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Degrees and Schools

Many Christian denominations and Jewish branches require their religious leaders complete a graduate level program at a seminary after earning bachelor's degree. Some Protestant denominations have no formal education requirements. Three types of programs are available – seminaries specific to a Christian denomination or Jewish branch, theological programs at universities and independent programs. Schools should be accredited by a regional accrediting agency and/or the school or program should be accredited by a programmatic accreditation agency such as the Association of Theological Schools or the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS). Schools that are not properly accredited may not meet the requirements of some religious organizations.

Coursework

Curriculums in graduate seminary programs offer coursework that falls into the following basic categories, although courses vary considerably between programs:

• biblical theology
• religious history and doctrine
• applied theology
• biblical languages
• philosophy of religion
• pastoral care and counseling

Online Classes and Programs

Online theological programs that prepare students to become clergy are offered through online seminaries and universities as well as through campus-based seminaries and universities that may offer some classes or entire programs via distance-learning. Certificate programs and individual courses can also be taken via distance-learning methods. These online options provide a convenient way for students to attend seminary regardless of where they live and despite other job and family commitments.

Employment Requirements

Requirements for clergy positions vary widely between Christian denominations and between Jewish branches. Some require a bachelor's degree and graduate theological study while others may have no specific educational requirements. Some religions do not accept women as clergy while others accept women in some roles or all roles. Those considering this profession need to be dedicated to their beliefs and accepting of the lifestyle required.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

Choosing a seminary can be a difficult process. Asking the following questions can help future clergy find a program that best suits them:

• Faculty - What backgrounds do the faculty have? Do they have pastoral experience or just academic experience?
• Requirements - Does the seminary meet the requirements of the denomination or branch that the student intends to work in?
• Broad or Specific - Is the program a broad-based program attended by a wide variety of students including those not intending to become clergy? Or, is the program designed for future clergy of a specific denomination?
• Cost - What costs is the student responsible for? What sources of financial aid or sponsorship are available? How much debt will the student have to take on?
• Accreditation - Is the program accredited by a regional or programmatic accrediting agency that is recognized the US Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

Clergy Job Description

Deciding to pursue a career as a religious leader is a lifestyle choice as much as it is a career decision, requiring a committment beyond that required by most other careers. Clergy typically work long, irregular hours and are expected to be available any time of day or night. Although most clergy serve a congregation, some are chaplains in the military or hospitals or work in a social service agency, mission or seminary. This article focuses primarily on Christian and Jewish clergy.

Responsibilities of clergy are diverse and can include some or all of the following:

• leading religious services
• administering sacraments
• leading religious education programs
• counseling and consoling parishioners
• officiating at weddings, funerals and other ceremonies
• performing administrative duties

Resources

Hartford Institute For Religion Research - This organization conducts research on current trends in religion and communicates these findings through publications and their website.

The Association of Theological Schools, The Commission on Accrediting - A US Department of Education and CHEA recognized accrediting agency that evaluates and accredits theological graduate schools.