Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Baptist Seminary?

Patrick Roland
Patrick Roland

A Baptist seminary is an educational institution focused on providing the theological education necessary to become an ordained minister or hold other positions within the Baptist church. Offering postgraduate degrees in divinity and theology, students take a variety of courses aimed at preparing them for a lifetime within the church. When finished, graduates have many options, depending on their degree and its focus.

The Baptist seminary focuses strictly on the Baptist religion and its teachings. The religion, an outgrowth of 17th century English separatists, had more than 110 million followers worldwide. It is a Christian religion that shares beliefs and differs with other religions in a few key areas. Its belief in a believer's baptism, not infant baptism, and its belief in salvation through faith alone are its main differences when compared to many other forms of Christianity.

A Baptist seminary offers religious education to students desiring to become ministers.
A Baptist seminary offers religious education to students desiring to become ministers.

There are dozens of Baptist seminary schools around the globe. A Baptist seminary also might be called a Bible seminary and is a standalone college for furthering religious education, not just a department of a larger school. Some seminaries offer undergraduate degrees, but the majority focus on postgraduate degrees. In order to be accepted into a Baptist seminary, an applicant must meet grade requirements, have a bachelor's degree in theology or liberal arts and be a member of a Baptist church.

An ordained Baptist minister has likely attended a Baptist seminary.
An ordained Baptist minister has likely attended a Baptist seminary.

Every Baptist seminary operates differently, but most offer similar degrees, such as a Master of Divinity degree, Master of Arts degree and research doctorate degrees. These degrees are offered through a variety of course study, generally learning about evangelical history, theology, Bible study, music and ministry management. Most seminaries require up to 90 hours of coursework before graduation and can last for several years before all of the requirements are met for graduation.

Some churches may have money available to share with students who plan on attending seminary.
Some churches may have money available to share with students who plan on attending seminary.

A Baptist seminary prepares students for a range of careers within the Baptist church. The most traditional path is to become a minister of a congregation upon completing a Master of Divinity degree, but it is not the only option. A degree from a seminary also prepares graduates for a career as a youth minister, church musical director and mission operator. Many with doctorate degrees go on to focus on being religious scholars or seminary professors.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A Baptist seminary offers religious education to students desiring to become ministers.
      By: dpyancy
      A Baptist seminary offers religious education to students desiring to become ministers.
    • An ordained Baptist minister has likely attended a Baptist seminary.
      By: photographmd
      An ordained Baptist minister has likely attended a Baptist seminary.
    • Some churches may have money available to share with students who plan on attending seminary.
      By: James Steidl
      Some churches may have money available to share with students who plan on attending seminary.