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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies

341 Colleges in the United States
10,027 Master's Degrees
$41,970 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #21 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 341 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for master's degree seekers in the field of theological and ministerial studies. Combined, these schools handed out 10,027 master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Theological & Ministerial Studies School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies Your choice of school for getting your master's degree in theology matters. We created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of theological and ministerial studies students usually has them for a reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

More Ways to Rank Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools

Associate Degrees in Theology
Bachelor's Degrees in Theology
Doctor's Degrees in Theology
Overall Popularity in Theology

This ranking is just one of the many we have created. First of all, if you are interested in other degree levels, you may want to take a look at one of the rankings highlighted above. Also, if you are interested in attending school in a specific part of the country, see our rankings by location. Plus, you can view our other rankings for theological and ministerial studies.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Theology Students Working on Their Master's

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Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
1,465 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#2 Best Quality In VA

Liberty University is a popular choice for students pursuing a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Lynchburg. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Virginia.

There were approximately 1,465 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the theology program report average early career wages of $43,800.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Liberty University

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318 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary if you wish to pursue a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies. Located in the large city of Louisville, SBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 318 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at SBTS in the most recent year we have data available.

Theological & Ministerial Studies master's degree recipients from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary get an earnings boost of approximately $2,530 over the average earnings of theological and ministerial studies graduates.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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286 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Fuller Theological Seminary if you wish to pursue a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies. Fuller is a small private not-for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in California.

There were about 286 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Fuller in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Fuller Theological Seminary

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211 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#3 Best Quality In MA

Every student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in theological and ministerial studies has to take a look at Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary. Gordon - Conwell Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Hamilton. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 211 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Gordon - Conwell Seminary in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the theology program state that they receive average early career earnings of $34,700.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary

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203 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Wake Forest, SEBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 203 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at SEBTS in the most recent data year.

Theological & Ministerial Studies master's degree recipients from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a boost of around $14,330 over the average income of theological and ministerial studies graduates.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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192 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MO
#2 Best Quality In MO

Located in the city of Kansas City, MBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Missouri.

There were about 192 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at MBTS in the most recent year we have data available.

Theological & Ministerial Studies master's degree recipients from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earn a boost of about $7,930 over the average earnings of theological and ministerial studies majors.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

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170 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In KY
#1 Best Quality In KY

Located in the fringe town of Wilmore, Asbury Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Kentucky.

There were about 170 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Asbury Seminary in the most recent data year.

Those theological and ministerial studies students who get their master's degree from Asbury Theological Seminary make $2,230 more than the average theology student.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Asbury Theological Seminary

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158 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

Located in the large city of Dallas, DTS Dallas is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Texas.

There were approximately 158 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at DTS Dallas in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, theology master's recipients generally earn about $35,900 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Dallas Theological Seminary

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Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
140 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Duke is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in North Carolina.

There were approximately 140 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year.

Master's students who receive their degree from the theology program earn an average of $37,500 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Duke University

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136 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In LA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

NOBTS is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of New Orleans.

There were roughly 136 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at NOBTS in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

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Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
115 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Massachusetts.

There were roughly 115 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the theology program earn an average of $33,000 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Harvard University

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Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
115 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

Andrews is a small private not-for-profit university located in the fringe town of Berrien Springs. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Michigan.

There were roughly 115 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Andrews in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Andrews University

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Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
114 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT
#1 Best Quality In CT

Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Connecticut.

There were about 114 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, theology master's recipients typically earn an average of $43,900 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Yale University

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106 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Princeton Seminary is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the small city of Princeton. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in New Jersey.

There were roughly 106 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Princeton Seminary in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the theology program state that they receive average early career earnings of $33,200.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Princeton Theological Seminary

15
102 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#9 Best Quality In IL

Located in the suburb of Deerfield, TIU Illinois is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Illinois.

There were roughly 102 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at TIU Illinois in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Trinity International University - Illinois

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Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
97 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#1 Best Quality In GA

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Georgia.

There were about 97 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, theology master's recipients usually earn an average of $41,500 in their early careers.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Emory University

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95 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In GA
#6 Best Quality In GA

Luther Rice is a fairly small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Lithonia. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Georgia.

