What Is It Like To Be a Seminary Student?

Becoming a seminary student is a big decision. In contrast to attending an undergraduate Bible college, seminary students are graduate and post-graduate level students who desire to get their master’s or doctoral degree in theology or a theologically based divinity degree. This is the next level of education for theological training after a bachelor’s degree.

Seminary Degree Coursework 

Seminary school and divinity school programs tend to spend a significant amount of time in their coursework focused on Biblical Scripture and related studies.

Classes at Seminary schools are considered more intensive in nature than undergraduate programs and the workload usually greater. The course workloads for both master’s degrees and doctoral theological degrees tend to have a strong written component and may require a comprehensive thesis and/or exam as part of the degree requirements. A completed master’s degree thesis requires extensive research and compilation which may take a full year or longer to complete. 

Fellowship with Fellow Seminarians

In addition to the strong focus on Biblical studies, these schools also are geared toward creating a deeper spiritual formation among graduate students as well as a deeper understanding of Biblical applications and effective preaching and teaching techniques. 

Housing and Other Obligations

Some graduate degree seminary programs offer on-campus living for their students. However, many graduate and post-graduate seminary students commute and live off campus. This allows them to hold other jobs and maintain family life while earning their degree. 

Theological Masters and Doctoral Degrees 

Theological seminaries and Divinity schools offer many degree choices such as: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Christian Counseling, Doctor of Divinity and a PhD in Theology. All accredited seminaries and Divinity schools require students have an accredited bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite for admission. Many U.S. seminary theological schools are accredited by a federal accrediting agency. This allows graduate and post graduate degree seeking students to be eligible for federal student loans.