Seminary sits between Bible college and doctoral study. It is where future pastors learn Greek and Hebrew, where chaplains complete the MDiv required for endorsement, and where second-career professionals retrain for ministry. Not every ministry role requires seminary, but many do.
This guide explains what seminary is, what degrees it offers, who should go, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to choose a school.
What seminary school is (and is not)
Seminary is a graduate school. It assumes you already have a bachelor's degree and often some life or ministry experience. It is not simply "more Bible college." The academic expectations, language requirements, and vocational focus are different.
Seminary is also not the only path into ministry. Many youth pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, and nonprofit staff enter ministry with a bachelor's degree and grow through experience. Seminary becomes essential when a denomination, employer, or career goal requires the MDiv or graduate theological training.
The main seminary degrees
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The standard professional degree for pastoral ministry. It is typically 72–90 credit hours and includes biblical languages, theology, church history, preaching, pastoral care, and field education. The MDiv is required for ordination in most mainline denominations and for board-certified chaplaincy.
Master of Arts (MA)
A shorter, more specialized graduate degree, usually 36–60 credit hours. Common concentrations include biblical studies, theological studies, counseling, Christian formation, intercultural studies, and worship. Some MA programs are designed as a terminal credential; others feed into doctoral study.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
A practitioner's doctorate for experienced ministers, usually 30–40 credit hours completed part-time over 3–4 years. It focuses on advanced leadership, preaching, or specialized ministry rather than original research.
Research doctorates (PhD / ThD)
For future professors and scholars. These programs require original research, language competency, and a dissertation. They are not standard ministry degrees.
Who should go to seminary
- Anyone seeking ordination in a denomination that requires an MDiv.
- Future hospital, military, or hospice chaplains who need the MDiv plus Clinical Pastoral Education.
- People preparing for Bible college or seminary teaching.
- Experienced pastors who want advanced training through a DMin.
- Second-career professionals sensing a call to full-time ministry.
Accreditation matters most
The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is the gold-standard accreditor for seminaries in North America. Many seminaries also hold regional accreditation. ATS accreditation is often required for mainline ordination, chaplaincy endorsement, and admission to research doctorates.
Read our full Bible college accreditation guide to understand ATS, regional, ABHE, and TRACS accreditation.
How to choose a seminary
- Denominational fit. Some seminaries are denominationally owned; others are broadly evangelical. Choose one that aligns with your ordination path.
- Accreditation. Prefer ATS-accredited seminaries unless you have a specific reason otherwise.
- Faculty. Look for professors with earned doctorates and ministry experience in your area of interest.
- Field education. Strong programs place students in churches, hospitals, nonprofits, or missions during study.
- Format and location. Residential, hybrid, and online options vary widely. Pick what fits your life stage.
- Cost and aid. Compare total cost after scholarships, church matching, and any employer benefits.
How long and how much
A full-time MDiv takes about three years; an MA takes one to two years; a DMin takes three to four years part-time. Costs vary from roughly $350 to $900 per credit hour. See our dedicated guides on how long seminary takes and how much seminary costs.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
- What is seminary school?
- Seminary school is a graduate-level institution that trains people for ministry, theology, and related vocations. It typically offers the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Seminary requires a completed bachelor's degree for admission.
- What is the difference between a seminary and a Bible college?
- A Bible college is usually undergraduate and focuses on biblical studies and ministry training for students with a high school diploma. A seminary is graduate-level and prepares students for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, and advanced theological study.
- Do you need a seminary degree to be a pastor?
- It depends on the tradition. Many independent and nondenominational churches hire pastors with a bachelor's plus experience. Mainline denominations and many evangelical denominations require an MDiv for ordination as a senior pastor.
- What degree do you get from seminary?
- The most common degrees are the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in various theological or ministry fields, and the Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Some seminaries also offer certificates, diplomas, and research doctorates like the PhD or ThD.
- How do you choose a seminary?
- Look at accreditation (ATS is the gold standard for seminaries), denominational alignment, faculty, field education opportunities, cost, location or online format, and placement into the kind of ministry you want.
- Can you go to seminary online?
- Yes. Many ATS-accredited seminaries offer fully online or hybrid MDiv, MA, and DMin programs. Online seminary works well for bi-vocational pastors, second-career students, and those with family obligations.
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