Asbury Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
54 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asburyseminary.edu |
| Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) |
Master's
|
51 | Dallas, Texas | Private | dts.edu |
| Biola University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 | La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
| Grace School of Theology |
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
43 | Conroe, Texas | Private | gsot.edu |
| Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) |
Doctorate (Other)
|
39 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | memphisseminary.edu |
| Columbia International University (CIU) |
Master's
|
31 | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | ciu.edu |
| Creighton University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
30 | Omaha, Nebraska | Private | creighton.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
28 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
28 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| Bob Jones University (BJU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
25 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | bju.edu |
| Trinity Bible College and Graduate School |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 | Ellendale, North Dakota | Private | trinitybiblecollege.edu |
| Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
| Lancaster Bible College (LBC) |
Associate's
Master's
|
23 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | lbc.edu |
| Aquinas Institute of Theology |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
21 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ai.edu |
| University of Northwestern (UNW) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | unwsp.edu |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
20 | Waxahachie, Texas | Private | sagu.edu |
| Viterbo University |
Master's
|
20 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Private | viterbo.edu |
| The King's University (TKU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
20 | Southlake, Texas | Private | tku.edu |
| The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Louisville, Kentucky | Private | sbts.edu |
| Lee University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| Hope International University (HIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
17 | Fullerton, California | Private | hiu.edu |
| Western Seminary |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
17 | Portland, Oregon | Private | westernseminary.edu |
| Mid-America Christian University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Private | macu.edu |
| Baylor University |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
16 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Shaw University |
Master's
|
15 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | shawu.edu |
| Ashland University |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
15 | Ashland, Ohio | Private | ashland.edu |
| Luther Rice College & Seminary |
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Lithonia, Georgia | Private | lutherrice.edu |
| New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Private | nbts.edu |
| George Fox University |
Master's
|
13 | Newberg, Oregon | Private | georgefox.edu |
| Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 | Moberly, Missouri | Private | cccb.edu |
| Lancaster Theological Seminary (LTS) |
Master's
|
12 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | lancasterseminary.edu |
| Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS) |
Master's
|
12 | Glenside, Pennsylvania | Private | wts.edu |
| Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11 | Brookline, Massachusetts | Private | hchc.edu |
| Northwest University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Kirkland, Washington | Private | northwestu.edu |
| Wartburg Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
10 | Dubuque, Iowa | Private | wartburgseminary.edu |
| Bethel University |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
10 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | bethel.edu |
| Southwest Baptist University (SBU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Bolivar, Missouri | Private | sbuniv.edu |
| Bethany Theological Seminary |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Richmond, Indiana | Private | bethanyseminary.edu |
| Saint Vincent Seminary |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Latrobe, Pennsylvania | Private | saintvincentseminary.edu |
| Nashotah House |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Professional)
|
9 | Nashotah, Wisconsin | Private | nashotah.edu |
| Denver Seminary |
Doctorate (Other)
|
8 | Littleton, Colorado | Private | denverseminary.edu |
| Taylor University |
Master's
|
8 | Upland, Indiana | Private | taylor.edu |
| Grove City College (GCC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Private | gcc.edu |
| Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) |
Master's
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | trevecca.edu |
| Bethel University |
Master's
|
7 | Mishawaka, Indiana | Private | betheluniversity.edu |
| University of Dubuque (UD) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
7 | Dubuque, Iowa | Private | dbq.edu |
| Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (FBBC&TS) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Ankeny, Iowa | Private | faith.edu |
| Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
| Oblate School of Theology (OST) |
Master's
|
7 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ost.edu |
| Bexley Hall Seabury Western Theological Seminary Federation Inc. |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | bexleyseabury.edu |
| Elim Bible Institute and College (EBIC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Lima, New York | Private | elim.edu |
| Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) |
Master's
|
6 | San Diego, California | Private | pointloma.edu |
| Point University |
Associate's
|
6 | West Point, Georgia | Private | point.edu |
| Barclay College |
Associate's
Master's
|
6 | Haviland, Kansas | Private | barclaycollege.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
6 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Bartlesville, Oklahoma | Private | okwu.edu |
| Appalachian Bible College (ABC) |
Master's
|
6 | Mount Hope, West Virginia | Private | abc.edu |
| SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
6 | El Dorado Hills, California | Private | sum.edu |
| Huntsville Bible College (HBC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Huntsville, Alabama | Private | huntsvillebiblecollege.org |
| Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 | Nampa, Idaho | Private | nnu.edu |
| Randall University |
Master's
|
5 | Moore, Oklahoma | Private | ru.edu |
| Mount Angel Seminary |
Doctorate (Other)
|
5 | Saint Benedict, Oregon | Private | mountangelabbey.org |
| Southern Adventist University |
Master's
|
5 | Collegedale, Tennessee | Private | southern.edu |
| Criswell College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | Dallas, Texas | Private | criswell.edu |
| Fresno Pacific University (FPU) |
Master's
|
4 | Fresno, California | Private | fresno.edu |
| McCormick Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
4 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | mccormick.edu |
| Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | cts.edu |
| Kentucky Christian University (KCU) |
Master's
|
4 | Grayson, Kentucky | Private | kcu.edu |
| Covenant Theological Seminary (CTS) |
Master's
|
4 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | covenantseminary.edu |
| Gods Bible School and College (GBS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
4 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | gbs.edu |
| Winebrenner Theological Seminary (WTS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
4 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | winebrenner.edu |
| United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) |
Master's
|
4 | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Private | unitedlutheranseminary.edu |
| University of the West (UWest) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
4 | Rosemead, California | Private | uwest.edu |
| Pacific School of Religion (PSR) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Berkeley, California | Private | psr.edu |
| University of Redlands |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
3 | Redlands, California | Private | redlands.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Great Lakes Christian College (GLCC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Lansing, Michigan | Private | glcc.edu |
| Concordia University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | csp.edu |
| Mesivta Torah Vodaath Rabbinical Seminary |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | independentrabbinicalcolleges.org |
| Malone University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Canton, Ohio | Private | malone.edu |
| Pontifical College Josephinum |
Master's
|
3 | Columbus, Ohio | Private | pcj.edu |
| Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
3 | Austin, Texas | Private | austinseminary.edu |
| Universidad Teologica del Caribe (UTC) |
Master's
|
3 | Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico | Private | utcpr.edu |
| Northeastern Seminary |
Master's
|
3 | Rochester, New York | Private | nes.edu |
| Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Berkeley, California | Private | cdsp.edu |
| Simpson University |
Master's
|
2 | Redding, California | Private | simpsonu.edu |
| Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Private | oakhills.edu |
| Missio Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | missio.edu |
| Welch College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Gallatin, Tennessee | Private | welch.edu |
| East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Marshall, Texas | Private | etbu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Theological and Ministerial Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Theological and Ministerial Studies degree?
Salaries for Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates vary by role and location. Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,050 annually, while Clergy earn around $60,820. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Utah average $87,240 compared to $36,600 in West Virginia. Approximately 91,090 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Theological and Ministerial Studies programs?
Currently 113 accredited institutions offer Theological and Ministerial Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Moody Bible Institute (MBI) (130 graduates), Fuller Theological Seminary (102 graduates), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) (102 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Theological and Ministerial Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,878 in 2010 to a peak of 1,820 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,726 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Theological and Ministerial Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, Clergy, and Religious Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 91,090 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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