125 credits
required for program
- On Campus
- PSEO/Early College Online Classes
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 lead and organize in ministry
- want to shepherd your community for Christ
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
Request Information
The Christian Ministries department aims to prepare students to serve in a variety of contexts. Our majors are highly flexible and the general ministry concentration can be specialized to fit a variety of student-desires specializations and perceived callings. Our goal as faculty is to steward our gifts, skills, and ministry experiences to prepare our students to serve effectively in home, church community, and world.
My experience within the ministry department was tremendous! Within my time in ministry, I’ve been able to apply many of the skills I gained while at UNW, and continue to stay connected to the many peers I got to collaborate with during my education. Northwestern’s Christian Ministry Department continues to be instrumental within my day-to-day ministry experience!
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 money by completing 32 graduate credits during your undergraduate program. The remaining 32 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 money by completing up to 16 graduate credits within your undergraduate program. The remaining 20-24 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.
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 School of Theology and Ministry
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.
