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CIP 39.0602 Theology and Religious Vocations

Divinity/Ministry

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

6,085

2025 · 248 schools

International share

7.0%

424 international students

Bachelor's degrees

615

0.7% international

Master's degrees

4,657

7.6% international

Overview

Divinity or Ministry programs are focused on preparing individuals for religious leadership and service within various faith communities. These programs typically cover a range of theological studies, including scripture, ethics, pastoral care, and church history. Students may explore different religious traditions, allowing them to understand the diverse landscape of faith practices and beliefs.

A typical Divinity or Ministry program will often include practical components, such as internships or field education placements, where students gain hands-on experience in churches, community organizations, or other religious settings. This experiential learning is crucial for developing the skills needed for effective ministry, including preaching, counseling, and community outreach.

Moreover, these programs often emphasize the development of a personal theological perspective, encouraging students to engage with critical thinking and reflection on their beliefs and practices. Many Divinity schools also offer courses on social justice, leadership, and intercultural competence, preparing students to address contemporary issues within their communities.

Graduates of Divinity or Ministry programs often pursue careers as pastors, chaplains, religious educators, or leaders in non-profit organizations. Some may choose to continue their education with advanced degrees in theology, religious studies, or related fields. Overall, Divinity and Ministry programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation necessary to lead and serve in a variety of religious and community contexts.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 5% and the international share went from 7.0% to 7.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
56.6%
Asian
6.2%
Hispanic
7.6%
Black
14.2%
Other
8.5%
Intl.
7.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 248 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#3 Harvard University Massachusetts 50 12
#4 Yale University Connecticut 40 1
#8 Duke University North Carolina 20 0
#9 University of Chicago Illinois 16 0
#16 Vanderbilt University Tennessee 38 0
#20 University of Notre Dame Indiana 11 0
#23 Emory University Georgia 106 10
#31 Boston College Massachusetts 13 4
#34 Boston University Massachusetts 45 14
#34 Wake Forest University North Carolina 20 0
#55 Santa Clara University California 9 2
#73 Howard University D.C. 28 0
#85 Southern Methodist University Texas 47 2
#90 Baylor University Texas 49 4
#121 Loyola University Chicago Illinois 6 0
#148 Catholic University of America D.C. 14 2
#148 Mercer University Georgia 18 1
#156 University of St Thomas (MN) Minnesota 14 1
#156 Seton Hall University New Jersey 1 1
#186 California Lutheran University California 13 0
#191 Samford University Alabama 27 0
#202 University of St. Thomas (TX) Texas 12 2
#208 Belmont University Tennessee 1 0
#236 Bethel University Minnesota 16 0
#250 Oakland City University Indiana 1 0
#250 Lipscomb University Tennessee 6 0
#262 Andrews University Michigan 109 28
#262 George Fox University Oregon 13 0
#276 Harding University Arkansas 12 2
#288 Biola University California 47 10
#299 Azusa Pacific University California 16 1
#308 Abilene Christian University Texas 15 1
#342 Campbell University North Carolina 17 0
#353 Trevecca Nazarene University Tennessee 8 0
#365 Gardner-Webb University North Carolina 11 0
#365 Liberty University Virginia 566 5
#382 Grand Canyon University Arizona 57 0
#382 Southeastern University Florida 380 2
#382 Concordia University-Chicago Illinois 3 0
#382 Houston Christian University Texas 11 0
#382 Regent University Virginia 99 2
#382 Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Puerto Rico 2 0
LAC #49 The University of the South Tennessee 17 0
LAC #57 Wheaton College (IL) Illinois 1 0
LAC #74 St. John's University (MN) Minnesota 4 0
LAC #83 Earlham College Indiana 9 0
LAC #85 Drew University New Jersey 43 29
LAC #158 Bryn Athyn College of the New Church Pennsylvania 4 1
LAC #166 Gods Bible School and College Ohio 5 1
LAC #184 Allen University South Carolina 6 0
— The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Kentucky 341 55
— Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Missouri 277 18
— Judson College at Southeastern North Carolina 246 0
— Asbury Theological Seminary Kentucky 148 29
— New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Louisiana 122 0
— Kairos University South Dakota 96 0
— Oral Roberts University Oklahoma 91 3
— Fuller Theological Seminary California 84 24
— Western Seminary Oregon 83 0
— Virginia Union University Virginia 81 0
— Princeton Theological Seminary New Jersey 60 7
— The Master's University and Seminary California 59 1
— Columbia Theological Seminary Georgia 41 8
— Concordia Seminary Missouri 41 0
— Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York New York 40 1
— Concordia Theological Seminary Indiana 39 0
— Union Presbyterian Seminary Virginia 37 1
— Carolina University North Carolina 37 0
— Luther Seminary Minnesota 36 0
— SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary California 35 0
— United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities Minnesota 34 0
— Moody Bible Institute Illinois 33 3
— Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Massachusetts 33 4
— Western Theological Seminary Michigan 33 0
— Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma 33 0
— Wartburg Theological Seminary Iowa 31 0
— Nazarene Theological Seminary Missouri 29 0
— Lancaster Bible College Pennsylvania 29 0
— Westminster Theological Seminary Pennsylvania 29 7
— Johnson University Tennessee 29 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Clergy 57,200 $32.15 $66,860
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 20,460 — $92,040

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.