Preaching, teaching, leading, and counseling are skills you’ll gain with our pastoral ministry degree. Our desire is to equip future pastors to accurately study the Word of God so they can lead others to maturity in Christ. Learn the many roles of a pastor through our rich curriculum taught by ministry leaders and gain experience in Christian ministry through practical internships. The degree prepares you to enter directly into full-time ministry or continue on to seminary or graduate study.
Pastoral ministry may be the right degree for you if you
- feel called to be pastor
- desire to see others grow in their faith
- want to influence your community
Why study pastoral ministry at Northwestern?
Be fully equipped for ministry through hands-on experience, practical classes, and helpful mentoring. Develop key leadership skills for visionary impact.
Discover your unique calling and how to use your talents to help your community. Experience spiritual transformation as you learn and grow.
Get pastoral training that really works. Learn from faculty with real life experience serving as pastors and missionaries.
Learn how to inspire others in their faith. Build Christ-like relationships as you engage with diverse cultures and communities.
Gain valuable skills through your ministry internship:
- teach, lead, plan, and observe
- be encouraged by your mentor
- apply what you’re learning in class
- serve 200 hours during your junior and senior years
- build your resume
- develop your God-given gifts in pastoral ministry
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Planning on graduate school? Consider these affordable, accelerated options to complete your bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years (instead of seven).
Accelerated Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Start your ministry career equipped with two degrees, multiple internships and local pastor mentorships. Combine your undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry with an accelerated Master of Divinity (M.Div.). You’ll save up to two years and $20,000 by completing 38 graduate credits during your undergraduate program. The remaining 38 credits can be completed on site or online during a final year of graduate study. Apply through the Christian Ministries department for this program after you have been admitted to Northwestern. Scholarship funds are available for qualified students in addition to your financial aid package.
Accelerated Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML)
Take your leadership skills to the next level. Combine an undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry with an accelerated Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML). You’ll save approximately $8,000 by completing up to 16 graduate credits within your undergraduate program. The remaining 20 credits can be completed on site or through online learning during a fifth year of graduate study. Apply through the Christian Ministries department for this program after you have been admitted to Northwestern. Scholarship funds are available for qualified students in addition to your financial aid package.
If the students leave here as whole people, who can relate in a healthy way to God, to other people around them, then they'll be able to make a huge impact in this world.
Associate Professor of Christian Ministries
Program Director for Master of Divinity
Program Director for Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
Careers in pastoral ministry
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in pastoral ministry.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Campus ministry
- Christian education
- Evangelism
- Missions
- Ministry coordination
- Pastoral roles, preaching, teaching, discipleship
- Para-church ministry
- Christian education curriculum development
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Social/human services worker or case manager
- Camp administration and ministry
- Fund raising for faith based organizations
- Disaster/aid relief worker
- Residential counselor
- Chaplaincy (with additional training)
What will I learn?
You’ll learn how to teach, preach, counsel, and lead effectively so you can impact the world for Christ.
MIN 3231
Care and Counseling in Ministry
This course provides a foundation and overview of counseling techniques, practices, and typical counseling situations which are faced in both church and parachurch ministry settings. Emphasis is placed on methods and techniques for effectively counseling people in crisis from all age groups. Guidance is given in the counseling of lay leadership, families in crisis, and the handling of abuse cases. Consideration is given to the legal, ethical, and practical implications of Christian counseling. A $100 course fee required.
MIN 3216
Leadership in Ministry
A study of the principles and practices of leadership in local church, nonprofit, and mission contexts. This course includes a study of biblical principles for leadership, leadership self-awareness, leadership styles, team dynamics, culture and leadership, and conflict management. Special attention is given to developing strategic initiatives informed by one’s organizational mission and vision. A $40 course fee required.
MIN 3207
Ministry in a Globalized World
This course prepares students to understand the impact of globalization on present day ministry. Students will be equipped to investigate diverse social and cultural contexts and develop strategies to minister effectively in an era of cultural, religious, and ethical diversity.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the Department of Christian Ministries
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