There were about 95 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Luther Rice in the most recent year we have data available.

Those theological and ministerial studies students who get their master's degree from Luther Rice College & Seminary receive $9,330 more than the standard theology graduate.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Luther Rice College & Seminary

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94 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#2 Best Quality In PA

Westminster Theological Seminary is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Glenside. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 94 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Westminster Theological Seminary in the most recent data year.

Master's students who receive their degree from the theology program earn an average of $31,900 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Westminster Theological Seminary

19
90 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, The Master's University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in California.

There were approximately 90 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at The Master's University in the most recent data year.

Theological & Ministerial Studies master's degree recipients from The Master's University and Seminary get an earnings boost of about $9,830 above the average earnings of theological and ministerial studies majors.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from The Master’s University and Seminary

20
Regent crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
86 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#3 Best Quality In VA

Located in the large city of Virginia Beach, Regent is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Virginia.

There were roughly 86 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Regent in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's students who receive their degree from the theology program earn around $41,200 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Regent University

21
Luther Seminary crest
Luther Seminary
Saint Paul, MN
80 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MN
#1 Best Quality In MN

Luther Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Minnesota.

There were about 80 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Luther Seminary in the most recent year we have data available.

Those theological and ministerial studies students who get their master's degree from Luther Seminary earn $24,530 more than the standard theology student.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Luther Seminary

22
Concordia Seminary crest
Concordia Seminary
Saint Louis, MO
79 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MO
#1 Best Quality In MO

Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, Concordia Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Missouri.

There were roughly 79 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Concordia Seminary in the most recent data year.

Theological & Ministerial Studies master's degree recipients from Concordia Seminary get an earnings boost of around $37,230 above the average income of theological and ministerial studies majors.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Concordia Seminary

23
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
77 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In MA
#2 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a private not-for-profit college with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 77 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Boston College in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, theology master's recipients usually make about $42,800 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Boston College

24
76 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
#5 Best Quality In TX

Baylor is a large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Waco. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Texas.

There were about 76 theological and ministerial studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Baylor in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the theology program state that they receive average early career earnings of $34,900.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Baylor University

25
Western Seminary-San Jose crest
Western Seminary
Portland, OR
74 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OR
#1 Best Quality In OR

Located in the city of Portland, Western Seminary-San Jose is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in theological and ministerial studies in Oregon.

There were about 74 theological and ministerial studies students who graduated with this degree at Western Seminary-San Jose in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Western Seminary

25
Western Seminary-San Jose crest
Western Seminary
Portland, OR
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Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

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Seton Hall crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
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Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
37
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Drew crest
Drew University
Madison, NJ
40
Biola crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA

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EU crest
Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA
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St. Leo University crest
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
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Nyack crest
Nyack College
Nyack, NY

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the remainder of the schools awarded a Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 341 different United States theological and ministerial studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
49 Bethel University Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
51 Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies award.

Rank College Location
52 Houston Baptist University Houston, TX
53 Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, OH
53 Payne Theological Seminary Wilberforce, OH
53 United Theological Seminary Dayton, OH
53 Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA
53 Catholic Theological Union at Chicago Chicago, IL
58 Samford University Birmingham, AL
58 Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Standish, ME
60 Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, GA
61 Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN
61 Columbia International University Columbia, SC
61 Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond, VA
61 Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies Washington, DC
65 The King’s University Southlake, TX
65 University of St. Thomas Houston, TX
65 Garrett - Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, IL
68 Phoenix Seminary Scottsdale, AZ
68 Brite Divinity School Fort Worth, TX
68 Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology Franklin, WI
68 Pentecostal Theological Seminary Cleveland, TN

Theological & Ministerial Studies by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Theological & Ministerial Studies for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Theological & Ministerial Studies is one of 7 different types of Theology & Religious Vocations programs to choose from.

Theology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Divinity/Ministry 5,372
Theology 3,700
Other Theological & Ministerial Studies 822
Rabbinical Studies 97
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies 36

Majors Similar to Theology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries 1,068
Biblical Studies 774
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) 579
Religious Education 506
Missionary Studies 332
Sacred Music 123
Religious Institution Administration and Law 18

Notes and References

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