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
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Accelerated Masters of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML)
An accelerated program, sometimes referred to as 3+2 or 4+1, allows students to complete their bachelors and masters in 5 years, saving students time and tuition.
The department of Christian Ministries offers an accelerated pathway from all five undergraduate majors into the to a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML). While completing their undergraduate degree, students will complete 12-16 credits of graduate coursework, and an additional 20-24 graduate credits online after graduating.
Accelerated Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The department of Christian Ministries offers an accelerated pathway from a B.A. or B.S. in Pastoral Ministry to a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the standard graduate degree for those pursuing pastoral ministry. While completing their undergraduate degree, students may select to complete up to 38 credits of the M.Div. degree, completing the remaining 38 credits on site or online during a final year of graduate study. This pathway reduces time in the program from the typical 7 years to as little as 5 years.
median pay in 2025
job growth in 2025
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the field of Theology. Retrieved August 2026.
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-desired 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!
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.
MIN3216
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.
MIN3207
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.
