Matthew Beers

If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, I’d like to give you some input that hopefully helps you decide. I think I made just about every mistake possible when it came to my education. I pray this post helps your decision.

BIBLE COLLEGE VS. SEMINARY/DIVINITY SCHOOL

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t quite the same thing. Bible college—or a Christian college that offers an undergraduate ministry program—is a bachelor’s-level degree. Seminary is graduate-level study that requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.

I went to Shorter College (now University) in Rome, Georgia. I completed a B.S. in Christian Ministries. At that time, they offered both a B.A. and a B.S. I chose the B.S. because it looked more impressive. The course catalogs were similar, but the B.A. offered several courses that would have been incredibly valuable for a future pastor (deeper biblical studies, more practical ministry courses, etc.).

My B.S. required more philosophy, world religion, math, and science classes. If I could go back in time, I would have chosen the B.A. I never sensed a call to pursue a Ph.D. or do academic research—if I had, perhaps the B.S. would have been the better fit. But as a pastor, I wish I had taken the other path.

DO I NEED TO GO TO SEMINARY IF I ALREADY HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN MINISTRY?

If you want to enter vocational ministry, only having a bachelor’s degree will limit you. Truthfully, that’s not entirely fair. A bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from an excellent program might include around 60 hours of ministry training.

Yet you may find yourself competing for a role against someone who studied business in undergrad and then completed a Master of Theological Studies (typically a 30-hour degree)—and he will get looked at first.

The reality is that search committees often sort résumés into stacks:

• Stack 1: Applicants with master’s degrees
• Stack 2: Applicants with bachelor’s degrees
• Stack 3: High school only

It won’t matter that you have more ministry training than the applicant with the M.T.S. Ninety-nine percent of the people reviewing applications won’t know the difference and will simply assume the master’s degree is better.

It may not be fair, but it is reality.

IF I’M GOING TO SEMINARY, DO I NEED AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN MINISTRY?

If you choose an undergraduate degree outside of ministry, you will be behind those who did. You will also have some redundancy if you do both an undergrad and a master’s degree in ministry.

I wrongly assumed that studying ministry in college would feel like Sunday school. Wrong. A reputable school—accredited both regionally and nationally—requires rigorous academic work. I had a robust education under excellent professors, and that absolutely gave me an advantage when I began my M.Div.

The amount of reading and writing at the graduate level can be overwhelming for someone who didn’t experience that pressure during their undergraduate work.

A great option is to major in something like business or marketing with a minor in religion, and then attend seminary. If you’re trying to gain as much ministry knowledge as possible, doing both degrees is a solid path.

Another thing to consider: doing both undergraduate and graduate work in ministry often comes with strategic cost savings. Many seminaries offer advanced standing to students who completed coursework at their undergraduate “feeder schools.”

For example, in Louisville, Kentucky, Boyce College feeds into Southern Seminary. Students who attend both receive advanced standing and won’t have to take duplicate courses. Liberty University offers similar benefits. Advanced standing can save significant money and help you finish sooner.

THERE ARE ALWAYS EXCEPTIONS

I think of Matt Chandler—an excellent preacher, theologian, and leader. To my knowledge, he only completed a Bible college degree. Some people are driven enough to study hard, learn deeply, and gain the experience necessary to be strong ministry leaders without pursuing extensive formal education.

I wasn’t one of those people. I needed the structure, accountability, and depth that degree programs provide.

At the end of the day, God directs our paths—and our ministry careers. He can use you however He wants, regardless of your formal education. But most people truly benefit from structured study. It also helps pastors, search committees, and congregations understand that you’ve invested the time and effort to “show yourself approved.”

I pray that as you consider your options, you’ll listen to the Holy Spirit—and obey Him.