Online Ministry Degrees Available At Churches, Seminars And Universities

By Jocelyn Davidson


While there are several pathways to becoming a minister, there are only a few which offer Masters and Doctorate degrees. One being, the Global Ministries University which offers online ministry degrees through a contemporary theological approach to learning. A program which includes critical thinking and offers programs in a variety of different religions, and spiritual traditions.

The process is a bit different when obtaining degrees through the Unviersal Life Church. For one thing, individuals are ordained, the complete various levels of degrees. Unlike traditional programs, or many online in which an individual does not qualify for the ministry until having received a Doctorate level degree. Although, when looking to become ordained in a specific religion, most require individuals to complete specialized training at a seminary or university.

The branch of religion in which one is interested in becoming ordained plays a large role in the decision on which program to attend. Some, require very little training; Whereas, others require nothing less than the five to six years it can take to obtain a traditional doctorate degree. One of the best degrees one can acquire is one that is universal in decree.

Starr King in Berkeley, CA caters to more liberal students and Unitarian Universalists; Whereas, colleges, universities and seminaries often have courseware designed to meet a specific goal. Often, students can decide to change from one religion to another after going through different elements of study in each program. Attending a four-five year traditional program can often make this change an easier process.

Whereas, Degrees offered at Global Ministries University and others are often more advanced. For example, Global Ministries offers a Masters of Theology, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Theology. Though with a Bachelors and the proper amount of research and self-study, those who qualify are often accepted at the time of application.

The Universal Life Church (ULC) offers yet another pathway to the ministry. Unlike other programs, ULC offers individuals the opportunity to become ordained before completing a degree program. Although, the church does expect ministers to go through training once ordained. With offerings from a Masters through Doctorate to its ordained ministers, it is one of the easiest and fastest methods of both becoming ordained and obtaining a graduate level certificate or degree.

Whether Global Ministries, or a traditional college or university, becoming a minister has been a dream of many students. Obtaining a degree is often the first step towards ordination, and many students prefer to take this route. Although, there are others, especially older students who prefer a shorter pathway to meet this goal. One of these is obtaining different degrees through the Universal Life Church once an individual has been ordained. A process which can easily be completed online at the church website.

Most religious affiliations have different requirements with regards to a degree an individual must hold to become ordained. Therefore, it is important to understand the different coursework and certificate or degree required before entering a program. Otherwise, one may spend years in study, only to find out the coursework or degree does not qualify for ordination in the belief system, or religion of choice.




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