Best institutions to study Divinity/Ministry
A program that prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions.
250 U.S. institutions graduated 6,494 Divinity/Ministry students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 39.0602, a specialization of Theological and Ministerial Studies (CIP 39.06), and leads most directly to the Clergy occupation (BLS SOC 21-2011).
About Divinity/Ministry programs
A program that prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions. Includes instruction in the theology and polity of a particular church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church/parish organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Divinity/Ministry program, part of Theological and Ministerial Studies, prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests within various Christian traditions. This program is designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of theology and engage in pastoral ministry, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for religious leadership.
Students in this program will gain core skills in speaking, active listening, and critical thinking, alongside knowledge in philosophy, theology, and church management. Coursework typically includes instruction in church law, liturgy, pastoral principles, and Christian ethics.
Credentials awarded
What Divinity/Ministry graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree4,654 graduates / yr · 221 institutions72%
- Bachelor's degree599 graduates / yr · 34 institutions9.2%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice411 graduates / yr · 39 institutions6.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate300 graduates / yr · 14 institutions4.6%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship167 graduates / yr · 17 institutions2.6%
- Doctor's degree - other154 graduates / yr · 15 institutions2.4%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year101 graduates / yr · 8 institutions1.6%
- Associate's degree81 graduates / yr · 15 institutions1.2%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years16 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
- Post-master's certificate11 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Divinity/Ministry completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 6,726 |
| 2013 | 7,051 |
| 2014 | 7,063 |
| 2015 | 7,178 |
| 2016 | 6,873 |
| 2017 | 6,599 |
| 2018 | 6,674 |
| 2019 | 7,140 |
| 2020 | 6,880 |
| 2021 | 7,206 |
| 2022 | 6,767 |
| 2023 | 6,551 |
| 2024 | 6,695 |
| 2025 | 6,494 |
Top 50 institutions for Divinity/Ministry, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 597 | 40% | — | — |
| 2 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 568 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 3 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate'sDoctoral (prof.) | 380 | 43% | $29,915 | $29,809 |
| 4 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sDoctoralAssociate's | 331 | 48% | $26,572 | — |
| 5 | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 247 | 58% | $6,608 | — |
| 6 | Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 162 | — | — | — |
| 7 | New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 122 | 74% | — | — |
| 8 | Andrews University Berrien Springs, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 109 | 72% | $17,800 | — |
| 9 | Emory University Atlanta, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 106 | 91% | $20,586 | — |
| 10 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 99 | 57% | $18,677 | — |
| 11 | Kairos University Sioux Falls, SDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 96 | — | — | — |
| 12 | Oral Roberts University Tulsa, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 91 | 57% | $23,543 | $27,088 |
| 13 | Fuller Theological Seminary Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 84 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Western Seminary Portland, ORPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 83 | — | — | — |
| 15 | Virginia Union University Richmond, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 81 | 34% | $21,249 | — |
| 16 | Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 60 | — | — | — |
| 17 | The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 59 | 68% | $30,641 | $43,677 |
| 18 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 57 | 43% | $21,535 | — |
| 19 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 50 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 20 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 49 | 80% | $35,682 | — |
| 21 | Biola University La Mirada, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 47 | 68% | $26,727 | — |
| 22 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 47 | 84% | $33,246 | — |
| 23 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 45 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 24 | Drew University Madison, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 43 | 70% | $23,094 | — |
| 25 | Columbia Theological Seminary Decatur, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 41 | — | — | — |
| 26 | Concordia Seminary Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 41 | — | — | — |
| 27 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 40 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 28 | Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 40 | — | — | — |
| 29 | Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 39 | — | — | — |
| 30 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 38 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 31 | Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 37 | — | — | — |
| 32 | Carolina University Winston-Salem, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 37 | 22% | $19,450 | — |
| 33 | Luther Seminary Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 36 | — | — | — |
| 34 | SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary El Dorado Hills, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 35 | 85% | $21,043 | — |
| 35 | United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities St. Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 34 | — | — | — |
| 36 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 33 | 62% | $24,848 | $33,488 |
| 37 | Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary South Hamilton, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 33 | — | — | — |
| 38 | Western Theological Seminary Holland, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 33 | — | — | — |
| 39 | Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 33 | 52% | $23,214 | — |
| 40 | Wartburg Theological Seminary Dubuque, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 31 | — | — | — |
| 41 | Samford University Birmingham, ALPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral (prof.) | 30 | 77% | $28,160 | — |
| 42 | Nazarene Bible College Colorado Springs, COPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 29 | — | — | $40,357 |
| 43 | Nazarene Theological Seminary Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 29 | — | — | — |
| 44 | Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 29 | 67% | $21,399 | — |
| 45 | Westminster Theological Seminary Glenside, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 29 | — | — | — |
| 46 | Johnson University Knoxville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate's | 29 | 57% | $19,333 | $33,627 |
| 47 | Denver Seminary Littleton, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | — | — | — |
| 48 | Howard University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 28 | 70% | $48,194 | — |
| 49 | Garrett - Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | — | — | — |
| 50 | United Theological Seminary Dayton, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | — | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Theological and Ministerial Studies field (CIP 39.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 39 states & territories
Where Divinity/Ministry graduates come from. Each state links to all Theological and Ministerial Studies programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-2011, Clergy, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Divinity/Ministry program often pursue careers as clergy or postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers. The job outlook indicates little to no change in the field, with approximately 23,000 annual openings and a median wage of $60,820, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 39.0602
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Clergyprimary SOC 21-2011 | $60,810 | +1.0% Little or no change | ~23,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1126 | $80,260 | +0.7% Little or no change | ~2,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Divinity/Ministry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Pray and promote spirituality.
- Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
- Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
- Organize and lead regular religious services.
- Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
- Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
Tools and technology used
Other Theological and Ministerial Studies specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Theological and Ministerial Studies (CIP 39.06).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, Doctor's degree - professional practice, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, writing, and critical thinking.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can pursue careers as clergy or philosophy and religion teachers at the postsecondary level.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with around 23,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Divinity/Ministry?+
Divinity/Ministry is CIP 39.0602 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Theological and Ministerial Studies (CIP 39.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions. Includes instruction in the theology and polity of a particular church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church/parish organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies.
How many institutions offer Divinity/Ministry programs?+
250 U.S. institutions reported Divinity/Ministry graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 39 states & territories, awarding 6,494 credentials in the year. That is 44.3% of all Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates.
How much do Divinity/Ministry graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Clergy occupation, which Divinity/Ministry most directly leads to, pays a median of $60,810 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Theological and Ministerial Studies field report median earnings of $33,488 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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