Best institutions to study Theological and Ministerial Studies
Any instructional program in theological and ministerial studies not listed above, including preparation for religious vocations in faiths other than Christianity and Judaism.
116 U.S. institutions graduated 1,694 Theological and Ministerial Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 39.0699, a specialization of Theological and Ministerial Studies (CIP 39.06), and leads most directly to the Clergy occupation (BLS SOC 21-2011).
About Theological and Ministerial Studies programs
Any instructional program in theological and ministerial studies not listed above, including preparation for religious vocations in faiths other than Christianity and Judaism.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Theological and Ministerial Studies program offers students a comprehensive education in theological and ministerial practices, preparing them for various religious vocations. This program is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of faith, spirituality, and community leadership across diverse religious traditions, including those beyond Christianity and Judaism.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as speaking, active listening, and critical thinking. They will gain knowledge in philosophy, theology, and administration, while also engaging in coursework that emphasizes the preparation and delivery of sermons, as well as the organization of religious services.
Credentials awarded
What Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree768 graduates / yr · 63 institutions45%
- Bachelor's degree422 graduates / yr · 38 institutions25%
- Doctor's degree - other126 graduates / yr · 10 institutions7.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate109 graduates / yr · 17 institutions6.4%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship99 graduates / yr · 12 institutions5.8%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice89 graduates / yr · 8 institutions5.3%
- Associate's degree41 graduates / yr · 6 institutions2.4%
- Post-master's certificate28 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.7%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year8 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.5%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Award of less than 12 weeks1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Theological and Ministerial Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,564 |
| 2013 | 1,764 |
| 2014 | 1,623 |
| 2015 | 1,637 |
| 2016 | 1,710 |
| 2017 | 1,786 |
| 2018 | 1,764 |
| 2019 | 1,749 |
| 2020 | 1,817 |
| 2021 | 1,916 |
| 2022 | 1,787 |
| 2023 | 1,678 |
| 2024 | 1,716 |
| 2025 | 1,694 |
Top 50 institutions for Theological and Ministerial Studies, 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 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 136 | 62% | $24,848 | $33,488 |
| 2 | Fuller Theological Seminary Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master'sPost-degree cert. | 112 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary South Hamilton, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 102 | — | — | — |
| 4 | New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 88 | 74% | — | — |
| 5 | Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralPost-degree cert.Master's | 60 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Biola University La Mirada, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 58 | 68% | $26,727 | — |
| 7 | Dallas Theological Seminary Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 52 | — | — | — |
| 8 | Trinity Bible College and Graduate School Ellendale, NDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 51 | 46% | $21,475 | — |
| 9 | Dallas Christian College Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 42 | 29% | $22,492 | — |
| 10 | Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sMaster'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 41 | 50% | $26,831 | $41,139 |
| 11 | Oral Roberts University Tulsa, OKPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 39 | 57% | $23,543 | $27,088 |
| 12 | Grace School of Theology The Woodlands, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 37 | 100% | — | — |
| 13 | Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sBachelor's | 33 | 59% | $22,906 | — |
| 15 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 30 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 16 | Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 30 | 67% | $21,399 | — |
| 17 | Memphis Theological Seminary Memphis, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 29 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Columbia International University Columbia, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 47% | $21,361 | — |
| 19 | Creighton University Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 27 | 83% | $27,353 | — |
| 20 | Northwest University Kirkland, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 23 | 71% | $21,433 | $41,139 |
| 21 | Mid - America Christian University Oklahoma City, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 44% | $17,088 | $27,391 |
| 22 | Aquinas Institute of Theology Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 20 | — | — | — |
| 23 | Hope International University Fullerton, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 19 | 49% | $32,826 | — |
| 24 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 19 | 40% | — | — |
| 25 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 19 | 80% | $35,682 | — |
| 26 | The King's University Southlake, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 19 | 47% | $23,878 | $29,593 |
| 27 | George Fox University Newberg, ORPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 72% | $26,564 | — |
| 28 | Nelson University Waxahachie, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 16 | 42% | $19,790 | — |
| 29 | Bethany Theological Seminary Richmond, INPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 14 | — | — | — |
| 30 | Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 14 | 62% | $21,132 | $40,873 |
| 31 | Lee University Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 14 | 63% | $18,918 | — |
| 32 | Wartburg Theological Seminary Dubuque, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | — | — | — |
| 33 | Ashland University Ashland, OHPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 13 | 61% | $21,785 | — |
| 34 | Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 68% | $18,510 | — |
| 35 | New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Brunswick, NJPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 12 | — | — | — |
| 36 | Saint Vincent Seminary Latrobe, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 12 | — | — | — |
| 37 | Viterbo University La Crosse, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 68% | $20,655 | — |
| 38 | Huntsville Bible College Huntsville, ALPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 12 | 0% | $11,562 | — |
| 39 | Elim Bible College Lima, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 67% | $10,460 | — |
| 40 | Nashotah House Nashotah, WIPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 11 | — | — | — |
| 41 | Denver Seminary Littleton, COPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 10 | — | — | — |
| 42 | Hellenic College - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Brookline, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 10 | 44% | $14,334 | — |
| 43 | Mesivta Torah Vodaath Rabbinical Seminary Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 50% | $5,636 | — |
| 44 | Bob Jones University Greenville, SCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 10 | 65% | $18,053 | $28,325 |
| 45 | William Jessup University Rocklin, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 9 | 56% | $24,242 | $47,102 |
| 46 | University of Dubuque Dubuque, IAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Bachelor's | 9 | 40% | $21,324 | — |
| 47 | Shaw University Raleigh, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 22% | $16,542 | — |
| 48 | World Mission University Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 9 | 100% | $16,598 | — |
| 49 | Bexley Hall Seabury Western Theological Seminary Federation, Inc. Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 9 | — | — | — |
| 50 | Criswell College Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 9 | 50% | $14,057 | — |
* 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 35 states & territories
Where Theological and Ministerial Studies 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies program can pursue careers as clergy, postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers, or religious workers. With an annual growth outlook of 1.0% and approximately 23,000 annual openings, the median wage for these roles is $60,820, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 39.0699
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 |
Religious Workers, All Other SOC 21-2099 | $45,280 | +0.6% Little or no change | ~11,100 | 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies 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 bachelor's degree, master's degree, or a postbaccalaureate certificate in Theological and Ministerial Studies.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
Graduates can work as clergy, religious workers, or philosophy and religion teachers.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with an annual growth rate of 1.0% and about 23,000 openings each year.
What is the CIP code for Theological and Ministerial Studies?+
Theological and Ministerial Studies is CIP 39.0699 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: Any instructional program in theological and ministerial studies not listed above, including preparation for religious vocations in faiths other than Christianity and Judaism.
How many institutions offer Theological and Ministerial Studies programs?+
116 U.S. institutions reported Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 35 states & territories, awarding 1,694 credentials in the year. That is 11.6% of all Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates.
How much do Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Clergy occupation, which Theological and Ministerial Studies 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 $32,815 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card